3D computer graphics

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3D computer graphics (in contrast to 2D computer graphics) are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data (often Cartesian) that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing.

Despite these differences, 3D computer graphics rely on many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire-frame model and 2D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, the distinction between 2D and 3D is occasionally blurred; 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and primarily 3D may use 2D rendering techniques.

3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file. However, there are differences. A 3D model is the mathematical representation of any three-dimensional object (either inanimate or living). A model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed. Due to 3D printing, 3D models are not confined to virtual space. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations.

For more information about 3D computer graphics, read the full article at Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


News tagged with 3d

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The offices of Ubisoft in Montreal

Security heightened ahead of Ubisoft's 'Avatar' game release

Technology / Software

created Nov 13, 2009 | popularity 3.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Security cameras in hallways, double locked doors and strict confidentiality clauses, Ubisoft employees are working in a veritable bunker in downtown Montreal to create their latest 3D video game.


Creating 3D models with a simple webcam

Creating 3D models with a simple webcam (w/ Video)

Technology / Computer Sciences

created Nov 11, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (25) | comments 6

(PhysOrg.com) -- Constructing virtual 3D models usually requires heavy and expensive equipment, or takes lengthy amounts of time. A group of researchers at the University of Cambridge, Qi Pan, Dr Gerhard Reitmayr ...


Research In Motion (RIM) on Monday announced it is making Blackberry devices friendlier to game applications

Blackberry buddies up to game developers

Electronics / Consumer & Gadgets

created Nov 09, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Research In Motion (RIM) on Monday announced it is making Blackberry devices friendlier to game applications, as the business-oriented smartphones try to show a more playful side.


The Beatles perform in 1964 at the Olympia in Paris

Bluebeat to battle EMI over Beatles songs

Technology / Internet

created Nov 07, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

US online music service Bluebeat said it plans to fight British recording label EMI over rights to stream and sell versions of Beatles songs.


Portable 3-D laser technology preserves Texas dinosaur's rare footprint

Other Sciences / Archaeology & Fossils

created Nov 04, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Using portable 3D laser technology, scientists have electronically preserved a rare 110 million-year-old fossilized dinosaur footprint that was previously excavated and built into the wall of a bandstand at a Texas courthouse ...


3D films are enjoying a mainstream renaissance and this time the medium is here to stay, experts say

Box office boost shows 3D is here to stay

Technology / Hi Tech

created Nov 04, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 2

Once regarded as a quirky fad for nerds wearing cardboard spectacles, 3D films are enjoying a mainstream renaissance and this time the medium is here to stay, entertainment industry experts say.


History in 3D

History in 3D

Technology / Computer Sciences

created Nov 02, 2009 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (3) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Three-dimensional computer graphics is moving into museums. Works of art are being digitally archived in 3D, simplifying research into related artifacts and providing the public with fascinating ...


3D Glasses

3D TV -- Without the Glasses (w/ Video)

Technology / Hi Tech

created Oct 29, 2009 | popularity 3.8 / 5 (12) | comments 9

(PhysOrg.com) -- Even with "active shutter" 3D technology for television sets, the wearing of special glasses is still required in order to get the proper experience. They aren't those red and blue or red and ...


Crowded theaters build momentum for 3-D at home (AP)

Crowded theaters build momentum for 3-D at home

Technology / Hi Tech

created Oct 25, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 1

(AP) -- Fans scrambled to see 3-D movies such as "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" in theaters this year and new 3-D televisions could soon have home viewers feeling as if they're surrounded by a spaghetti ...


Sony 3D display

Sony Unveils 360-Degree 3D Display (w/ Video)

Electronics / Hardware

created Oct 22, 2009 | popularity 4.2 / 5 (20) | comments 11

(PhysOrg.com) -- Today at the DC Expo in Tokyo, Sony has introduced a new 3D display that can be viewed from any direction. Unlike many 3D displays, the new display does not require glasses to view the 3D ...


Acer goes deep with 3-D laptop for gaming, movies (AP)

Acer goes deep with 3-D laptop for gaming, movies

Electronics / Hardware

created Oct 21, 2009 | popularity 2.8 / 5 (5) | comments 0

(AP) -- With the launch of Windows 7 this week, PC makers are trying some new things, including laptops with touch screens. Acer Inc. is going further - introducing a laptop with a 3-D screen.


Lava flows in Daedalia Planum

Lava flows in Daedalia Planum

Space & Earth / Space Exploration

created Oct 09, 2009 | popularity 3.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Mars Express imaged Daedalia Planum, a sparsely cratered, untextured plain on the Red Planet featuring solidified lava flows of varying ages.


Big Japanese brands readying 3-D flat-screen TVs (Update)

Technology / Hi Tech

created Oct 06, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(AP) -- Japan's big-name electronic manufacturers are readying flat-screen TVs that can show high-definition movies and video games in 3-D for launch next year.


Sony Develops High Frame Rate Single Lens 3D Camera Technology

Sony Develops High Frame Rate Single Lens 3D Camera Technology

Technology / Engineering

created Oct 01, 2009 | popularity 4.1 / 5 (8) | comments 4

Sony today announced the development of a single lens 3D camera technology capable of recording natural and smooth 3D images of even fast-moving subject matter such as sports, at 240fps (frames per second). ...


Panasonic Develops 50-inch Full HD 3D PDP and High-Precision  Active Shutter Glasses

Panasonic Develops 50-inch Full HD 3D PDP and High-Precision Active Shutter Glasses

Technology / Hi Tech

created Sep 29, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 1

Panasonic Corporation has developed a 50-inch Full HD 3D compatible plasma display panel (PDP) and high-precision active shutter glasses that enable the viewing of theater-quality, true-to-life 3D images in ...