3D computer graphics
hide3D 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
People who 'see' numbers have better memories for dates
Medicine & Health / Neuroscience
Dec 15, 2009 |
5 / 5 (6) |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- A new research project has shown that people who perceive numbers visually, and who see sequences of numbers as visual patterns, have better memories for dates and events in the past than ...
Final Blu-ray 3D Specification Announced
Dec 17, 2009 |
4.5 / 5 (2) |
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The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced the finalization and release of the "Blu-ray 3DTM" specification. The specification, which represents the work of the leading Hollywood studios and consumer electronic and ...
Nanoimaging in 3-D
Dec 01, 2009 |
4.9 / 5 (14) |
0
(PhysOrg.com) -- As technology shrinks ever smaller, interest in objects and devices on the nanoscale becomes more apparent. However, visualizing these objects in three dimensions comes with special challenges. ...
S.Korea's LG aims to sell 400,000 3D TVs next year
Dec 15, 2009 |
not rated yet |
0
South Korea's LG Electronics announced Tuesday it plans to sell 400,000 three-dimensional televisions next year by teaming up with local digital satellite broadcaster SkyLife.
Touchable Hologram Becomes Reality (w/ Video)
Aug 06, 2009 |
4.6 / 5 (52) |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed 3D holograms that can be touched with bare hands. Generally, holograms can't be felt because they're made only of light. But the new ...
Review: Two new 3-D laptops still feel shallow
Electronics / Consumer & Gadgets
Dec 02, 2009 |
4 / 5 (3) |
3
(AP) -- In its search for another technology to excite us, the consumer electronics industry is reaching deep - into the third dimension. The big push for 3-D TV won't happen until next year, but already ...
Creating 3D models with a simple webcam (w/ Video)
Technology / Computer Sciences
Nov 11, 2009 |
5 / 5 (25) |
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 ...
3D TV -- Without the Glasses (w/ Video)
Oct 29, 2009 |
3.8 / 5 (12) |
11
(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 ...
The Origin of Artificial Species: Creating Artificial Personalities
Technology / Computer Sciences
May 14, 2009 |
3.8 / 5 (10) |
6
(PhysOrg.com) -- Does your robot seem to be acting a bit neurotic? Maybe it's just their personality. Recently, a team of researchers has designed computer-coded genomes for artificial creatures in which a ...
NVIDIA Demonstrates 3D Blu-ray Playback Accelerated On GeForce And 3D Vision Technologies
Dec 11, 2009 |
5 / 5 (3) |
0
2010 is poised to be the year where consumers can enjoy stunning 3D experiences across all entertainment mediums, including gaming, photographs, Web browsing, and of course, movies. And, with the forthcoming ...
Scientists Image the 'Anatomy' of a Molecule (w/ Video)
Aug 28, 2009 |
4.8 / 5 (44) |
4
(PhysOrg.com) -- For the first time, IBM researchers in Zurich, Switzerland, have taken a 3D image of an individual molecule. Using an atomic force microscope, the researchers constructed a "force map" of ...
Sony Unveils 360-Degree 3D Display (w/ Video)
Oct 22, 2009 |
4.2 / 5 (20) |
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 ...
Active Shutter 3D Technology for HDTV
Sep 25, 2009 |
4.5 / 5 (14) |
5
(PhysOrg.com) -- Sony and Panasonic have recently announced a new technology, called "active shutter" for producing the experience of 3D on high definition TVs. The first models are expected to be available ...
Superior 3D Graphics for the Web a Step Closer
Sep 22, 2009 |
4.1 / 5 (17) |
1
(PhysOrg.com) -- The development of improved three-dimensional graphics in Web-based applications took a step forward recently, when programmers began building WebGL into the Mozilla Firefox nightly builds, ...
See your photos in 3D on new website
Technology / Computer Sciences
Jul 09, 2009 |
4.4 / 5 (13) |
7
(PhysOrg.com) -- You could turn your holiday snaps or favourite figurines into three-dimensional images with new free software developed by a researcher from Queensland University of Technology and the Australasian ...
