Dictionary for 3D modeling & 3D visualization
Navigating the language used in our line of work can be challenging. That's why we've created a comprehensive dictionary to help clarify any special terminology you may come across. This resource provides in-depth explanations for terms like 3D visualization, 3D modeling, packshots, CGI, augmented reality and more. Discover more by exploring our dictionary below.
360° configurator
A 360° configurator is a type of virtual product customization tool that allows customers to view and interact with a product in a 360-degree view while configuring its different options, colors, and features. It provides a visual representation of the product with all its options and allows customers to see how their choices will affect the final product. This tool is commonly used by businesses to showcase their products, including cars, furniture, consumer electronics, and more. The usage of 360° configurators allows customers to get a better idea of what the final product will look like and make informed decisions, which can result in increased customer satisfaction and sales. Additionally, 360° configurators can also help businesses save on physical prototyping and samples costs, as well as reduce the time and effort required to process customer orders.
360° showroom
A 360° showroom is a virtual showroom that allows users to view products or spaces in a full 360-degree view. It is created using 360-degree photography or 3D modeling techniques and is often used by businesses to showcase their products or spaces in an interactive way. The usage of 360° showrooms allows customers to get a better sense of the products or spaces without having to physically visit the location, saving time and effort. They can be used in a variety of industries, including real estate, automotive, furniture, and consumer electronics, among others. Additionally, 360° showrooms can be accessed on any device with an internet connection and can be used to provide a more immersive and interactive experience for customers.
360° viewer
A 360° viewer is a type of technology that allows users to view digital content in a full 360-degree experience. This technology is used to display 360-degree images, videos, and 3D models, and can be used for a variety of applications, including real estate, tourism, automotive, and product visualization. The usage of 360° viewers allows users to immerse themselves in a virtual environment and get a full understanding of the content being presented. They can be accessed on a variety of devices, including desktop computers, mobile devices, and virtual reality headsets. 360° viewers can also be used to provide a more engaging and interactive experience for customers, as well as to showcase products and spaces in a more compelling way. They can also be used for virtual tours and educational purposes, allowing users to explore and interact with a virtual environment from the comfort of their own home.
3D model
A 3D model is a digital representation of a three-dimensional object or scene, created using computer software. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Design and visualization: A 3D model can be used to create prototypes, visualize architectural designs, or conceptualize products before they are manufactured.
- Gaming and animation: 3D models are used in the creation of video games, animated films, and special effects.
- Engineering and product design: Engineers and product designers use 3D models to simulate and test products, making it easier to identify and solve problems before they are manufactured.
- Medical and scientific research: Medical professionals use 3D models to simulate surgeries and create realistic simulations of biological processes.
- Marketing and advertising: 3D models can be used to create virtual tours and interactive presentations for products, real estate, and other applications.
Overall, the use of 3D models can improve the accuracy and efficiency of various industries, and help to create more visually appealing and interactive products.
3D visualization
3D visualization refers to the creation and display of images, animations or interactive models in three-dimensional space. This technology uses computer graphics to generate visual representations of three-dimensional objects, scenes and environments.
3D visualization has a wide range of applications, including:
- Architecture and construction: architects and engineers use 3D visualization to create virtual walk-throughs and interactive designs of buildings and infrastructure projects.
- Film and gaming: 3D visualization plays a key role in the development of animated films and video games.
- Manufacturing and product design: manufacturers use 3D visualization to visualize prototypes and designs, to help identify potential design issues and improve product quality.
- Medical and scientific research: scientists use 3D visualization to study complex biological and physical processes, helping to gain a better understanding of complex systems.
- Marketing and advertising: companies use 3D visualization to create digital advertisements and product presentations, helping to capture the attention of consumers.
In conclusion, 3D visualization plays an important role in various industries and fields, enabling people to visualize and interact with complex systems and objects in a more intuitive and meaningful way.
Additional camera angle
An additional camera angle in rendering refers to the creation of a new perspective or view within a 3D environment, usually in computer graphics or animation. This is accomplished by positioning a virtual camera in a different location or orientation from the original camera to capture the scene from a new angle.
The usage of an additional camera angle can vary depending on the purpose and desired outcome of the rendering. Some common uses include:
- Presenting a different view of the scene - This can help to showcase the 3D environment from multiple perspectives and provide a more immersive experience for the viewer.
- Enhancing storytelling - By presenting different camera angles, filmmakers can convey a story in a more dynamic and interesting way, adding depth and emotional impact to the scene.
- Improving visual quality - An additional camera angle can help to optimize lighting and shadows, highlight specific details, and create a more visually appealing image.
- Providing technical insights - In architectural and engineering design, an additional camera angle can be used to provide a technical view of the scene, showcasing hidden details, components, or structures.
Overall, an additional camera angle in rendering can play an important role in creating more dynamic, engaging, and visually appealing 3D scenes.
Animation
Animation is a technique of creating the illusion of motion and change by rapidly displaying a sequence of static images that minimally differ from each other.
Animation is used in various fields such as:
- Film and television industry: to create special effects, animated films and TV series.
- Gaming: to create character movements, game environments, and cutscenes.
- Web design: to add interactivity and visual interest to websites.
- Advertising: to create animated commercials and explainer videos.
- Architecture and interior design: to create virtual walkthroughs and presentations.
- Education: to create instructional videos and simulations.
- Medicine: to create animations for medical and surgical procedures.
Animation is a versatile medium that can be used to bring life to static objects and convey complex ideas in a visually appealing way.
Augmented reality (AR)
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes digital information, images, and other virtual objects onto the physical world. It enhances the physical environment by adding an interactive layer of digital information and graphics, providing a more engaging and immersive experience.
The usage of augmented reality can be seen in various fields such as gaming, education, advertising, retail, and medicine. In gaming, AR enhances the gameplay by allowing players to interact with virtual objects in the real world. In education, AR provides students with interactive learning experiences and visual aids that can help them understand complex concepts. In advertising, AR allows brands to create engaging advertisements that blend digital elements into the physical world. In retail, AR provides customers with an interactive shopping experience, allowing them to try on clothes or see furniture in their homes before making a purchase. In medicine, AR provides doctors with real-time information and guidance during surgeries, improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of medical errors.
CGI
Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) refers to the use of computer software to create digital images, animations, and videos that are intended to look like real-life scenes or objects. The term CGI encompasses a wide range of techniques and methods, including 3D modeling, animation, compositing, and special effects.
CGI is widely used in various industries, including:
- Film and TV: CGI is extensively used in the production of movies, TV shows, and commercials to create special effects, animated characters, and digital environments.
- Video Games: CGI is used to create realistic graphics and visual effects for video games.
- Architecture and Engineering: CGI is used to create 3D visualizations of building designs, allowing architects and engineers to see what their designs would look like in real life.
- Advertising: CGI is used to create eye-catching and attention-grabbing advertisements and product demonstrations.
- Medical and Scientific Visualization: CGI is used to create 3D images and animations that help to explain complex medical or scientific concepts and procedures.
In summary, CGI is a powerful tool that allows creators to bring their imagination to life and create visual experiences that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional methods.
Clay render
Clay rendering is a 3D visualization technique used in architecture and interior design to create photorealistic images of a design project. It involves creating a 3D model of a building or interior space and then rendering it with a "clay-like" material to give it a stylized, almost sculptural appearance. This technique can be used to showcase the form, proportions, and material finishes of a design, without the distractions of lighting, furniture, and other details. Clay renderings are often used in the early stages of design to communicate the basic form and intent of a project to clients and stakeholders, and to help make design decisions.
Close up
A close up in CGI refers to a shot in a computer-generated animation or visual effects sequence that focuses on a specific object or part of an object, usually with the background blurred or eliminated. The purpose of a close up is to highlight a specific feature or detail of the object and create an intimate connection between the audience and the subject.
Close ups are used in various ways in CGI, including emphasizing the dramatic tension in a scene, creating a sense of intimacy or emotional connection with a character, or showcasing intricate details in a visual effect. They can also be used to draw attention to specific elements of a shot and create a sense of detail and realism. Close ups in CGI are also used to convey important plot points or to provide a closer look at characters or objects that are relevant to the story.
In summary, close ups in CGI are used to bring the audience closer to the subject and to emphasize specific features and details that are important to the story. They are a powerful tool for creating emotional impact, drawing attention to important elements, and enhancing the visual quality of a scene.
High poly model
High Poly Model refers to a 3D computer graphic model that has a high number of polygonal faces or vertices, which makes it look highly detailed and realistic. It is used to produce highly intricate models and illustrations, particularly for use in video games, animations, and film.
One of the main uses of high poly models is for rendering photorealistic images and animations. These models contain a large number of polygonal faces, which are used to create fine details, such as fur, skin, and other complex textures. The high number of polygonal faces allows for more complex lighting and shading techniques, which creates a highly realistic image.
High poly models are also commonly used in video game design, where they are used to create highly detailed characters, environments, and objects. The high level of detail in these models provides a more immersive experience for players, as they are able to interact with and explore highly realistic environments.
Another usage of high poly models is in architectural visualization and product design, where they are used to create highly detailed models of buildings, interiors, and objects. These models are used to create visual representations of the design, allowing architects, interior designers, and product designers to visualize their designs in a highly detailed and realistic manner.
In conclusion, high poly models are used in a variety of industries, including video games, animation, film, architecture, and product design, for the purpose of creating highly detailed and realistic images, animations, and models.
ID maps
An ID map is a useful tool in post-production as it provides an overlay effect, allowing for easy selection of objects, materials, and elements in a final image. In the world of 3D, "map" can refer to a texture applied to a product or a rendering pass, such as a reflection map, which highlights reflective surfaces like glass, marble, and lacquered wood while making non-reflective parts black. This is used in Photoshop with screen transparency mode to enhance the realism of the 3D visualization when layered over the base map of the render.
Lifestyle imagery
Lifestyle imagery refers to visual representations that depict the ideals, values, and cultural norms of a particular lifestyle. It is typically used to market products, services, and brands to specific target audiences, conveying a desired image of a particular lifestyle to appeal to the values and aspirations of that group.
Usage:
- Marketing and Advertising: Lifestyle imagery is commonly used in advertising and marketing campaigns to promote products and services that are associated with a particular lifestyle. For example, a luxury car brand may use images of affluent, stylish individuals driving their cars to convey the lifestyle associated with the brand.
- Fashion and Beauty: The fashion and beauty industries frequently use lifestyle imagery to promote their products and services. For example, a clothing brand may use images of stylish, confident individuals wearing their clothing to convey the image of a fashionable lifestyle.
- Travel and Tourism: The travel and tourism industry also makes extensive use of lifestyle imagery to promote destinations and experiences. For example, a travel company may use images of adventurous, carefree individuals exploring exotic destinations to convey the image of a traveler's lifestyle.
- Health and Wellness: The health and wellness industry also relies on lifestyle imagery to promote their products and services. For example, a fitness brand may use images of fit, healthy individuals using their fitness equipment to convey the image of a healthy and active lifestyle.
Overall, lifestyle imagery is used to appeal to the desires and aspirations of target audiences, helping to promote products and services by conveying the image of a desirable lifestyle.
Low poly model
Low poly models are 3D models that are created with a low number of polygonal faces, resulting in a simple and minimalistic appearance. They are designed to use less computational power, making them suitable for use in real-time applications such as video games, virtual reality, and augmented reality.
Low poly models are also used in the animation and film industry, where they are used as the base model for more detailed models, allowing the artists to create a more complex final product. In architecture and product design, low poly models are used as a way of presenting designs in a quick and simple manner.
Overall, low poly models are used in a variety of applications where computational power and efficiency are important, and where a minimalistic, stylized appearance is desired.
Packshot
Packshot images are high-quality product photos that are used to promote a product and showcase its features and benefits. These images are typically taken in a controlled studio environment with a clean background, ample lighting, and attention to detail, such as angle, focus, and color accuracy.
Packshot images are used in various marketing and sales channels, including online product listings, e-commerce websites, print catalogs, and packaging design. They are also used in advertising and promotional materials, such as flyers, posters, and billboards.
The main purpose of packshot images is to entice potential customers and influence their purchasing decisions by providing an eye-catching and accurate representation of the product. They play a critical role in product marketing, as they are often the first point of contact with the customer, and can make or break their initial impression of the product.
In conclusion, packshot images are essential marketing tools that play a crucial role in product promotion and sales. They are used to showcase the product's features and benefits, and to create a positive image in the mind of the customer, helping to increase sales and revenue.
Post-processing
Post-processing refers to the operations performed on digital data after it has been captured or generated. The aim of post-processing is to improve the quality, appearance, or functionality of the data by manipulating, enhancing, or transforming it.
Post-processing can be applied in a wide range of applications, including but not limited to:
- Image editing: adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, and color balance.
- Video editing: cutting, splicing, and arranging video clips, adding special effects, color correction, and sound mixing.
- 3D modeling: adding textures, lighting, and special effects to 3D models, adjusting camera angles and animation.
In summary, post-processing is a crucial step in many digital workflows, as it allows for the refinement of raw data into a polished final product.
Product change
Product change in CGI refers to the process of modifying or updating an existing product in the computer graphics and animation industry. This change can range from simple adjustments to a product's appearance, to a complete overhaul of its design, functionality, or both.
The usage of product change in CGI is to keep up with the latest trends, improve user experience, and address customer feedback. A product design company may change the look of its existing product to make it more appealing to customers. Similarly, an animation studio might modify its existing animation to make it more visually appealing or to correct errors or inconsistencies.
In conclusion, product change in CGI is essential in the ever-evolving digital world to ensure that products remain relevant and meet customer expectations.
Render
Render is a term used in the computer graphics and 3D modeling industry to describe the process of creating a final image or animation from a 3D model. This process involves taking the 3D data of an object or scene and transforming it into a 2D image by calculating the way light interacts with the model and projecting it onto a 2D plane.
The render process can be done with different rendering engines, each of which can provide different results. The end result is typically a high-quality image or animation that captures the look and feel of the 3D scene.
The usage of render is as follows:
- Film and animation: In the film and animation industry, render is used to create the final images or animations for use in the final production.
- Architecture and product visualization: Architects and product designers use render to create photorealistic images of their designs to showcase them to clients or stakeholders.
- Gaming: Game developers use render to create images and animations for video games, which require high-quality graphics to create a believable and immersive experience for the player.
- Industrial Design: Render is used in industrial design to create images and animations of products, which can be used for marketing and advertising purposes.
- Web Development: Render is used in web development to create high-quality images and animations for websites and online applications.
Overall, render is an essential tool in many industries, providing the ability to create high-quality images and animations from 3D data.
Render farm
A render farm is a network of high-performance computers that are used to render complex 3D graphics and animations. It's essentially a cluster of computers that work together to process large amounts of data, allowing artists and animators to produce high-quality visual effects, simulations, and animations.
The usage of render farms is mainly for the film and video game industries, where the need for highly detailed and complex visuals is constantly increasing. Render farms are used to shorten the time required to complete a project by dividing the workload between multiple computers. This allows artists to focus on creative tasks rather than waiting for their computers to finish rendering each frame.
In addition to being used in the film and video game industries, render farms are also used in product visualization, architectural visualization, and scientific simulations. With the increasing demand for high-quality visual effects, render farms have become an essential tool for many industries.
Rendering engine
A rendering engine is a software component that is used to display or render the visual content of a web page, software application or video game. It takes the graphical information such as text, images, videos, and animations and converts them into visual output that can be displayed on a screen.
Usage:
- Web Browsers: The most common usage of a rendering engine is in web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari. These browsers use rendering engines to display the web pages on the internet.
- Video Games: Many video games use custom-built rendering engines to display the graphics and visual effects in real-time. These engines are designed to handle the high-performance requirements of video games and provide an immersive gaming experience.
- 3D Modelling and Animation: 3D modelling and animation software often use rendering engines to create realistic images and animations from 3D models. These engines use advanced algorithms to simulate real-world lighting, shadows, and other visual effects.
- Virtual Reality: Virtual reality systems use rendering engines to display the virtual environment in real-time. These engines must be able to handle the demanding performance requirements of VR and provide smooth and immersive visuals.
Silo imagery
Silo images refer to product images that are taken from a singular, elevated angle, and are often used in product catalogues, online marketplaces, and e-commerce websites. The purpose of a silo image is to showcase the product in a clean, uncluttered manner and provide the customer with a clear, detailed view of the product. This type of image is typically used when a product is the main focus and needs to be seen in detail.
Texturing
CGI texturing refers to the process of adding texture, color, and detail to 3D models or virtual environments in computer graphics. It involves the use of various computer software and techniques to give digital assets a realistic appearance.
The usage of CGI texturing can be seen in several applications including films, video games, animations, and architectural visualizations. It helps to bring the virtual environment to life by creating a sense of depth and providing a more immersive experience.
In films and animations, CGI texturing can be used to create highly detailed characters and environments that can be manipulated to achieve the desired look. In video games, texturing can be used to create game environments, weapons, and characters that are more immersive and realistic.
In architectural visualizations, CGI texturing can be used to add detail and color to virtual renderings of building designs, making them appear more lifelike and interactive.
Overall, the use of CGI texturing is essential in creating realistic, visually appealing digital assets that can be used in various forms of media.
Toplogy
The topology of a 3D model mesh refers to the arrangement and flow of its vertices, edges, and polyggon faces. It plays a crucial role in the overall structure and appearance of the model, as well as its ability to deform and animate smoothly.
The usage of a well-planned topology can greatly benefit various aspects of 3D modeling, such as:
- Animation: Good topology allows for smooth deformation and animation, which is essential for character animation, rigging, and motion graphics.
- Texturing: A well-planned topology ensures that textures are evenly distributed and do not stretch or deform excessively.
- Sculpting: Good topology helps to maintain the shape and form of the model during sculpting, allowing for more precise and accurate adjustments.
- Game engines: Well-planned topology can improve the performance of models in real-time applications, such as video games, by reducing the number of vertices and polyggon faces required.
In conclusion, the topology of a 3D model mesh is an important aspect of 3D modeling, and plays a significant role in the final outcome and usability of the model.
VFX
VFX stands for Visual Effects, which refers to the process of adding or enhancing elements in a movie, TV show, video game, or any other visual medium using computer-generated imagery (CGI), animation, and other techniques. VFX is used to create unrealistic or impossible elements such as explosions, fire, space environments, creatures, and other special effects that cannot be captured on film or in real-life. The main goal of VFX is to create believable and seamless visual effects that enhance the storytelling experience and immerse the audience in the world of the production.
Virtual reality (VR)
Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way. It is typically experienced through a headset that tracks the user's head movements and provides a fully immersive experience by simulating real-life sights and sounds. VR technology is used in a variety of fields, including gaming, entertainment, education, medicine, real estate, architecture, military training, and many others. The usage of VR allows users to experience a virtual environment in a highly immersive way, often providing a more engaging and interactive experience compared to traditional forms of media.
Wireframe
A wireframe of a 3D model is a basic representation of the structure and shape of a 3D object. It consists of a series of interconnected lines, curves, and points that define the edges and boundaries of the model. The lines and shapes are usually displayed in a neutral color such as gray or blue, giving the wireframe a translucent appearance.
The usage of a wireframe in 3D modeling is primarily to plan and design the structure of a model. It allows the artist or designer to visualize the model from different angles and adjust the shape and proportions of the object without being distracted by colors or textures. Wireframes are also useful for testing the functionality of the model and for determining the complexity of the model for optimization purposes.
Wireframes are used in a wide range of industries, including architecture, engineering, product design, animation, and game development. They are also widely used in prototyping, where designers can quickly test the viability of a concept before moving to a more detailed model.
In conclusion, the wireframe of a 3D model is an essential tool in the design process, allowing artists and designers to plan, visualize, and test the structure of their models before committing to a full build.