Graphics Design, Imagery and Raytracing. Some Description and Tools.
Take another sip my love and see what you will see,
A fleet of golden galleons, on a crystal sea.
Are you sitting comfortably? Let Merlin cast his spell...
Description
Raytracing is a method of simulating, in a 2 dimensional world (like you're viewing now), the effects of light (rays) bouncing off of, reflecting and shadowing 3D objects as we see them in our real, 3D universe.
We take the effect for granted, moving through the universe, not really noticing how the position of a source of light, relative to our position (point of view, which changes as we move), affects how our vision interprets the 3D universe (geez). Anyway, creating that effect in a 2D world calls for some pretty spiffy tools and techniques. Hence, tools such as software to aid in creating 3D models (objects, if you will), and further, to define points of view and sources of light are needed. Not long ago, the only computers capable of 3D modeling and rendering were huge, million dollar machines like the Cray, or a few CAD systems used by DOD contractors to design fighter aircraft. Today, all you and I need is a good PC and some good modeling and raytracing software.
The best offer the artist an intuitive working environment that allows multiple, movable "light sources" and cameras (points of view) within the working universe, where the artist creates a "scene", composed of objects. Unlike a photograph, or even what you see watching TV, in the 3D studio, the artist can virtually move around and view his scene/objects from any point of view. When the objects in the scene are positioned, and the scene itself, such as the light sources and brightness, etc. are as desired, he then decides on the final point of view for the "rendering". Then the raytracing is done, and the result is the presented image. Each object in a scene is assigned color, texture, and shading properties, which add realism. Further, the rendering may be done again from any other point of view, without re-drawing or moving (except for animation) the objects in the scene. As well, the artist can import files of various formats, and save his image in a choice of formats (such as JPEG, GIF, etc.)
What I use
3D Modeling and Raytracing
I use various imagery tools, including Carrara, which also includes true animation capability. This software has the same basic capabilities used in features you've seen in theaters and on TV. Of course, rendering the thousands of frames needed for a video would require time and storage few folks have! All the images in the gallery and many other works at this site are done with these tools. Each would be but a single frame in an animated video. I do render several frames of some projects to create animations as GIF files. You've seen some of these, such as the errant mantis on this page. Read more about animation here, where you'll also find my spider running around.
The working 3D universe is based on the three intersecting planes we envisioned in high school geometry. Picture the floor in your room and two walls that meet. Your position in the room, relative to one wall (plane) is X. Your position relative to the 2nd plane is Y, and to the floor is Z. So your coordinates are X,Y,Z. Picture each plane stretching to infinity.
For the teacher (bless you) and her class (often visiting this site): Yes, this work involves math (often, some fairly intense), and usually quite a bit of planning and detail. Most complex models involve quite a bit of work, while you may be surprised at how a seemingly simple object's form can involve so much more than it appears. Check out my scale model of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. Along with the images, I describe how it was done, and include links to the official Arch website, where the architecture and catenary curve equation of its design are detailed.
Other imagery tools
There are numerous other imaging needs, and numerous tools to meet each of those needs. For example, once you've rendered a 3D image, you may need to import it into a robust graphics process for print preparation and output to PDF. You may need a tool to convert an image from one format to another, or to create transparent and animated GIFs or Flash animations. There are a million choices if you shop around. My toolbox also includes Adobe Creative Suite 5 as well as simpler image processing tools.
Of course, when you have all the imagery tools, and add a scanner to your system, the possibilities are endless! This stuff REALLY makes sitting on the Xerox to photocopy your ass seem an even more ridiculous way to spend one of life's moments than you thought. Have fun!
-Roosl
Walking in the sand, thinking of things, adventures in my mind
Of tall ships that sail across the oceans wide.
They won't wait for me.
See how they glide away so gracefully?
and with tomorrow, what will become of me?
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