Business and Computing Deanery

3D Modelling Tools

Week 1 Introduction

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Today’s Contents Introduce the module Planning your model Software & hardware 3ds max interface

Start Animated still life tutorial

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Module detailsModule Times Mondays 10.00 – 13.00 FML 413

Module Website http://hopelive.hope.ac.uk/imc/staff/hetherr/index.html

Module Leader Robina Hetherington

Room FML 208 Email

hetherr@hope.ac.uk

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About this module This module covers the concepts and

theories of three-dimensional modelling. In this module you will create three-

dimensional objects, avatars and environments using appropriate software.

You will also develop knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of three-dimensional modelling and how to apply them to gaming technologies.

This module is intended to complement the Graphics Programming module.

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Learning Outcomes Demonstrate knowledge and a critical

understanding of the principles of three-dimensional modelling.

Apply the concepts and principles of three-dimensional modelling to the generation of digital objects, avatars and environments for use in game development.

To evaluate and effectively communicate different methods and approaches to the generation of three-dimensional models used in a real game.

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Required reading Murdock K.L., (2005) 3DS Max 7

Bible, John Wiley & Sons Inc, ISBN: 0764579711

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Independent learning The lectures are for theory and

principles As university students you should

develop skills as independent learners

YOU need to learn the software 3ds max

How do you learn software?

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Assessments 1 Presentation 20% Portfolio 60% 1 In-class test 20%

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Presentation Individual elements Group elements

Department policy Team-working agreement

Assessment criteria A grade can only be awarded if there is:

a consistent and significant strand of critical evaluation in the work

a consistent use of Harvard style referencing

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PortfolioPortfolio Submission % Total

%

Models 1 - 10 Paper printout to tutor (model files to be saved onto disc for the final submission)

1 each 10

Models A and B plus documentation

Printed documentationModel and documentation on disc

to the office

25 each 50

Total 60

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Planning your model Do a rough sketch Think about the shapes that make

up the object Consider the materials Plan for animation

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Sketch or Storyboard

Adventure Gamers : Dreamfall: from sketch to 3D model (2005)

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More on planning Think about the shapes that make up the

object We will cover this during the next months There is more than one way to create a

model, you need to be able to choose and justify a way

Consider the materials We will cover this during the next months There is more than one way to add materials

to a model, you need to be able to choose and justify a way

Plan for animation

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Software Why is the interface so important? Great features do not always equate

with usability Good software makes the features

easily and intuitively accessible

Murdock K.L., (2005)

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3ds max v7 (2005)

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Wireframe modelling Wireframe modelling requires less

computing power than any form of rendering

Default 3 viewports wireframe 1 viewport rendered

Will use either OpenGL or DirectX to achieve the rendered view

But not proper rendering with lighting and shadows Takes even more processing power

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3ds max v7 (2005)

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Different viewports 3ds max allows lots of different

viewport arrangements

3ds max v7 (2005)

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Viewports Customisable

viewports Top Left or right Perspective Camera

Pan Slide around

Zoom in or out Zoom all

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Impendent study Directed reading 3DS Max 7 Bible

Chapters QS,1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 Finish off Animated still life tutorials Prepare for next weeks tutorial

Modelling a Space Scene Work on your presentation

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Self assessment List three things you should consider in

planning your model Why is the Interface of a piece of

software important? List 4 menu commands that you would

find in both Word and 3ds max? Explain the difference between wire

frame and rendered model, why is the former used by software such as 3ds max?

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Next weekLecture Parametric modelling Transformations

Tutorial Modelling a Space Scene

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References 3ds max v7, (2005) User Reference and Tutorials Adventure Gamers : Dreamfall: from sketch to

3D model http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,477/p,2, accessed 23/09/2005

Giambruno M, (2002) 3D Graphics & Animation, 2nd Edition, New Riders, ISBN: 0-7357-1243-3

Kerlow I. V., (2003) The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Effects , 3rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc; ISBN: 0471430366

Murdock K.L., (2005) 3DS Max 7 Bible, John Wiley & Sons Inc, ISBN: 0764579711