Sketch based modeling
Encyclopedia
Sketch based modeling is a method of creating 3D models for use in 3D computer graphics
applications. Sketch based modeling is differentiated from other types of 3D modeling by its interface
- instead of creating a 3D model by directly editing polygons, the user draws a 2D shape which is converted to 3D automatically by the application.
or Maya
have a high learning curve
. Novice users often have difficulty creating models in traditional modeling programs without first completing a lengthy series of tutorials. Sketch based modeling tools aim to solve this problem by creating a User interface
which is similar to drawing
, which most users are familiar with.
work.
or a tablet
. The system then interprets this shape as a 3D object. Users can then alter the object by cutting off or adding sections. The process of adding sections to a model is generally referred to as overdrawing. The user is never required to interact directly with the vertices
or Nurbs control points.
In the second type of sketch based modeling, the user draws
one or more images on paper, then scans
in the images. The system then automatically converts the sketches to a 3D model.
. The European graphics conference Eurographics
has held four special conferences on sketch based modeling:
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
applications. Sketch based modeling is differentiated from other types of 3D modeling by its interface
User interface
The user interface, in the industrial design field of human–machine interaction, is the space where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interaction between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation and control of the machine, and feedback from the...
- instead of creating a 3D model by directly editing polygons, the user draws a 2D shape which is converted to 3D automatically by the application.
Purpose
Many computer users feel that traditional 3D modeling programs such as BlenderBlender (software)
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software product used for creating animated films, visual effects, interactive 3D applications or video games. The current release version is 2.60, and was released on October 19, 2011...
or Maya
Maya (software)
Autodesk Maya , commonly shortened to Maya, is 3D computer graphics software that runs on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS and Linux, originally developed by Alias Systems Corporation and currently owned and developed by Autodesk, Inc. It is used to create interactive 3D applications, including video...
have a high learning curve
Learning curve
A learning curve is a graphical representation of the changing rate of learning for a given activity or tool. Typically, the increase in retention of information is sharpest after the initial attempts, and then gradually evens out, meaning that less and less new information is retained after each...
. Novice users often have difficulty creating models in traditional modeling programs without first completing a lengthy series of tutorials. Sketch based modeling tools aim to solve this problem by creating a User interface
User interface
The user interface, in the industrial design field of human–machine interaction, is the space where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interaction between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation and control of the machine, and feedback from the...
which is similar to drawing
Drawing
Drawing is a form of visual art that makes use of any number of drawing instruments to mark a two-dimensional medium. Common instruments include graphite pencils, pen and ink, inked brushes, wax color pencils, crayons, charcoal, chalk, pastels, markers, styluses, and various metals .An artist who...
, which most users are familiar with.
Uses
Sketch based modeling is primarily designed for use by persons with artistic ability, but no experience with 3D modeling programs. Curvy3D and Teddy, below, have largely been designed for this purpose. However, sketch based modeling is also used for other applications. One popular application is rapid modeling of low-detail objects for use in prototyping and designDesign
Design as a noun informally refers to a plan or convention for the construction of an object or a system while “to design” refers to making this plan...
work.
Operation
There are two main types of sketch based modeling. In the first, the user draws a shape in the workspace using a mouseMouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
or a tablet
Graphics tablet
A graphics tablet is a computer input device that enables a user to hand-draw images and graphics, similar to the way a person draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to capture data or handwritten signatures...
. The system then interprets this shape as a 3D object. Users can then alter the object by cutting off or adding sections. The process of adding sections to a model is generally referred to as overdrawing. The user is never required to interact directly with the vertices
Vertex (geometry)
In geometry, a vertex is a special kind of point that describes the corners or intersections of geometric shapes.-Of an angle:...
or Nurbs control points.
In the second type of sketch based modeling, the user draws
Drawing
Drawing is a form of visual art that makes use of any number of drawing instruments to mark a two-dimensional medium. Common instruments include graphite pencils, pen and ink, inked brushes, wax color pencils, crayons, charcoal, chalk, pastels, markers, styluses, and various metals .An artist who...
one or more images on paper, then scans
Image scanner
In computing, an image scanner—often abbreviated to just scanner—is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital image. Common examples found in offices are variations of the desktop scanner where the document is placed on a glass...
in the images. The system then automatically converts the sketches to a 3D model.
Examples
- Aartform Curvy 3D - http://www.curvy3d.com
- Alias Studio ToolsStudioToolsAutodesk Alias is a family of computer-aided industrial design products starting with Alias Design as the entry-level conceptual design system, progressing to Alias Surface, and then to Alias Automotive as the top-of-the-line product with all of the options.Tools for sketching, modeling and...
- Teddy - http://www-ui.is.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/~takeo/teddy/teddy.htm
- Paint3D - http://www.paint3d.net
- ShapeShop - http://www.shapeshop3d.com
Research
A great deal of research is currently being done on sketch based modeling. A number of papers on this topic are presented each year at the ACM Siggraph conferenceSIGGRAPH
SIGGRAPH is the name of the annual conference on computer graphics convened by the ACM SIGGRAPH organization. The first SIGGRAPH conference was in 1974. The conference is attended by tens of thousands of computer professionals...
. The European graphics conference Eurographics
Eurographics
Eurographics is a Europe-wide professional Computer Graphics association. The association supports its members in advancing the state of the art in Computer Graphics and related fields such as Multimedia, Scientific Visualization and Human-Computer Interaction....
has held four special conferences on sketch based modeling: