1. 3D Animation Task 2 –
Laymen’s guide to the Theory
of 3D

2. Applications of 3D
 3D animation isn't just used in films . It is also used
in many industries. These include:
 Visual effects
 Games
 Architecture
 TV idents
 Simulation

3. Displaying 3D Polygon Animation
 Programming interfaces
An example of a application programming
interface (API) is Direc3D. This program is
the base for the graphics API on the Xbox
and Xbox 360 . It is used to render 3D
graphics in applications.
 Graphics Pipeline
The graphics pipeline is the process that
transforms a 3D image into a two
dimensional screen.

4. Rendering Techniques
 Distributed Rendering
Is the process of distributing a single ender job across a
network of computers. This reduces the rendering
time of a frame.
 Engines
Rendering engines render out the 3D graphics based of
of the models and textures it provides. Common
examples are OpenGL and DirectX.

5. Rendering Techniques
 Lighting
Everything in real life reflects light. Light sources are
added to 3D Animation environments to create a
possible shadow which would need to rendered
properly to make the object look realistic.
 Textures
Textures are added to 3D Animation to make the
object look more realistic and to be able to decide how
the texture effects the lighting and reflection of light
off the object.

6. Geometric Theory
 Verticals
Vertices (a vertex) are the points in a shape where
2 lines connect.
 Lines
Lines can be changed n 3D animation. They can be
curved , straight or smoothed.
 Curves
Curves are either distorted straight lines or
several straight lines put together to create a
curved shape.

7. Geometric Theory
 Polygons
In geometry a polygon s a flat shape
consisting of straight-line segments. Mot
objects in 3D animation are made from
polygon as the basic shapes then reconfigured
to get a specific shape.
 Face
A face is any flat part of an object. For example
a cube is made up of 6 square faces
 Meshes
A mesh is the wire frame that shows the
outline of an object. Every object created in 3D
animation has a mesh.

8. Mesh Construction
 Most models and environments made in
3D animation are made from primitive
shapes and then adjusted. For example a
table would be made out of a cuboid
rectangle and 4 cylinders. This would
then create the mesh for the object.
Everything made in 3D animation is
straight. For example a curve is made up
of many straight lines to give it a curved
look. The more lines used the more
smooth the surface would be.