Probably a dumb question (3D vector curves?)

Graphics and GPU Programming Programming

Started by sunandshadow August 23, 2011 08:23 PM

4 comments, last by Ashaman73 12 years, 8 months ago

7,435

Author

August 23, 2011 08:23 PM

Ok I am a 2D vector artist. I would really love a 3D program where I could create 3D models with vectors, including bezier curves. This doesn't really seem to exist, all existing 3D programs are based on triangles? Is there a reason why it's impossible to make 3d models out of curves instead of triangles?

I want to help design a "sandpark" MMO. Optional interactive story with quests and deeply characterized NPCs, plus sandbox elements like player-craftable housing and lots of other crafting. If you are starting a design of this type, please PM me. I also love pet-breeding games.

B_old

689

August 23, 2011 08:30 PM

Someone will come with a more detailed answer, but in principle most 3d modelling software's allow you to model with curves and all that. The model is later converted to a triangle based mesh because that is the only thing that hardware can render.
Also, curves are not vectors but rather get translated into vectors at a certain resolution. Its a very similar thing to curve -> triangle I believe.

krienie

102

August 23, 2011 10:07 PM

I've worked with Autodesk Maya for a couple of years and it has NURBS which are quite the same as the vectors you describe. You should look into it.

sunandshadow

7,435

Author

August 23, 2011 10:19 PM

*watches a youtube intro to NURBS* :blink:

These are awesome! Aah, why did I never know about these before? I've even heard the term NURBS but I never knew what it meant. Thank you for that tip! I'll definitely have to look into this more.

Monkan

1,087

August 24, 2011 12:47 AM

I could be wrong but I think its NURBS or some sort of parametric curve that they use in Photoshop and similar programs for 2D and when we were taught a bit of Maya we did the actual NURBS making on a flat plane view if that makes any sense. The thing is you can't fill between the curves without having a plane to fill which is why objects are made of triangles and then the triangles are rendered with colour.

Not sure if any of that babble helps but enjoy.
x

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