subject: 3D Models and Their Uses [print this page] 3D or three dimensional models are used for a variety of purposes.Surgeons and filmmakers are only two of the many professions that use 3D models on a regular
basis. 3D models are created by mapping various coordinates in a 3D space.
Medical professionals use detailed 3D models of organs to teach medical students, outline
and plan surgical intervention as well as demonstrate procedures to students and patients.
Plastic surgeons use detailed software to create 3D models of the body to demonstrate a
"before and after" to the potential patient. There are two types of 3D models: Solid and
Shell. Solid models define the volume of the 3D model are solid, such as piece of stone.
Solid 3D models may be used in many engineering models. They are used for simulations that
are non-visual. Shell 3D models are more diverse and contain the outer layer, and represent
the surface of a 3D model. Shell 3D models are used within filmmaking and video game
creation to allow the user to manipulate the model as needed.
3D models have many benefits over traditional 2D models, such as: the flexibility that is
offered with the use of 3D models - we can change angles, or create animated imaged much
quicker than using two dimensional models. 3D models combined with software enable us to
make instant calculations. This is one of the reasons why 3D models are increasing in
popularity with earth scientists and engineers. Lastly, 3D models allow us to have a concise
picture of an object which allows for higher levels of accuracy when building, designing or
figuring. Additionally, 3D models have the benefit of becoming easily animated to see all
facets of a structure or object. It is this feature, the ability of 3D models to be turned
on a sphere, from the middle point that has increased the functionality of the renderings.
3D Model use in Graphic Design
3D models are used widely in graphic designs that contain 3D animations. A graphic is
created by a coordination of points on a chart. A model does not become a graphic until it
has been visually displayed by animation and rendering.
There are three parts to creating a 3D model within a graphic design. First, 3D modeling
occurs in which a shape is given to an object using the coordination points. These points
are graphed onto a chart. In the case of graphic designs, the majority of models will be
shell models which can be easily manipulated for size and shape.
Next, layout and animations occur which give can give movement to the object within its
scene. Next comes the process of rendering, rendering the 3D object refers to creation of
images from that particular object. This particular step gives the spacing between the image
and the scene in which it is found it with by special measurements. Layout determines how
the object is going to move over time, and if any change will occur within the object.
Rendering is the process in which the animation is taken from a 3d model to a graphic. It
includes the visualization of an image that can be manipulated with style or light.
Rendering has two basic processes: these are, scattering and transport. Scattering defines
how the surface of the object will interact with the light and transport defines the process
of how light will get to one place or another.
There are two ways that a 3D image can be implemented into a software program. It can be
created by the program, or another design program, or the image can be scanned into the
computer with scanning software. After a model has been rendered, it is easily transformed
to 2D to ease the editing process, but the process of creating a 3D models from a 2D means
the three step creation process must occur; (modeling, layout and rendering).
3D Model Use in the Medical Field
More than likely, the most familiar 3D models in the medical field can be seen on a visit to
the local Doctor's office. Within that office there are 3D structures of organs, from the
heart and lungs to the digestive or skeletal system. These models are used for teaching
anatomy or medical students, or used to demonstrate abnormality, disease or procedures to
patients. Although the organs lie inside the body, the 3D models give the patient an
opportunity to visualize the organ in the correct manner.
Software has made it possible for surgeons to create surgical plans, and be assisted
throughout the procedure. Specific software renders 3D images of the organs that are to be
operated upon.
These medical 3D models are accurate in size and shape but some also in detail - even
texture. The models are created as similar to organs as possible. This feature allows
surgeons to learn, before assisting with a procedure on a human body, to know the feel of an
organ. Specific textures and materials are used to create 3D heart models, as the heart is
certainly not made from hard plastic.
Some specialists, such as plastic surgeons render 3D models to allow the patient to
visualize the results of specific surgeries. In this process, a picture is taken of the
patient, or, a personalized 3D model is created through the use of software based on
specific measurements and coordinates to create the desired changes, and visualize these
changes - instantly! 3D models have become valuable teaching tools. Many websites allow the
user the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the inner working of organ through 3D
models. These models are beneficial to students in a secondary school level, all the way to
students in a Medical Doctor program. The accuracy is pristine and the renderings allow
familiarity, and are easier to learn than a two dimensional image on a page.
