Mastering Immersive Worlds: Unleashing the Power of 3D Modelling for Virtual Reality
3D modelling has been long present in all design fields and has now grown into designing entire computer-based worlds. With the Internet moving from 2D to 3D, it is becoming a domain of architects and designers that are building new realities with help of new technology.
One of the key components of creating captivating virtual environments is 3D modelling, which is a process of creating a three-dimensional representation of objects and environments. In virtual reality, 3D modelling is used to create a digital environment that can be experienced by users through various interfaces, one of the most popular being VR headsets.
Differences Between Traditional and VR 3D Modelling
Traditionally, 3D modelling in design and architecture had more of a showcasing function — they served as illustrative materials for clients in order to better imagine the physical outcome of designs.
In virtual reality, the bar is set much higher due to the complexity of elements that have to produce not only an enjoyable visual experience, but also be reliable in terms of performance. That means fully functional, real-time adjustment and rendering of virtual scenes. To create such a setting, designers aim for high quality VFX (visual effects) powered by engines capable enough to carry high-resolution textures and lighting adjustment.
3D modelling for virtual reality can contain accurate representations of objects and environments, but it is often mixed with creative fantasy features — all with the purpose of enhancing the user’s sense of presence and creating an enjoyable interactive virtual experience.
Simulations that are stimulating enough to draw the attention of users bring a lot of engagement into a shared virtual realm and set the basis for a thriving interactive community. In this article, we will take you through the design process and introduce modelling techniques that our design team uses to create a virtual environment of the OWNverse world.
Techniques in 3D Modelling for VR
3D modeling for virtual reality requires a specific set of techniques such as adjustment of texture resolutions or optimization of polygon counts and geometry, varying levels of detail, which can influence the overall performance. To allow the VR scene to render more efficiently, the system needs to display the necessary level of detail depending on the user’s distance from the object. This is where the animation techniques come in, allowing for movement and interactivity within the environment. Following are the techniques for scene modelling:
Polygonal modelling — is a popular 3D modelling technique that involves creating a mesh of polygons to form the 3D model. The polygons are connected to create the surface of the object, and this technique is commonly used in video game development and computer-generated animation. It is known for being fast and efficient, but it may not be as precise as other techniques. That’s why it is commonly used for creating hard-surfaced objects such as buildings, vehicles, and props.
NURBS modelling — stands for Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines and is a technique that uses mathematical formulas to create 3D models. It allows for smooth curves and surfaces, making it ideal for creating organic shapes such as characters and animals. It is also commonly used in projects that require a high level of precision and ability to create smooth, accurate curves. It is more challenging than polygonal modelling, but it allows for greater control over the shape of the object.
Sculpting is a 3D modeling technique that allows artists to create digital sculptures by manipulating a 3D object using a variety of sculpting tools. This technique is often used in film, gaming and animation industries to create lifelike characters and creatures. Sculpting is known for its ability to create highly detailed, organic shapes, but it can be time-consuming and requires advanced artistic skills. Sculpting can be done using a stylus and tablet or with a mouse and keyboard.
Procedural modelling is a 3D modeling technique that uses algorithms to automatically generate 3D models. Commonly used in the creation of environments and landscapes in video games and films, it allows for the creation of large, complex environments quickly and efficiently, and it may save a lot of time compared to traditional modeling techniques, as large and detailed environments can be created quickly and easily.
Parametric modelling is a technique that involves creating a 3D model using a set of parameters. These parameters can be adjusted to modify the shape, size and other properties of the model. This technique is commonly used for creating objects that need to be easily adjustable, such as mechanical parts or product designs. It is best used in combination with other modeling techniques, such as polygonal or NURBS modeling.
Lighting and Texturing
Essential for immersive environments is creating an atmosphere with the right texturing and lighting. They are important components to create desired moods and ambience in the VR setting.
Texturing involves applying images or patterns to the surface of 3D models, adding detail and depth to the object, while lighting creates depth via the right play of illumination and shadow. When these work together, the results can be marvelous.
Lighting
There are several lighting techniques that are used in VR modelling, including real-time lighting, baked lighting and global illumination:
Real-Time Lighting is a technique used in 3D modelling for VR that allows for the rendering of dynamic lighting effects in real-time. It enables the creation of realistic lighting conditions that respond to the user’s movements in the virtual environment. This technique is crucial in creating immersive and interactive experiences.
Baked Lighting involves pre-rendering the lighting conditions in a scene and then applying them to the 3D model. This technique is used mostly in static scenes, allowing for more detailed and realistic lighting conditions, especially in large environments.
Global illumination is a technique that simulates the way light bounces around the environment. There are two main types: direct and indirect illumination. In direct illumination, the light comes directly from a light source, such as the sun or a lamp. In indirect illumination the light bounces around the environment, creating shadows and reflections. By accurately simulating both, this type of dynamic lighting is perfect for simulated environments due to highly realistic lighting effects.
Overall, in VR dynamic lighting is preferred because it remains realistic in interactive settings, where the light source and the environment can be modified and moved in real-time according to scene and content requirements. Baked lighting can be used for scenes that do not require a lot of dynamism.
Texturing
To achieve a stunning end result, scene settings are textured using two main techniques — UV mapping and procedural texturing.
UV mapping is the process of applying a 2D texture (a map) image onto a 3D object’s surface. The term “UV” refers to the two-dimensional coordinates used to map the texture onto the model, which works by assigning a set of said coordinates to each vertex on the 3D model. The UV coordinates are represented as a 2D grid that is overlaid on top of the 3D model, with each vertex on the 3D model assigned a corresponding point on the UV grid. It allows for precise control over how textures are applied to the 3D model.
There are several different techniques used for UV mapping — planar mapping, cylindrical mapping and spherical mapping. Each is used to map textures onto different types of objects and surfaces, depending on their shape and geometry. There are specialized tools and software available that can automate the UV mapping process, making it faster and more efficient.
Procedural texturing, unlike traditional texturing techniques that use 2D images to apply textures to objects, involves creating textures using algorithms and mathematical functions. The primary advantage is that they can be generated on the fly rather than being pre-made, which gives more flexibility and control over the process. Procedural texturing also allows for more seamless and scalable texturing. Since the textures are generated, they can be scaled up or down without losing detail or resolution — ideal for scenes with high scalability requirements and where objects need to be viewed from different angles and distances. They also create highly detailed and complex texture structuring using fractals and noise patterns.
One of the drawbacks is a time-consuming process and possibly a certain level of technical knowledge, expertise in programming and mathematics. But nowadays, there are already software tools available that can bring some simplification and make it more accessible to artists and designers.
Benefits of Customized and Personalized Virtual OWNspaces
High-precision virtual reality 3D modelling is used to deliver quality results that bring and retain users. Whether it is for realistic, fantasy or mixed environments, people use virtual reality because they expect a certain level of experience that suits their needs, preferences and expectations.
The aforementioned techniques are used by the OWNverse team to reach the bar for a high-quality customized immersive experience. The benefits of our results include:
- Improved engagement — customized and personalized VR experience is more engaging than generic experiences, as users feel more invested in their creation and see their own reflection in the space that is surrounding them
- Enhanced learning — since VR is relatively new, a well-fitting design helps people to adopt new habits that are needed for virtual presence in their individual style
- Increased productivity — these habits can be used to streamline workflow and increase productivity by providing users with the tools they need to complete tasks efficiently
Final Thoughts
These tools and techniques allow us to create virtual spaces and objects with a high degree of precision and control. Since our platform implements various interactive tools and advanced animation, the virtual scene and settings need to be able to run these without any obstacles or lagging. With the continued development of VR technology, we will make sure to stay up to date and expand our toolsets and techniques to keep up the pace.
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