Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 5
Modeling with NURBS,
Subdivisions, and Deformers
As you saw
in the previous chapter, NURBS are based on organic mathemat-
ics that allows you to create smooth curves and surfaces. NURBS models can be made
of a single surface molded to fit, or they can be a collection of patches connected like a
quilt. In any event, NURBS provide ample power for creating smooth surfaces for your
models.
Now that you've learned
the basics of creating and editing poly meshes, getting into
NURBS models and more advanced modeling techniques will easily become part of your
toolbox. This chapter explains how to use deformations to adjust a model, as opposed
to editing the geometry directly as you did with the previous modeling methods. It also
introduces subdivision surface modeling, which fully incorporates this concept.
Topics in this chapter include:
NURBS!
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Creating polygons
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Converting a NURBS model to polygons
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Editing NURBS surfaces
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Patch modeling: the locomotive
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Sculpting NURBS
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Modeling with simple deformers
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The lattice deformer
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Animating through a lattice
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Subdivision surfaces
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Creating a starfish
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Building a teakettle
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