Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
11
NURBS and Meta Shapes
11.1 Using NURBS
11.2 Creating a Lofted Tunnel
11.3 Meta Shapes
Figure 11.1
11.1 Using NURBS
When you press Shift + the A key and select “Add,” you will notice other object
types besides meshes, cameras, and lights that can be created. One other type of
object that can be created is a surface (NURBS). NURBS stands for Non-Uni-
form Rational B-Spline, which means it's a type of editable curve or surface that
can be converted to a mesh object. If you look at the “Surface” menu, you will see
a variety of shapes that can be created. These shapes can be used as they are or
converted to meshes so you can work with vertices. To get you started and give
you an idea of how this is achieved, follow the procedure outlined below.
Start a new scene in Blender and delete the default cube. Place the scene in
top view (number pad 7) and add a NURBS circle (Shift + the A key - “Add” -
“Surface” - “NURBS Circle”). The NURBS circle will be displayed in the scene
in object mode (Figure 11.1).
Tab to edit mode and you will see the circle surrounded by manipulation
handles, which by default are all selected (Figure 11.2). Deselect the handles
using the A key and right click on a handle to select it. If you have the manipu-
lation widget turned on, you can use it to move the handle and deform the
circle (Figure 11.3). Alternatively, you can press the G key and drag the mouse.
Tab into object mode to see the deformed circle (Figure 11.4). The defor-
mation may be what you want or you may wish to further refine the shape.
Figure 11.2
