3-D (three dimensions or threedimensional)
In computers, 3-D (three dimensions or three-dimensional) describes an
image that provides the perception of depth. When 3-D images are made
interactive so that users feel involved with the scene, the experience is called
virtual reality. You usually need a special plug-in viewer for your Web browser
to view and interact with 3-D images. Virtual reality experiences may also
require additional equipment.
3-D image creation can be viewed as a three-phase process
of: tessellation, geometry and rendering. In the first phase, models are created
of individual objects using linked points that are made into a number of
individual polygons (tiles). In the next stage, the polygons are transformed in
various ways and lighting effects are applied. In the third stage of 3D
modeling, the transformed images are rendered into objects with very fine
detail.
Popular products for creating 3-D effects include Extreme 3D, LightWave 3D,
Ray Dream Studio, 3D Studio MAX, Softimage 3D, and Visual Reality. The
Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) allows the creator to specify
images and the rules for their display and interaction using textual language
statements.