the ND3D button manual
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To produce 3-dimensional Hard Copies from 3D scenes which you have modeled, utilize the ND3D button in your ELECTROGIG software. ND3D, until
recently a daughter company of ELECTROGIG, specializes in the production of 3D autostereoscopic micro-lenticular images. The activities of ND3D have been taken over
by Image Technology International Inc. (see the address below).
By following the simple set of instructions below, activating the ND3D button generates a series of 17 stills, each from a slightly different viewing angle. After these 17 angles are rendered and the data files are sent to ND3D, 3D Hard Copy transparencies and prints can be produced which will exhibit the actual 3-dimensional architecture of your 3D model in hard copy output.
Before placing an order with ND3D, we suggest that you read thoroughly and understand clearly all the general and technical information regarding ND3D's 3D Hard Copy process. Special consideration should be given to the variety of applications for 3D Hard Copies, and to the distinction between 3D Transparencies ("Exhibition Material") and 3D Prints ("Extra-Thin Print Material").
Preparation of model
Tag 2 solids in the scene "ND3Dfore" and ND3Dback" and position them accordingly ("ND3Dfore" in the foreground plane and "ND3Dback" in the background plane). The foreground plane is defined as the plane which contains the closest visible object to the camera. The background plane is defined as the plane which contains the farthest visible object away from the camera. The subject plane, which does not need to be tagged, is the plane in the 3D scene in which the ND3D Center of Interest (COI) is located, used for the internal calculation of the 17 viewing angles.
After tagging the 2 solids, press the ND3D button to preview the 17 camera views and type "!" to stop previewing. If the preview result is satisfactory, enter a name for the 17 still files which will then be created.
One possible unsatisfactory result to watch out for in the preview could be if important objects in the left or right side of the 3D scene move out of the camera's field of view in any of the previewed viewing angles. If this happens, try increasing the angle of view of the camera, moving the camera back away from the model slightly, and/or repositioning the objects in question so that they remain in the field of view from the farthest right viewing angle through to the farthest left angle in the preview.
Setting resolution and image quality
3D Hard Copy Transparencies
3D Hard Copy Transparencies can be printed at any size, up to a maximum width of 40" (100cm) and a maximum height of 70" (175cm). Choose the highest possible image quality for rendering, given the processor power and time available. The optimal resolution will depend partly on the size of the final 3D Hard Copy Transparency to be printed. For vertical format images, the resolution should ideally not exceed 2000x3000 pixels (W x H); for horizontal format images, 3000x 4000 pixels; and for square images 3000x3000 pixels.
The following resolutions should be used for the respective 3D Hard Copy Transparency sizes:
Size 3D Transparency Optimal resolution
4"x6" (10cm. x 15cm.) and smaller 800 x 1200
8"x10" (20cm. x 25cm.) 1500 x 1875
16"x24" (40cm. x 60cm.) 2000 x 3000
24"x24" (60cm. x 60cm.) and larger 3000 x 3000
3D Hard Copy Prints
3D Hard Copy Prints are available at maximum width of 8" (20cm.), at the standard sizes listed below. For other custom sizes, please contact ND3D for the exact resolution for rendering (see "ORDERING FROM ND3D" below). Like 3D Transparencies, choose the highest possible image quality. Due to the limitations in the formats which are available in the 3D Print medium, the optimum resolution depends solely on the size of the final 3D Hard Copy Print.
The following resolutions should be used for the respective 3D Hard Copy Print sizes:
Size 3D Print (W x H) Optimal resolution
1.75"x2.25" (4.4cm. x 5.7cm.) Vertical 442 x 552
2.25"x3.5" (5.7cm. x 8.75cm.) Horizontal 552 x 884
3.5"x4.5" (8.75cm. x 11.25cm.) Vertical 884 x 1104
5"x7" (13cm. x 18cm.) Vertical 884 x 1104
8"x10" (20cm. x 25cm.) Vertical 884 x 1104
Once your 17 files are rendered, load them using "tar" onto one of the following SGI- or SUN-compatible mediums: DAT tape (60M or 90M; not 120M), Exabyte tape, or 1/4" tape streamer. Fill out the special ND3D Order Form for ELECTROGIG software users, and send it with your data tape to ND3D:
Image Technology International, Inc.
3D Digital Design division
5172-G Brook Hollow Parkway
Norcross, GA 30071
U.S.A.
Tel: 1-770-416-8848
Fax: 1-770-416-8847
WWW: www.imagetech3d.com
Tips for making great 3D hard copies
Following are some basic rules for creating optimal 3D scenes for 3D Hard Copies. These rules are basic guidelines, which if followed strictly will produce excellent results. However, moving slightly from these standards may also produce fine results.
- Utilize at least 3 distinct overlapping planes (foreground, subject and background)
- Try to use an angle of view approximately equal to that of a 50mm lens on a 35mm camera (zoom of 46 degrees in GIG 3DGO).
- For an angle of view equal to a 50mm lens on a 35mm camera, place the subject plane approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the distance between the foreground and background planes (so, closer to the foreground).
- For longer focal length lenses (greater than 50mm), and thus smaller angles of view, the subject plane can be moved back towards the background. But the distance between the foreground plane and the subject plane should never be greater than the distance between the subject plane and the background plane.
- Ideally, the distance from the camera to the foreground should be at least as great as the distance between the foreground and subject plane.
- Try to compose your 3D scene so that the depth of the scene is approximately equal to the width of the scene.
- Put text and logos close to, or ideally, in the subject plane.
- Keep vertical lines out of the foreground and background planes as much as possible.
- Keep vertical lines and square objects away from the left and right sides of the image as much as possible.
- In most cases, round objects work better in the foreground, background and sides of the scene than do square objects.
- Use contrasting colors and contrasted lighting to increase the 3D effect in the 3D Hard Copy, keeping brighter colors and lighting in the subject plane, and flatter colors and lighting in the foreground and background planes.
- The final 3D Hard Copy will appear more contrasted than the rendered image on your computer monitor. So be careful with very dark shadow areas and very bright highlight areas, as they can lose their detail in the final 3D Hard Copy.
If you would like free consultation/advice from ND3D regarding how to adapt your 3D scenes to produce the best possible 3D Hard Copies, include with the rendered files on your data tape which you send to ND3D the "Still" used to create your rendered images.
