NURBS Modeling

Introducing Maya 2009: Chapter 5, pp163-193.

NURBS modeling techniques

Curves
NURBS Curves - EP curve tool recommended for this class
CV, EP, Pencil and Arc Curve Tools
Curve Components: CVs (Control Vertices) and EPs (Edit Points)
Curve Degree - Linear and Cubic
Closed and Opened Curves
Curves on Objects (Making an Object Live and creating a curve on its surface)

Editing Curves (Edit Curves Menu)
Attach/Detach
Intersect
Cut
Insert Knot (To Delete a knot of a CV, select one and press Delete key on keyboard)
Rebuild Curve
Reverse Curve Direction

Objects
NURBS (non-uniform rational b-spline) - FOUR sided patch (even NURBS primitives)
NURBS Object Compononents: CVs, EPs, Hulls

NURBS modeling techniques are helpful when a model...:
1. ... has distinct (especially symmetrical) contour or cross section curves.
2. ... has two poles (anything resembling a cylinder, sphere, cone, or torus)
3. ... is an open surface with four edges (tablecloth, curtains, terrain)

Basic Techniques:
1.Manipulating Components of a Primitive individually or with Sculpt Tool ((Tutorial: NURBS Modeling/Lesson 2)
2.Revolve (Tutorial: NURBS Modeling/Lesson1)
3.Extrude

Extrude Operation Settings for Extrude Tube - resulting geometry is placed overlapping the path curve:


4. Loft (Tutorial: NURBS Modeling/Lesson3). Paint Tube modeling exercise.


Editing NURBS (Edit NURBS Menu)
Attach/Detach Surfaces
Insert Isoparms (to delete an Isoparm, select it and press Delete key)
Sculpt Tool

Outputting NURBS as polygons use these settings when using Surface Tools (Revolve, Loft, etc):
(Use same settings for Converting NURBS to polygons)

Useful Modeling Tips:

Snapping Points
Mirroring

Project 2 proposal due Tuesday 11/3 10am.

Focus on Object.

Model an object. Incorporate texture in object material. Light the object with three point lighting setup. Animate Material or Light Properties. Render with software render.

Proposal:

1. Visual references for object shape and texture: drawings and photos.
2. Analysis of modeling process.