Building a Digital Human (Graphics Series) (Graphics Series)

Book Description

In the universe of 3D animation and graphics, the final frontier isn't the vast unknown depths of outer space but rather the intimately familiar human form. Replicating this body is by far the most challenging journey to undertake as a digital artist. Why? Because everyone knows what a human looks like. Digital humans are in our midst. They are stuntmen and background extras in movies such as Titanic. They are your favorite hero or heroine in video games like Tomb Raider. They are the main characters in Saturday morning children's shows such as Max Steel. And now, they have even taken center stage as full fledged, photorealistic actors in such feature films as Final Fantasy. It is clear that digital humans are here to stay; and that artists need to know how to create them. To help artists learn how to master today's powerful 3D tools and improve their skills, Building a Digital Human explores the entire modeling process from head to toe. Beginning with the fundamentals of assembling reference material (photos, anatomy books, etc.) through the details of texturing and refining the skin and hair, a complete human model is built. Once the model is complete, a female and fantasy troll are created to illustrate how easy it is to transform the basic model. Building A Digital Human teaches modelers and artists the texturing and modeling skills needed to create 3D digital humans. It also provides fundamental skills that can be used for a variety of other 3D projects. The models in the book were built using NewTek's LightWave 3D, however, the techniques can be applied to just about any 3D package on the market. The ideas covered utilize a relatively small toolset, so transferring the steps to your program of choice isn't difficult. To make the transition between programs as easy as possible, a quick list of corresponding tool names from Maya, 3ds max, and LightWave 3D is included.

Customer Reviews:

Enthusiastic Recommendation.......2007-05-07

This book is great for the self taught person with significant insignificant questions. In completing this book, all those questions answer themselves. None of that "cutsie" just great tutorial. Instruction is easily to understand and follow. I've gone through the book a couple of times and discovered something new each time. When I finished with this book, I knew what I was doing and why.

Money well spent on this book.

No Muss, No Fuss.......2007-02-09

Straigh-forward writing with no pretension. Some knowledge of 3D graphics vocabulary is helpful but not necessary.

Book is one example from beginning to end; presumably the author. Starts with some pictures and, step-by-detailed-step, ends with an avatar.

The only fault I found is that he doesn't mention Poser in the list of 3D modeling programs for human figures.

Look no further for detailed and anatomically correct human modelling! Excellent book!!.......2006-10-03

If you want to learn how to model a detailed digital human,this is THE book for you! You start out with totally empty viewports,and if you follow the book you'll end up having created a model with an incredible amount of detail.

The author explains in great detail the process of modelling every body part (head,neck,arms,hands,legs,feet and torso) with anatomical references where they're most important.

I wanted a book which I could use as a definitive guide to model a detailed and anatomically correct human body or body part,and I'll look no further when I have to do so. It's also got a clever chapter about modifying the same model to create very different ones, and a good chapter about texturing and UVW unwrapping. Finally, it refers to cloth and hair (somewhat briefly) and,no,it DOESN'T cover rigging. But it does cover, extremely well, human modelling, which is what mr.Brilliant had set out to do,I assume. Very very good!

Pretty Good........2006-08-03

I used this as a class textbook and it worked fairly well. This is not a single program book so this will work well with whatever program you model with. Although, depending on what you model with, depends on if you need to go out and find plug-ins that will do what he does. The book is really good going through step by step. Although there are some occasions where he leaps forwards ahead with really telling you what to do. Also, sometimes when he gives instructions, there aren't any images to go along with them, so you have to end up guessing what to do.
This is modeling for realism/cinematics and if you want to use this book to model in-game characters, you are out of luck. The was he teaches you to model is extremely high poly (especially in the head). The CD doesn't do much for you, it mainly just has naked pictures of the guy he models on it so you can copy exactly what he does. The book does give good information on the differences between modeling men and women, although it is fairly brief. He does go into UV mapping pretty good as well as modeling hair. The book doesn't, however, go into modeling clothing fairly well, just a short chapter. The book also doesn't even mention rigging, which I think is a crucial part in character modeling.

He thought of everything!.......2005-09-30

Given that you are already familiar with some type of modeling software, this book is the best resource you could have! The non-software specific approach of the book keeps it focused on the concepts of creating a good model rather than the user interface. Every detail of the body is covered with step-by-step diagrams, and a lot of it focuses on creating a topology that is animatable and will subdivide correctly (ie the mesh is mostly in quads). It also covers texturing, rigging, facial animation, both modeled and simulated hair, and simple clothing. The book discusses anatomy to the extent that it is needed to create a realistic model, and uses those concepts to demonstrate how the male model you create can be changed into a female, or into a fantasy character that looks completely different.

One thing that did make it a little difficult to use was that in the screenshots, the mesh was transparent and therefore you couldn't tell whether vertices were at the front or the back of the model. More screenshots with an opaque mesh would have made it easier to see the topology.

Overall, the explanations are concise and makes the task seem efficient, easy, and fun.

HUSITA7-The 7th International Conference of Human Services Information Technology --Building a Digital-Inclusive Society

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HUSITA7-The 7th International Conference of Human Services Information Technology --Building a Digital-Inclusive Society

Manufacturer: Haworth Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Social Work | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Broaden your horizons with the latest innovations in human services information technology

In today's information society, to make a real and lasting impact on human welfare takes applications of information technology aimed at enhancing access to all. HUSITA7--The 7th International Conference of Human Services Information Technology Applications: Digital Inclusion--Building a Digital Inclusive Society presents diverse viewpoints from around the globe, examining the latest applications of digital technology for social work education and practice. These conference presentations from respected international authorities discuss the application of ICT (information and communication technology) in various facets of human service to achieve the goal of a digital inclusive society where all have access to education and informational resources.

HUSITA7--The 7th International Conference of Human Services Information Technology Applications examines the development and use of information technology in professional training, including the strengths and limitations of e-learning in social work curriculums along with the rationale behind a learning object approach. Research includes findings from educators in Canada describing the development and implementation of e-learning in social work programs and the qualitative study of technological content in an MSW curriculum. Various types of Web-based learning approaches are explored with an eye toward providing more effective teaching strategies. Various technological advances and approaches toward individual empowerment are described to facilitate greater societal inclusiveness. The book is well referenced and includes several helpful tables and figures.

Topics in HUSITA7--The 7th International Conference of Human Services Information Technology Applications include:

The learning object approach of e-learning for social work education
Challenges implementing e-learning in social work education
A research study of the relationship between technology content in social work education and technology use in social work practice
International partnerships in Web-based teaching
Effective integration of emotion into the content of Web-based learning
The use of indigenous knowledge in content
The use of Web CT for effective address of issues such as quality of teaching and communication
Bringing about social inclusion through effective digital government
How technological advances impact assistive technology
Research on the Internet self-efficacy in older person's learning of ICT
A communication tool for the speech impaired
Improving social work service effectiveness through knowledge management (KM)
The "SenSui" disability information resource in Japan

HUSITA7--The 7th International Conference of Human Services Information Technology Applications is enlightening reading for librarians, social educators, social work students, researchers interested in ICT, and human service professionals.

Book Description

This book contains papers presented at the First International Symposium on Virtual and Augmented Architecture, which was held at Trinity College, Dublin, in June 2001.This volume brings together state-of-the-art research in virtual reality model capture, intelligent data labelling of environments such as museums and offices, and architecture-oriented applications, which arises from the intersection of architecture, computer graphics and computer vision.Example applications of this fusion include:- virtual tourism,- virtual heritage sites,- intelligent classrooms,- building maintenance.

Action research: Building the capacity for learning and change. (Overview).: An article from: Human Resource Planning

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Action research: Building the capacity for learning and change. (Overview).: An article from: Human Resource Planning
Victoria J. Marsick , and Martha A. Gephart
Manufacturer: Human Resource Planning Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Human Resource Planning, published by Human Resource Planning Society on June 1, 2003. The length of the article is 4046 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Action research: Building the capacity for learning and change. (Overview).
Author: Victoria J. Marsick
Publication: Human Resource Planning (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 2003
Publisher: Human Resource Planning Society
Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Page: 14(5)

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Advice to new CEOs: get the board on board; Effective bridge-building techniques to help a new CEO establish a productive working relationship with the ... An article from: Directors & Boards

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Advice to new CEOs: get the board on board; Effective bridge-building techniques to help a new CEO establish a productive working relationship with the ... An article from: Directors & Boards
Thomas J. Neff , and James M. Citrin
Manufacturer: Directors and Boards
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Directors & Boards, published by Directors and Boards on March 22, 2005. The length of the article is 2346 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Advice to new CEOs: get the board on board; Effective bridge-building techniques to help a new CEO establish a productive working relationship with the board.(Chief Executive Officer)
Author: Thomas J. Neff
Publication: Directors & Boards (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2005
Publisher: Directors and Boards
Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Page: 60(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

AGC helps boost safety status for Ellis Masonry.(Associated General Contractors ): An article from: Mississippi Business Journal

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AGC helps boost safety status for Ellis Masonry.(Associated General Contractors ): An article from: Mississippi Business Journal
Lynne Jeter
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Mississippi Business Journal, published by Thomson Gale on June 29, 2006. The length of the article is 777 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: AGC helps boost safety status for Ellis Masonry.(Associated General Contractors )
Author: Lynne Jeter
Publication: Mississippi Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 29, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 28 Issue: 26 Page: S11(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Amid boom, construction managers become scarce.(Industry Overview) : An article from: San Fernando Valley Business Journal

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Amid boom, construction managers become scarce.(Industry Overview) : An article from: San Fernando Valley Business Journal
Slav Kandyba
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from San Fernando Valley Business Journal, published by Thomson Gale on August 16, 2004. The length of the article is 865 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Amid boom, construction managers become scarce.(Industry Overview)
Author: Slav Kandyba
Publication: San Fernando Valley Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 16, 2004
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 9 Issue: 17 Page: 1(2)

Article Type: Industry Overview

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Army Reserve Family Program Office: building a 'ready' team. : An article from: Army Reserve Magazine

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Army Reserve Family Program Office: building a 'ready' team. : An article from: Army Reserve Magazine
Steve Yearwood
Manufacturer: U.S. Army Reserve
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Science & Technology | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Army Reserve Magazine, published by U.S. Army Reserve on December 22, 2004. The length of the article is 429 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Army Reserve Family Program Office: building a 'ready' team.
Author: Steve Yearwood
Publication: Army Reserve Magazine (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 22, 2004
Publisher: U.S. Army Reserve
Volume: 50 Issue: 3 Page: 16(4)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Around the province.(business news): An article from: SaskBusiness

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Around the province.(business news): An article from: SaskBusiness

Manufacturer: Sunrise Publishing Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from SaskBusiness, published by Sunrise Publishing Ltd. on June 1, 2003. The length of the article is 563 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Around the province.(business news)
Publication: SaskBusiness (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2003
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Ltd.
Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Page: S6(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Amazon.com

Embarking upon her singing career at the tender age of 11, Tanya Tucker grew up fast and hard and wild. She seemed destined for either the highest fame or the worst destruction--maybe even both. From the big time to rock bottom and back again, her life reads like a blueprint for one of the melancholy songs that made her a star in country music, and her revealing memoir, Nickel Dreams: My Life, leaves out little of the nitty-gritty. With the aid of author and friend Patsi Bale Cox, Tucker writes honestly about her many exploits that became tabloid fodder--a fiery public affair with Glen Campbell and a long battle with alcoholism among them--without glossing over them or apologizing. There are plenty of anecdotes and revelations about her music as well, plus a peek at the backrooms of the music business and the shady dealings that occur there. Close attention is paid to her childhood and the overbearing presence of a father/manager who wanted his daughter to be a grown woman and a little girl at the same time.

Customer Reviews:

Nickel Dreams: My Life.......2000-06-05

I recently bought this book off of a sale table at a book store, and I was pleasantly surprised at what a good book this was. Tanya Tucker has definitely had a very interesting life and career, so far, although it seemed to me while reading this book that she is always skating very closely to edge, no matter what she undertakes, and it seems as if she enjoys pushing the envelope as far as she can, without thinking of the consequences until AFTER the fact. I would be very interested in reading an addendum to this book in another 5-7 years, to see how her life has progressed and also to see how the lives of her children (I've read that she now has a third child) have progressed, as well.

Fascinating reading!.......1999-11-29

I very much liked reading this book, though not all parts of it are equally interesting. I was particularly fascinated to read about the historical background and the early living conditions of Tanya Tucker's family and the way she got both pushed by her father and at the same time pushed herself, as well, to get into a singing career. Then, there is a part that I considered rather lengthy with a lot of name dropping. I very much liked the story again as she got to the part when she had to seriously treat her drug problems. Again, it seems, she had to be pushed into it, and she foiled the system in a way, yet the goal seems to have been reached, anyway. There is quite a bit of self analyzing, unless it's her co-writer who contributed those parts. Anyway, the books is very good reading, and it's been quite some time since I finished a book so quickly.

A great book, with deep insight to her troubling childhood........1999-09-14

Tanya Tucker grew up in a family whose soul wish was to make her dreams come true. Her parents did not pressure her but gave her the oppertunity to fulfill her own dreams.

Honest behind-the-scenes look.......1998-10-18

I've followed Tanya's career since she burst on the scene. As a lifelong country music fan, I'm familiar with much of what she writes about the singers and musicians. I was impressed with her honesty in this well-written and entertaining story, and I've always been awed by her voice and energy. Although I don't approve of much of her past behavior, she appears to have weathered the storm. She's always been on my list of favorites, and still is.

Book filled with her emotions........1998-09-11

Tanya has been through almost everything, and still manages to come out on top. For those who are alcoholics, drug abusers, or victims of physical or verbal abuse you can take Tanya's experiences and know that you can find a way out.

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Nickel Dreams: My Life
Tanya / Cox, Patsi Bale Tucker
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NZS4LE

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Nickel Dreams My Life Signed
Tanya Tucker
Manufacturer: HYPERION
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q5QUPI

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Nickel Dreams, My Life
Tanya (w/ Patsi Bale Cox) Tucker
Manufacturer: New York: Hyperion, 1997
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NVLTVA

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