Start point for building 3D modeling software

Question

I need to build a simple software that should be able to build a 3D models in a simple and a convenient way, I have very strong Java skills and thought to use Java3D or Java Monkey Engine for my back-end. I would love to hear your ideas on how such a project could be started. What would you do in the first place ?

Any ideas and suggestions will be highly appreciated!

Answer 1

I would suggest starting by thinking about the interaction model you're trying to achieve and who your target user is - having a clear mental picture of how you want to use the system will help you maintain focus.

For example, do you imagine your editing process being one wherein you build your 3d objects up by combining 'primitive' objects like cuboids, spheres, cylinders and so on through an approach referred to as Constructive Solid Geometry adding, subtracting or intersecting three dimensional volumes from each other.

Or, do you see yourself taking an approach like that offered by Rhino3d (among many others that's just one I happen to enjoy working in) wherein you can draw curves and perform operations such as revolving around an axis to create a surface of revolution, or lofting curves along a path to create a surface, extruding to give surfaces volume and so on.

Or do you envisage a deformation approach, wherein you start with a 3d shape which you then sculpt like virtual clay by pulling or repelling points on the surface in a particular direction.

Your choice of modelling approach will make some things easier to model (and to code) and other things harder. You can aim to include several different modelling methods in a single app, but focusing on one to start with should help you make progress.

If you haven't used many modelling applications, then I would suggest downloading a few trial versions of applications and seeing what approach suits you the best.

You should also consider whether you are going to focus on creating and editing polygon meshes, and so can focus on creating tools to operate on meshes, or whether you are going to model using parametric surfaces.