ZBrush functional evaluation and Future
Pixologic ZBrush company R & D is produced by the role of a professional 3D modeling software. From 1999 to 2007 the market early August, it has gone through a number of versions of the updated version of its current 3.1.
It is now 3.1 release has been more than six months, and I also have a function to a more detailed study of Next, I will do what the function of the current review, and delivered to the expectations of its future development.
The first ——About interface
ZBrush each version of the interface will be improved. This consists of two parts, first appearance of the user interface, the interface is flexible.
Refers to the look and feel of the interface project icon and the interface elements of color.
With regard to the former, the use of version 3.1 users will own experience, the tools icon ZBrush has been a new design, the interface is not only the overall feeling gorgeous and elegant, using them will be feeling very comfortable.
For the latter, this function has been a tremendous expansion. Users can （Preferences> Icolors subpalette） found to Control the ZBrush interface for color changes. Software offers a very extensive and meticulous control that allows the user to adjust the colour of their favorite settings. Use them, users can adjust the overall color of the interface, such as color partial to blue or partial to purple; can also separate elements for each type of precision color settings. This fully embodies the human software, personalized ideas.
Interface flexibility of the interface is that the adjustment of the layout and interface capacity.
For the former, the current user can set in the use of the interface during the impact of control options, so as to achieve a more comfortable environment manipulation.
For the latter, ZBrush 3.x have very strong create custom palette (or even create subpalette) function. Now, users can use this feature to build a new interface! Software with a powerful shortcut function, ZBrush use efficiency can be greatly improved. This is basically a software solution brought about by the continued escalation of the functions of bloated problem.
It can be predicted that in the next version of ZBrush will remain constant development interface features to make it more convenient, more flexible, more humane.
The Second ——About Sculpt
ZBrush 3 in the sculpture exhibit a brand new concept, it has been completely free from the limitations of the 2.0, The sculpt function has really come into a 3D environment. Many improvements in this area, mainly manifested in two ways,
The first, Sculpt brushes upgrade and expand, and the second, users can now use of the Alpha and strokes directly in the 3D model of the sculpture environment. This not only improved the operational efficiency, but also greatly improved the user operation feel. ZBrush 3 should be considered the most important one of the updates.
Obviously, ZBrush current brushes the edge is unparalleled, and its operational efficiency is first. This function has basically established a sculpture in the digital industry’s position. It can be predicted that in the next version will add more types of brushes and strokes, allowing the user to more effortless sculpt the model. In addition, I hope that the software can increase the absolute pressure control, and this can be used to set the intensity of the model sculpture, after all, entirely too arbitrary use of a sense of pressure, and sometimes we do not need this kind of arbitrariness.
The Third ——About Tool Palette update
In The Tool Palette has increase three subPalettes: Subtool, 3D Layer and HD Geometry.
Subtool
for the appearance of the subtool subPalettes make up before at the same time unable to edit multiple versions of objects defects,but also expanded the number of polygons in the software affordability. At present, with SubTool Master (a tool Masters) plug-in tools to simplify many of the operations involved, the plug-in also provides more control - mirror, duplicate, merge, export all your subtools at once, fill all your subtools with color and/or materials and many other things! the basic remedy before SubTool functional deficiencies. But also the lack of a search function, if the objects are more up is not so easy to find.
3D layer
3D layer can be store the sculpt/displacement effect and mesh deformation effects into different layers, through switch layer to achieve the preview and adjust, so users can separate the modeling production process into a number of different stages, thus the workflow have a stronger controlling power. Of course, there is a limit: users can establish a certain level layers, but only to operate at this level it can not operate at every level to the level has been established.
The current situation similar to the functions of the PS layer, but a lot worse than the PS, for example, the lack of group functions. I look forward to the future in 3D layer can increase store color function, and based on this increased layers mixed mode control. Although this was not likely to BodyPaint3d at the same time, as shown in the model of multi-channel texture mapping, but can also copy the layer and color adjustment functions (contrast), color layers quickly modified for a variety of channels (high light, diffuse reflectance, etc.) the effect of and thus greatly enhance its efficiency.
HD Geometry
HD Geometry function has been elevated the digital sculpt features(ZBrush) to a new limit ——ZBrush can support billions of polygons. This would increase much more small details for the models，such as the pores of the skin and the traces of various stains.
It lies in the limitations of the current absence of a corresponding output functions (displacement/normal/color), so users only for the production of high-precision of the static picture frame. I hope that it will be increasing output function (including HD video rendering output). In addition to lifting of the restrictions and other functions, for example, it can not combine with 3D layer,can not paint and sculpt in the perspective view, and so on.
Part IV ——[color=orange]About Painting
It mainly consists of two parts: PolyPainting and ZApplink plugins.
PolyPainting is a vertex color function, it is ZBrush painting function of the internal part of the previous version, users can use projection master to painting textures. In 3. X version of the painting has also function as sculpture can be functional as a 3D environment in the operation ——Alpha, stroke and texture directly applied on the model. Through with Mask function, users can draw a complete than with the model, with a high precision color. This is not only the efficiency of the operation, the overall improvement of its quality, so this is one of the ZBrush 3 most significant updates.
For PolyPainting, I hope that the adjustment will bring more software tools brushes (contrast, saturation, etc.) to 3D environment, and this can be further improved graphics capabilities, accelerating operational efficiency - no need to enter projection Masters.
Zapplink is a plugin connector. If other users want to use mapping software to map color mapping, then they can use it to the canvas ZBrush transfer to other graphics software, and then drawing the map in which, and then be drawn map of the results communicated back ZBrush model to serve as an extension of ZBrush texture mapping function.
For Zapplink, I think it has improved the comparison. And BP different ZBrush structure is not suitable for the use of the PS filters, the choice of software in a more thorough way, the initiative of the painting to the PS. Although this reduces the interaction with the model painting, but can use more software mapping plane advantage.
Part V ——About Topology and projection
Topology
ZBrush topology function is part of its nonlinear processes. Through the use of topological features, users can establish a new model of the grid topology - for animation, cabling reasonable grid model. Topology, the use of grid projection source model will shrink wrapped to the physical topology model after model without any loss of detail.
ZBrush topology operation very simple and practical: Click on the surface, will capture a model to determine the surface, there will be more to the click, point-to-point links between the constructed surface. Although this operation is not particularly efficient, but - in simple. Of course, compared with similar software, it still has much room for the upgrade, I think we should achieve at least ‘04 years’ video display standards - only builds frame, each polygon do not fully link can be automatically generated links in the internal relations . Obviously, this efficiency to be much higher. In this strongly hope that it can be further improved.
Mesh Projection
ZBrush mesh projection is not a particularly perfect, if not closed model (such as the eyes, mouth), it is easy in these region grid explosion phenomenon, which need to manually repair more disgusting. Therefore, I hope that the future will increase in the projection, ignored the functions of the border closure. In addition, the projection function in the ears, mouth and other regional folding is always a problem, this is because there is no vector displacement function, can not accurately calculate replacement direction. Currently supports Vector displacement map the software only is Modo and xsi, I hope that ZBrush can keep up with.
Note:
About Displacement textures，there are two types :
Grayscale displacement map and the Vector displacement map.
Grayscale map will displacement model only along the surface normal to have a high degree of migration.
Vector displacement map not only records (displacement Grayscale images) vertex offset the strength of data can also be recorded in the direction vertex information, which can be more realistic model of the reduction of the original carving effect.
Part VI ——About Pose Model function
In ZBrush 3.x，there are two method to pose models ——Transpose and ZSphere Rig function.
Transpose
Transpose is one of the higher utilization rates. Transpose needs use of an action line operationor, users can use it to adjust the overall model of the position, scale and orientation, with its Mask function is also possible to adjust the local of the model. This function is very simpler；more emphasis manual adjustment, as it does not have the weight control of other software, so after adjustments, users often need to manually modify some unsatisfactory region (mesh deformation). So it’s advantage lies in its ability to quickly adjust. In short, this is a very practical function.
At present, I think this function is a relatively ideal solution, the only shortcoming is that it can not be rapid positioned the action points to the center of the model, and sometimes we need to adjust viewport in a number of directions to ensure that the operation point accuracy.
ZSphere Rig
ZSphere Rig function adopted similar as ‘skeleton’ ideas to drive the model—— with other similar animation software. At present there are mainly two kinds of assembly type: Volume Rig and the Surface Rig.The function is intended to help users to quickly adjust model pose and facial expression, but this feature with the original preview video（04 year） is far differently. Current it has lots of Bugs——reducing its value, is really regrettable - because it is impossible to Transpose to regulate the expression. I hope that in the next version it can be improved, because it really is a very useful function.
Part VII About various Mask functions
Mask is one of the core functions of ZBrush. Each version vigorously in the development of this part of the function can be improved to allow users more control model of the surface. It has a look at the current limitations, users can not directly in the model interactive Show Mask changes, this allows some operators become less intuitive, in addition, the functions are located in Mask tools and brushes-board, it would perhaps more rational integration .
On some of the ideas Mask: I hope that ZBrush able to provide precise definition of the scope of the functions of the mask, because ZBrush stressed that freedom to operate manually, and manually drawn mask is not absolutely accurate. Therefore, if ZBrush has similar 2D graphics software (Photoshop or Illustrator) vector function curves, and the model can be used to map the shape of a curve into a mask, can be perfect to achieve results. If ownership of the function, which will greatly enhance the quality of the model ZBrush it more convenient for the production of similar machinery spare parts, various accessories, patterns pictorial effects.
Part VIII About various display functions
The upgrading of the main display is MatCap material and realtime preview shadow.
MatCap material
ZBrush 3.x preview of the material than before upgrading great, a lot of material in the preview mode can not play up close to see the effect of rendering the best. MatCap material to which the effect of the more prominent, the material can be real-world textures and lighting applied to the model, it not only enhance the performance of the material ZBrush capacity, but will not affect operational efficiency, is an extremely useful function.
Realtime shadows
Realtime shadows that allows users to the need for the best rendering, we can see the shadow of the model results. Similar function in a certain software, but the effect is clearly ZBrush is the best, and the highest efficiency, or even require special graphics. Currently, the limit is only generate the shadow of a light, it can not completely replace the function of the shadow of the best rendering.
In addition, the display features, I hope we can have such improvements:
- Perspective function will become closer to other 3D software.
- Background image no longer impact models.
- add Shielding backface（model）display function——reference Background image to adjust the model.
- Support more lights for preview.
Part VIII About Recording features
Recording features include script recording, macro recording and video recording. They are based on ZScript only applications vary.
Script recording
Script recording features mainly for the production of teaching, but In ZBrush 3. X version , when the users play the Zscript, the software can not direction the use of the command, so the basic function has been ineffective.
macro recording
macro recording features will record the users operational flow to generate customized tools - when playing the recorded macros can replay the operation, which was to achieve to speed up operation, the purpose of simplifying processes. Of course, the role of far more than that. It is a meaningful function. Currently, it has some minor problems, every time all the subpalettes will be unfolded, the users will feel some inconvenient, I hope that the software can increase closed/Unfold all subpalettes function .
Video recording
Video recording, due to the above mentioned problems——the script, and it does not contain the voice recorder function,so I rarely used. Of course, The users can still use its turntable video function, it is very useful.
Part IX About symmetry functions
At present, ZBrush symmetry function in the structure has matured, it contains mirror symmetry (sculpt and paint), posable symmetry(sculpt and paint), and a unique Radial symmetry (sculpt and paint). In addition Resymmetry（Smart resym and resym）model functions.
However, it has also some problems: For example, posable symmetry function can only establish and operate in a certain level, and can not transfer to other levels. Resymmetry model sometimes be wrong, and it can not be applied on the ZSphere model. I hope that these functions can be improved in the future.
Radial Symmetry functions that can be learned Mandala Painter some advantages, such users will be drawn pictorial more convenient.
Part X About displacement and normal function
The current version of displacement and the normal functions have been more perfect, although there are several small Bug, it should be resolved in the next update. Overall, I think the ZBrush displacement and normal function is the best generation tool, very flexible for variety of softwares.
Sorry my english:p
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