What is Alfa mapping?

Alfa mapping is a process by which the texture is applied to an object in three -dimensional (3D) computer -generated images (CGI) that creates transparency. The term 'opacity' is often used in computer graphics and full opacity means that the object is solid, while no opacity is indicated by a transparent object. Alpha Mapping is to create a texture map for an object that does not provide color or texture, but instead indicates different levels of opacity. The map for this is usually created as an object in the gray level: where white indicates full opacity, black is transparent and various shades of gray represent gradients between the two extremes.

While alpha mapping may seem complicated, the process and methodology behind it are actually quite simple. Objects in 3D CGI are created as a number of shapes or polygons that are joined together to create a larger shape. For example, a square box can be made using only six polygons, with a single four -sided shape on eachside with the box. More complex objects are made in almost the same way, although they can consist of many other polygons as needed to create curves and other details.

This shape, often called "network", is used by a number of different "maps" to add colors, images and textures. This simple box can have a applied texture map with the appearance of wooden boards, so it seems that each side has been made of wood. This is often a relatively complicated process that includes a number of different maps that are combined to make the network as realistic as possible.

Alfa mapping is simply one part of this larger process that adds additional realism and can be used to add details in many ways. Different types of images can be used while mapping alpha, although the image used is usually simple graphics in gray levels. This means that it does not contain any colorU, but the insad consists only of black, white and shades of gray. The image created in this way is referred to as "Alfa map".

Once the map is applied to the object, then its parts that are white in the alpha map appear as normal, while the black parts are completely transparent. Different shades of gray can be used to indicate different levels of opacity to map alpha. Tones closer to white are stronger, while tones towards black are more transparent. In fact, this will not change the net itself, only its appearance.

Alfa mapping is important for creating realistic computer graphics that are not too intense for rendering or displaying. If an artist wants to create a hole in a box in the previous example, then this would require a change in the number of polygons to form a hole in one of the sides. However, the use of Alfa mapping allows the artist to simply create a map with a black area for a hole that becomes a transparent inknučný picture.