Content area

Abstract

This thesis investigates how procedural, highly flexible workflows often come with a steep technical learning curve for artists who lack experience with complex node-based systems exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI), in the guise of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and a Model Context Protocol (MCP), can bridge this gap by enabling users to define and modify procedural networks using natural language inputs. Some platforms, such as Unreal Engine, Nuke, Houdini, and Maya, have pipelines through which AI technologies may be integrated. Houdini was chosen as the preferred environment for initial testing, allowing thorough experimentation, as it is node-based and supports Python integrations. This experimentation led to the development of several prototype tools, including terrain, color ramp, shape, and curve generators, which were interlinked through Python scripting with large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-3.5-Turbo. The results of the qualitative trial showed that small asset creation tasks were relatively easy to automate and yielded consistent results. However, more complex node manipulations still required multiple steps and iterative adjustments, which were drastically streamlined with the implementation of MCP. The results confirm that AI-assisted systems, when well balanced with procedural design principles, can make node-based workflows more reproducible, accessible, and efficient without sacrificing user control over creativity. Future directions include broader integration across platforms like Blender, Maya, and Unreal Engine, where hybrid AI-procedure pipelines could further improve digital content creation.

Details

1010268
Business indexing term
Title
Transforming Procedural 3D Workflows Through the Power of NLP and MCP
Number of pages
63
Publication year
2025
Degree date
2025
School code
0065
Source
MAI 86/12(E), Masters Abstracts International
ISBN
9798280784642
Committee member
Polyak, Emil; Dickman, Elliot
University/institution
Drexel University
Department
Digital Media (Westphal College of Media Arts and Design)
University location
United States -- Pennsylvania
Degree
M.S.
Source type
Dissertation or Thesis
Language
English
Document type
Dissertation/Thesis
Dissertation/thesis number
32115392
ProQuest document ID
3220667274
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/transforming-procedural-3d-workflows-through/docview/3220667274/se-2?accountid=208611
Copyright
Database copyright ProQuest LLC; ProQuest does not claim copyright in the individual underlying works.
Database
ProQuest One Academic