Computer Graphics Chapter 5

Computer Graphics Chapter 5

• This chapter covers computer graphics.
• The table of contents includes topics such as multimedia, elements of multimedia, graphics, types of graphics, multimedia interaction, linear vs. non-linear, authoring tools, multimedia importance, and multimedia products.
• Further topics discussed include 2D and 3D animation, differentiating between the two, and examples of each.

What is Multimedia?

• Multimedia is derived from "multi" and "media."
• "Multi" means many or multiple.
• "Media" refers to multiple forms of distribution tools and information presentation (text, graphic, voice, images, music).
• Multimedia utilizes multiple information content types for efficient presentation.

Definition of Multimedia

• Multimedia combines text, graphics, audio, animation, and video delivered interactively.
• It involves electronic or digitally manipulated means, where various elements work together to enrich the user's experience.

Elements of Multimedia

• Text: The foundation of multimedia, containing words used in written communication, including titles, headings, captions, labels, content, menus, and navigation.
• Graphic: Digital representations of non-text information (drawings, charts, photographs), used to convey messages clearly and effectively in multimedia presentations, examples include diagrams, pictures, logos, and more.
• Audio: Created by vibrations, perceived by the hearing sense, used in multimedia to attract attention, convey ideas, evoke emotions, or dramatize points. It includes narration, instructions, sound effects, and background music.
• Animation: A process of making static images appear to move, simulating the illusion of motion using sequential graphics. It enhances user understanding and enriches the user experience with multimedia. There are two main types of animation: 2D (two-dimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional).
• Video: Moving pictures with sound, commonly used to portray realistic visuals (e.g., photo-realistic sequences). It also conveys messages and ideas vividly. Video components are substantial and require careful planning for storage purposes.

Types of Graphics

• Vector Graphics: Represent images through geometric shapes and mathematical equations. Vector graphics file sizes are typically smaller than bitmap graphics.
• Bitmap Graphics: Represent images by a grid of dots called pixels and typically have a larger file size.

Authoring Tools

• Tools used to merge multimedia elements (text, audio, graphics, animation, and video) into a complete project.
• Software is designed to manage individual components and support user interactions.
• Examples include Adobe After Effects, Adobe Flash Professional, Toon Boom, Anime Studio (2D animation). Autodesk 3Ds Max, Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, and Blender (3D animation).

Types of Multimedia Presentations

• Linear: A multimedia project presented in a sequential manner, with no user control over the flow. Examples include movies, non-interactive presentations, and demonstrations.
• Nonlinear: A multimedia project allows user interaction and control over the content presentation, offering navigational options. This often involves hyperlinks, allowing the user to navigate to different sections or resources. Examples include games, courseware, and interactive CDs.

Interactive Multimedia

• Multimedia becomes interactive when users have the option to control the elements of a presentation.
• Hypermedia is a non-linear type of computer-based experience that blends hypertext, plain text, graphics, audio, video, and hyperlinks, enabling user navigation and interaction.
• Hypertext is a simplified text format with embedded hyperlinks, routing users to other locations on a network.
• Hyperlinks are connections (URLs) that allow users to move between computer resources like web pages.

Multimedia Products

• Multimedia finds applications in various sectors, including:
  • Business: Used for creating presentations, company profiles, promotional marketing materials, and product demonstrations.
  • Education: Used for creating e-learning materials, simulations, and textbooks (e-books).
  • Entertainment: Used for creating games, movies on demand, and other entertainment media.
  • Public Places: Used for digital billboards, interactive kiosks, and similar applications.

Advantages of Multimedia

• Ease of use
• Gains and holds attention
• Improvement in traditional methods
• Entertaining and educational
• Trendy

Class Activity

• Students work in groups (6-8 people)
• They select an animation/cartoon/movie/advertising program
• They create a mind map detailing the elements of multimedia in the chosen program.