Computer Graphics Fundamentals

Introduction

• Computer graphics is the field of study concerned with generating and manipulating images using computers.
• It involves the use of mathematical and computational techniques to create, manipulate, and display visual content.

Key Concepts

• Raster Graphics: Represent images as a grid of pixels, with each pixel having a specific color and intensity.
• Vector Graphics: Represent images using geometric shapes and lines, defined by mathematical equations.
• 2D Graphics: Images are represented in two dimensions, using x and y coordinates.
• 3D Graphics: Images are represented in three dimensions, using x, y, and z coordinates.

Graphics Pipeline

• The process of generating an image on a computer involves several stages:
  1. Modelling: Creating a mathematical representation of a scene or object.
  2. Transformations: Applying transformations to the model, such as rotations and translations.
  3. Viewing: Defining the camera's position and orientation.
  4. Projection: Projecting the 3D scene onto a 2D image plane.
  5. Rendering: Calculating the final image, taking into account lighting, shading, and texture.

Rendering Techniques

• Ray Tracing: Simulates the way light behaves in the real world, tracing the path of light as it bounces off objects.
• Scanline Rendering: Divides the image into horizontal lines and renders each line separately.
• Rasterization: Converts 3D models into 2D images, using the graphics processing unit (GPU).

Graphics Hardware

• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): A specialized computer chip designed for high-performance graphics processing.
• VRAM (Video RAM): A type of memory dedicated to storing graphical data.

Applications

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Uses computer graphics to create and manipulate 2D and 3D models.
• Video Games: Utilizes computer graphics to create immersive and interactive environments.
• Scientific Visualization: Uses computer graphics to visualize and analyze complex data.
• Film and Animation: Employs computer graphics to create special effects and animated sequences.

Computer Graphics

• Computer graphics is the field of study concerned with generating and manipulating images using computers.
• It involves the use of mathematical and computational techniques to create, manipulate, and display visual content.

Graphics Types

• Raster Graphics: Represent images as a grid of pixels, with each pixel having a specific color and intensity.
• Vector Graphics: Represent images using geometric shapes and lines, defined by mathematical equations.
• 2D Graphics: Images are represented in two dimensions, using x and y coordinates.
• 3D Graphics: Images are represented in three dimensions, using x, y, and z coordinates.

Graphics Pipeline

• The process of generating an image on a computer involves several stages:
  • Modelling: Creating a mathematical representation of a scene or object.
  • Transformations: Applying transformations to the model, such as rotations and translations.
  • Viewing: Defining the camera's position and orientation.
  • Projection: Projecting the 3D scene onto a 2D image plane.
  • Rendering: Calculating the final image, taking into account lighting, shading, and texture.

Rendering Techniques

• Ray Tracing: Simulates the way light behaves in the real world, tracing the path of light as it bounces off objects.
• Scanline Rendering: Divides the image into horizontal lines and renders each line separately.
• Rasterization: Converts 3D models into 2D images, using the graphics processing unit (GPU).

Graphics Hardware

• GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): A specialized computer chip designed for high-performance graphics processing.
• VRAM (Video RAM): A type of memory dedicated to storing graphical data.

Applications

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Uses computer graphics to create and manipulate 2D and 3D models.
• Video Games: Utilizes computer graphics to create immersive and interactive environments.
• Scientific Visualization: Uses computer graphics to visualize and analyze complex data.
• Film and Animation: Employs computer graphics to create special effects and animated sequences.