Graphics and Visual Computing

Graphics and Visual Computing

• Is a field that involves creating, manipulating, and analyzing visual content using computational techniques
• Combines elements of computer science, mathematics, art, and design to generate realistic or stylized images, animations, and visual effects

Discipline of Graphics and Visual Computing

• Computer Graphics: Creating and rendering visual content such as images, animations, and 3D models on a computer
• Visualization: Representing complex data in visual forms to help with understanding, analysis, or decision-making - Includes scientific, medical, and data visualization
• Image Processing: Manipulating and enhancing images using algorithms, such as filtering, noise reduction, and edge detection
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Using software to create precise drawings and models - Often used in engineering, architecture, and industrial design
• Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Creating immersive 3D environments and interactive experiences for users, often combining computer graphics and simulation techniques
• Animation and Visual Effects: Generating movement and transformations in images, such as in films, video games, and interactive media

Overview of Graphic System

• Graphic systems refer to hardware and software systems used to create, process, and render graphical data
• Components include:
  • Input Devices: Mouse, graphics tablets, 3D scanners
  • Output Devices: Monitors, projectors, VR headsets
  • Graphics Software: CAD tools, game engines, image editing software
• Applications include:
  • Entertainment
  • Healthcare
  • VR
  • Design and Engineering
  • Simulation
  • AR
  • Urban Planning

Introduction to Graphics Pipeline

• Graphics Pipeline: A sequence of stages to transform 2D/3D models into pixels on a screen
  • Application Stage: High-level operations like input processing, scene setup, and animation
  • Vertex Program: Transforms vertices from object space to screen space, applying transformations like scaling, rotation, and translation
  • Geometry Program: Processes primitives (points, lines, triangles) and creates new geometry if needed
  • Clipping and Rasterization: Clips geometry to fit the viewport and converts primitives into fragments (potential pixels)
  • Fragment Program: Calculates color, texture, and lighting for each fragment
  • Framebuffer Operations: Final stage where fragments are combined to form the final image and sent to the screen

Color Theory

• Color theory is the study of how colors interact, influence emotions, and are perceived in design
• Guides designers in creating visually appealing and meaningful graphics
• Makes use of Primary Colors (RYB), Secondary Colors (GOP), and Tertiary Colors

Color Harmonies

• Complementary: Opposite on the color wheel (e.g., red & green)
• Analogous: Next to each other (e.g., blue, green, and teal)
• Triadic: Three evenly spaced colors (e.g., red, yellow, blue)
• Split-Complementary: A base color and two adjacent to its complement
• Tetradic: Consists of four colors arranged into two complementary pairs

Color Properties

• Hue: The base color (e.g., red, blue, green)
• Saturation: Intensity or purity of a color (vivid vs. dull)
• Value: Lightness or darkness of a color (tints, shades, and tones)

Understanding Digital Graphics

• Digital graphics refer to visual images created and manipulated using computers
• Two main types: Raster Graphics & Vector Graphics
• Pixels: Smallest unit of a digital image, represented as tiny squares of color - Measured in PPI or DPI

Graphics Types

• Raster Graphics: Images made up of a grid of pixels (bitmap images) - Formats: (JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF)
  • JPG/JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): Widely used compressed image format that balances quality and file size (photographs and web images)
  • PNG (Portable Network Graphics): Lossless image format that supports transparency (web graphics and UI elements)
  • GIF (Graphics Interchange Format): Format designed for simple animations and limited color images (ideal for web usage)
  • BMP (Bitmap Image File): An uncompressed image format that preserves high quality (storing raw pixel data)
  • TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): High-quality image format used in professional photography and publishing (professional printing and publishing)
• Vector Graphics: Images made of mathematical equations (points, lines, and curves) - Formats: (SVG, AI, EPS, PDF)
  • SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): Vector-based format ideal for scalable web graphics
  • AI (Adobe Illustrator File): Proprietary vector format used in Adobe Illustrator for graphic design
  • EPS (Encapsulated PostScript): Vector format commonly used for professional printing
  • PDF (Portable Document Format): Versatile format that can contain both raster and vector graphics

When to use Raster vs Vector Graphics

• Raster Graphics: Photographs, textures, detailed images
• Vector Graphics: Logos, icons, text-heavy graphics

File Formats to Use Depending on Purpose

• Web: PNG, JPG, SVG
• Print: TIFF, EPS, PDF
• Animation: GIF, APNG, SVG

Color Coding

• A system for representing colors using numerical values - Used in digital design, printing, and web development - Common models: RGB, CMYK, and RYB
• RYB (Red, Yellow, Blue): Used in traditional painting and mixing physical pigments
• RGB (Red, Green, Blue): Used in digital screens because light is additive
• CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black): Used in printing because ink absorbs light (subtractive model)
• RGB can be converted to Hex
• Has practical applications in:
  • Web & UI Design: RGB & Hex Codes
  • Printing & Publishing: CMYK
  • Fine Arts & Traditional Media: RYB

Intellectual Property and Computer Graphics

• RA 8293, or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines, was enacted in 1997
• This act protects intellectual property rights (IPR), including patents, trademarks, and copyrights
• It ensures that creators and inventors receive recognition and financial benefits for their work

Types of Intellectual Property

• Patents: Granted to inventors for novel and industrially applicable inventions
• Trademarks: A trademark is a unique symbol, logo, or brand name used to distinguish products or services
• Copyrights: Copyright protects original works such as digital illustrations, animations, and graphic designs

How to Protect Your Computer Graphics Under RA 8293

• Copyright Registration: File a copyright application with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL)
• Watermarking & Digital Signatures: Embed digital signatures to prove ownership
• Licensing & Contracts: Use agreements when selling or allowing others to use your work
• Monitoring & Enforcement: Use online tools to detect unauthorized use

Infringement Under RA 8293

• Infringement occurs when someone uses, copies, or reproduces a copyrighted, patented, or trademarked work without permission
• Types of infringement in computer graphics:
  • Copyright infringement: Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of digital artwork, animations, or graphics
  • Patent infringement: Using a patented rendering algorithm or design process without permission
  • Trademark infringement: Using logos or symbols that closely resemble registered trademarks

Criminal Liabilities under RA 8293

• Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or sale
• Counterfeiting trademarks
• Patent infringement
• Digital piracy and unauthorized use
• Criminal Penalties under RA 8293:
• First Offense: 1 - 3yrs imprisonment + P50, 000 – P150, 000 fine
• Second Offense: 3yrs and 1 day - 6 yrs + P150,000 – P500,000 fine
• Third+ Offense: 6yrs and 1 day – 9yrs + P500,000 – P1,500,000 fine
• Challenges and Issues in IP Protection:
• Digital piracy and art theft
• Difficult enforcement
• Awareness and education
• Conclusion and Call to Action:
• Protect your work!
• Educate others
• Report violations
• Continue innovating