Interactive Computer Graphics (ICG) Fundamentals

Definition and History

• Interactive Computer Graphics (ICG) is a field of computer science that focuses on creating interactive and immersive graphical experiences.
• The term "interactive" refers to the ability of the user to influence the graphical output in real-time.
• The history of ICG dates back to the 1960s, with the development of the first graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and computer-aided design (CAD) systems.

Key Concepts

• Graphics pipeline: The process of rendering 2D or 3D graphics on a computer screen, involving stages such as vertex transformation, clipping, and rasterization.
• Interactive techniques: Methods used to enhance user interaction, such as:
  • Feedback: Providing users with visual, auditory, or haptic cues to respond to their actions.
  • Direct manipulation: Allowing users to directly manipulate graphical objects using input devices.
  • Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): Immersive technologies that simulate or enhance the user's environment.

Input Devices and Technologies

• Mouse and keyboard: Traditional input devices used for interacting with graphical interfaces.
• Touchscreens and touchpads: Devices that enable users to interact with graphics using touch gestures.
• Motion sensing and tracking: Technologies that track the user's movements, such as those used in VR and AR systems.
• Haptic devices: Devices that provide tactile feedback to the user, such as vibration or force feedback.

Rendering and Animation

• Real-time rendering: The process of rendering graphics in real-time, allowing for interactive and dynamic graphical experiences.
• Animation techniques: Methods used to create the illusion of motion, such as:
  • Keyframe animation: Defining key positions and properties of objects over time.
  • Physics-based animation: Simulating real-world physics to create realistic motion.

Applications and Fields

• Computer-aided design (CAD): Using ICG to design and visualize 2D and 3D models.
• Video games: Interactive graphical experiences that simulate virtual environments and scenarios.
• Scientific visualization: Using ICG to visualize and analyze complex data in fields such as medicine, astronomy, and climate science.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR): Immersive technologies used in fields such as education, training, and entertainment.

Definition and History

• Interactive Computer Graphics (ICG) focuses on creating interactive and immersive graphical experiences.
• ICG enables users to influence graphical output in real-time.
• The field of ICG dates back to the 1960s, with the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and computer-aided design (CAD) systems.

Key Concepts

• The graphics pipeline is the process of rendering 2D or 3D graphics on a computer screen.
• Graphics pipeline involves stages such as vertex transformation, clipping, and rasterization.
• Interactive techniques enhance user interaction, including feedback, direct manipulation, and virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
• Feedback provides users with visual, auditory, or haptic cues to respond to their actions.
• Direct manipulation allows users to directly manipulate graphical objects using input devices.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are immersive technologies that simulate or enhance the user's environment.

Input Devices and Technologies

• Mouse and keyboard are traditional input devices used for interacting with graphical interfaces.
• Touchscreens and touchpads enable users to interact with graphics using touch gestures.
• Motion sensing and tracking technologies track the user's movements, such as those used in VR and AR systems.
• Haptic devices provide tactile feedback to the user, such as vibration or force feedback.

Rendering and Animation

• Real-time rendering is the process of rendering graphics in real-time, allowing for interactive and dynamic graphical experiences.
• Animation techniques create the illusion of motion, including keyframe animation and physics-based animation.
• Keyframe animation defines key positions and properties of objects over time.
• Physics-based animation simulates real-world physics to create realistic motion.

Applications and Fields

• Computer-aided design (CAD) uses ICG to design and visualize 2D and 3D models.
• Video games provide interactive graphical experiences that simulate virtual environments and scenarios.
• Scientific visualization uses ICG to visualize and analyze complex data in fields such as medicine, astronomy, and climate science.
• Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are immersive technologies used in fields such as education, training, and entertainment.