Interactive Computer Graphics (ICG) Fundamentals

Study Notes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.