Introduction to Computer Graphics

Study Notes

Computer graphics is the study of creating and manipulating visual content using computers.
It involves the use of algorithms, data structures, and software to generate and manipulate 2D and 3D images.
Computer graphics is a multidisciplinary field that combines computer science, mathematics, art, and design.

Raster graphics: composed of pixels, used for digital images and photography
Vector graphics: composed of lines and curves, used for logos, icons, and graphics
2D graphics: two-dimensional images and graphics
3D graphics: three-dimensional models and animations

Input: user input, such as keyboard and mouse interactions
Geometry: creation and manipulation of 3D models and objects
Transformations: applying transformations to objects, such as rotation and translation
Viewing: determining the viewpoint and camera perspective
Rendering: generating the final 2D image from the 3D scene
Output: displaying the final image on the screen

Rasterization: rendering 3D scenes into 2D images using pixels
Ray tracing: rendering 3D scenes by simulating the way light behaves in the real world
Scanline rendering: rendering 3D scenes by processing the image one scanline at a time

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): specialized hardware designed for high-performance graphics processing
Graphics Card: a computer component that contains the GPU and other supporting components
Video RAM (VRAM): dedicated memory for storing graphics data

Graphics libraries: software libraries that provide pre-built functions and tools for graphics programming
Graphics APIs: application programming interfaces that provide access to graphics hardware and software
Graphics editors: software applications for creating and editing graphics and images

Computer graphics is the study of creating and manipulating visual content using computers, combining computer science, mathematics, art, and design.
It involves the use of algorithms, data structures, and software to generate and manipulate 2D and 3D images.

Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) use computer graphics to create and modify designs.
Video games and interactive simulations rely on computer graphics to generate immersive experiences.
Animation and special effects in movies and television employ computer graphics to create realistic scenes and characters.
Scientific visualization and data visualization use computer graphics to represent complex data and information.
Architectural visualization and urban planning utilize computer graphics to create 3D models and designs.
Medical imaging and visualization apply computer graphics to visualize and analyze medical data.

Raster graphics are composed of pixels and are used for digital images and photography.
Vector graphics are composed of lines and curves and are used for logos, icons, and graphics.
2D graphics involve two-dimensional images and graphics.
3D graphics involve three-dimensional models and animations.

The graphics pipeline consists of six stages: input, geometry, transformations, viewing, rendering, and output.
Input stage involves user input, such as keyboard and mouse interactions.
Geometry stage creates and manipulates 3D models and objects.
Transformations stage applies transformations to objects, such as rotation and translation.
Viewing stage determines the viewpoint and camera perspective.
Rendering stage generates the final 2D image from the 3D scene.
Output stage displays the final image on the screen.

Rasterization is a rendering technique that renders 3D scenes into 2D images using pixels.
Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates the way light behaves in the real world.
Scanline rendering is a rendering technique that processes the image one scanline at a time.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is specialized hardware designed for high-performance graphics processing.
Graphics Card is a computer component that contains the GPU and other supporting components.
Video RAM (VRAM) is dedicated memory for storing graphics data.

Graphics libraries are software libraries that provide pre-built functions and tools for graphics programming.
Graphics APIs are application programming interfaces that provide access to graphics hardware and software.
Graphics editors are software applications for creating and editing graphics and images.