Introduction to Computer Graphics

Definition and Overview

• 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.

Applications

• Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
• Video games and interactive simulations
• Animation and special effects in movies and television
• Scientific visualization and data visualization
• Architectural visualization and urban planning
• Medical imaging and visualization

Types of Computer Graphics

• 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

Graphics Pipeline

• 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

Graphics Rendering

• 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 Hardware

• 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 Software

• 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

Definition and Overview

• 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.

Applications

• 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.

Types of Computer Graphics

• 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.

Graphics Pipeline

• 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.

Graphics Rendering

• 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 Hardware

• 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 Software

• 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.