MCA101: Computer Graphics Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum throughput required for real-time processing?

18 frames per second (FPS) (correct)

24 frames per second (FPS)

60 frames per second (FPS)

30 frames per second (FPS)

At a target of 24 FPS, how much computation time per pixel is required for a resolution of 1024 × 768?

135 ns

77000 ns

40 ns

53 ns (correct)

Which of the following accurately represents how color is stored in machine code?

As a 16-bit grayscale value

As a mem block of 24-bits (correct)

As an array of 32-bits

As a vector of RGB values

What does interpolation primarily involve in the context of visualization?

Estimating values between two states Signup and view all the answers

For a GPU with 384 cores, what is the computation time per pixel for a resolution of 1920 × 1280?

6.5 µs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following display technologies was introduced in 1995?

Plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key components mentioned in the graphics outline that is related to performance limitations?

Constraint of the Real-time Signup and view all the answers

Which printing method is associated with modern raster graphics?

Offset Press Signup and view all the answers

In the context of graphics displays, which device is a variant of a neon lamp?

Nixie Tube Signup and view all the answers

What kind of printing technique does thermal printing (thermochromic) belong to?

Raster Printing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a form of raster display technology?

Vector display Signup and view all the answers

Which application listed in the content is primarily associated with the format of Flatland?

2D graphics rendering Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of the technology known as E-Ink?

It mimics the appearance of ink on paper. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Vertex Shader in the graphics pipeline?

To convert per-vertex data into positions for the next stage Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the graphics pipeline, what does the Triangle Assembly stage accomplish?

It uses the Element Array to define triangles Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the graphics pipeline is responsible for determining the color of pixels?

Fragment Shader Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rasterisation stage of the graphics pipeline do?

It converts triangles into a pixel-based representation Signup and view all the answers

What type of geometrical shape is NOT part of the defined types in the content?

Circle Signup and view all the answers

Which data does the Framebuffer hold?

Final image output colors Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the Fragment Shader involves input from the previous stage?

Uniform state information Signup and view all the answers

What could the uniform state in the vertex shader represent?

Static values that do not change across the geometry Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the Element Array?

Defines the order in which vertices are connected Signup and view all the answers

What is a heat gradient used for in graphical data visualization?

To represent variations in temperature values visually Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

History of Graphics

Early applications of graphics include sketches on clay tablets and woodblock printing.
The evolution of display technology spans from monochrome cathode ray tubes to modern displays like LCD, LED, and OLED.
Key historical pieces: Sketchpad (1960), Flatland (1999), Plushie (2007), and CityEngine (2012).

Constraints of Real-time Graphics

Real-time processing requires minimum throughput of 18 frames per second (FPS) and a refresh rate of at least 24 Hz.
Computation time depends significantly on resolution; higher resolutions result in shorter per pixel computation times (e.g., 320×240 resolution takes approximately 543 nanoseconds).

Graphics Terminology

Representation: Conceptual data structures in machine code, such as RGB for color, polygons for geometry, and 2D images for textures.
Transformation: Altering viewpoint within the graphics environment.
Interpolation: Estimating the values between two states, crucial for visual continuity.

The Graphics Pipeline

The process includes several stages: Data Input → Vertex Shader → Triangle Assembly → Rasterisation → Fragment Shader → Framebuffer.
Each stage modifies the data:
- The Vertex Shader processes per-vertex data, passing on the position.
- Triangle Assembly organizes vertex data into triangles.
- Rasterisation determines how elements correspond to screen fragments.

Types of Geometry

Defines three major types: Point, Straight Line, and Planar Polygon.
Includes specific shapes like Triangles and Quads for more complex representations.

Problem-Solving in Graphics

Task example: Drawing a straight line with attributes for position in 2D and a temperature value, utilizing a heat map for color representation.

Modern Developments

Transition from traditional printing methods (e.g., rotary presses, screen printing) to digital techniques (e.g., laser printing).
Adoption of advanced display technologies improves how images and graphics are rendered in real-time environments.

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Description

This quiz covers the foundational aspects of computer graphics as outlined in MCA101. Topics include the history of graphics, real-time constraints, terminology, the graphics pipeline, and practical examples like the Hot Rod project. It is designed for students to assess their understanding and application of these concepts.