Understanding Computer Graphics and Multimedia

Graphics and Multimedia

• Graphics are derived from the Greek word "graphikos", meaning "written"
• Graphics refer to sketches, designs, drawings, or visual images on surfaces like paper, canvas, walls, or computer screens
• Graphics serve purposes such as entertainment, branding, and information presentation
• Computer graphics are image media created using computer hardware and software, also known as Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI)
• Computer graphics involve the representation and manipulation of images/data in graphical form.

Types of Computer Graphics

• Raster graphics (bitmap graphics) are composed of pixels in rows and columns
• Image resolution depends on the number of pixels, measured in pixels per inch (PPI/DPI)
• Higher PPI/DPI results in sharper images
• Raster graphics are prone to pixelation when resized
• Common raster formats include JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, and GIF
• Digital image resolutions include HD (1280×720), Full HD (1920×1080), 4K UHD (3840×2160), and 8K UHD (7680x4320)
• Print image resolutions are 72 DPI (web images), 300 DPI (high-quality print), and 600 DPI (professional print)
• Vector graphics are created using mathematical equations instead of pixels and are scalable without loss of quality
• Vector graphics are best for logos, icons, text, and illustrations
• Common vector formats include AI, EPS, SVG, and PDF
• Software used for vector graphics include Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Inkscape
• Raster graphics pixelate when enlarged, while vector graphics are infinitely scalable
• Raster graphics are resolution-dependent, while vector graphics are resolution-independent
• Raster graphics are best for photos and web images, while vector graphics are best for logos and illustrations
• Raster graphics typically have larger file sizes for high resolution compared to vector graphics

Processes and Outputs of Computer Graphics

• Model: Digital representation of an object.
• Rendering: Generates an image from a 2D or 3D model using software.
• Image: Final output which is displayed or printed
• Animation: Creates motion using a sequence of images.
• 2D graphics initially supported monochrome (black & white/green) and later color
• 3D graphics use a three-dimensional representation which includes lighting, textures, and depth

Multimedia

• Multimedia combines different media types - text, images, audio, video, and animations
• The term "multimedia" is derived from the Latin words "multus" (many) and "media" (mediums)
• "Multimedia" was first used by Bobb Goldstein in 1966
• Static elements in multimedia include text with different font families (Serif, Sans-serif, Monospace, Cursive, Fantasy) and common formats (TXT, DOCX, PDF, RTF, ODF)
• Analog graphics are created manually like drawings or film cameras
• Digital graphics are created using computers, common software include Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, AutoCAD, and popular file formats includes BMP, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and PSD

Dynamic Elements

• Dynamic Elements : Animation creates movement using sequences of images
• Types of Animation:
  • 2D Animation is flat and frame-by-frame (e.g., Tom & Jerry)
  • 3D Animation adds depth and realism
  • Object Animation moves static objects
  • Frame Animation displays sequential frames
  • Morphing smoothly transitions one image into another
  • Stop Motion moves physical objects frame by frame
• Common animation software: GIF Animator, Pencil 2D, Adobe Animate, Blender
• Audio includes Analog (natural sounds) and Digital (sound generated via digital devices)
• Video includes Analog video which uses magnetic tapes and Digital which uses compressed files
• Multimedia presentations can be linear, with a fixed sequence and no user control (e.g., video), or non-linear which is interactive and user-controlled

Forms of Multimedia:

• Online Multimedia (Internet-dependent, e.g., YouTube)
• Offline Multimedia (Standalone, e.g., CD, DVD, USB)
• Hybrid Multimedia (Combines both, e.g., video games)

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is a multidisciplinary field which enhances usability
• HCI studies how humans interact with computers and develops technologies to enhance usability
• A Human-Computer Interface (HCI) refers to a device that facilitates the interaction between a user and a computer
• Goals of HCI:
  • Understand how people use technology
  • Develop user-friendly tools
  • Create safe and efficient systems

User Interfaces (UI)

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Uses graphical elements such as windows, icons, buttons, and menus instead of text commands - example: Windows OS
• Command Line Interface (CLI): A text-based system where users type commands - example: Command Prompt (CMD) in Windows
• Virtual Reality (VR) UI: Provides an immersive 3D computer-generated environment, where users interact using VR headsets, motion sensors, and controllers; for example, Oculus Quest, HTC Vive Gesture-Based UI (GBUI): Uses hand, body, or facial movements, recognized through cameras or sensors; example: Microsoft Kinect
• Touch-Based UI (TUI): Interaction via direct touch on screens using fingers or styluses, found in smartphones, ATMs, and touch kiosks
• Natural Language Interface (NLI): Allows users to interact using spoken or written human language through Natural Language Processing (NLP) & AI, with examples such as Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, and Chatbots
• Haptic UI: Provides touch feedback through vibrations or force and used in gaming controllers, wearable devices, and VR gloves

Key Milestones in HCI Development:

• 1873: QWERTY Keyboard - Christopher Sholes
• 1930: Dvorak Keyboard - August Dvorak
• 1946: ENIAC Computer - John Mauchly & J. Presper Eckert
• 1952: Trackball (Datar System) - Kenyon Taylor, Tom Cranston, Fred Longstaff
• 1963: Sketchpad - Ivan Sutherland
• 1967: Gaming Joystick - Ralph Baer
• 1968: "Sword of Damocles" VR Headset - Ivan Sutherland
• 1972: Multi-touch Technology - Control Data Corp.
• 1980: Rapid Prototyping (3D Printing) - Hideo Kodama
• 1986: Stereolithography (SLA) - Charles Hull
• 1998: Smartwatch - Steve Mann
• 2011: Google Voice Search - Google
• 2016: Dexmo Exoskeleton - Dexta Robotics

Intellectual Property

• Intellectual property (IP) are creations of the mind, including inventions, literary and artistic and designs
• WIPO - Ownership and usage rights
• Why IP matters:
  • Recognition
  • Financial benefits
  • Protects against copycats
  • Brand value
• Types of Intellectual Property:
  • Copyright: Legal rights over literary and artistic works (Life of creator + 70 years)
  • Patent: Exclusive rights for inventions (20 years from filing date)
  • Trademark: Distinguishes products/services from competitors (Indefinite/renewable)
  • Trade Secret: Confidential business information (Lasts indefinitely)

IPR Issues in ICT:

• Includes Copyright Infringement, Software Piracy, Patent Disputes, Cybercrime & Digital Counterfeiting
• Includes Trademark Infringement & Cybersquatting, Privacy & Data Ownership, and AI & Copyright Issues
• Solutions & Legal Frameworks:
  • WIPO helps countries enforce IP laws
• Digital Rights Management (DRM) prevents unauthorized copying of digital content -DMCA (USA) protects digital content from piracy
• GDPR (EU) ensures digital privacy and data protection
• Cybercrime Prevention Act (Philippines) criminalizes hacking, fraud, and online identity theft