Chapter 1

Introduction
Definition:
The term of Graphics comes from Greek “graphikos” which means 'something written' e.g.
autograph. So, graphics are visual images or designs on some surface, such as a wall,
canvas, screen, paper, or stone to inform, illustrate, or entertain.
Computer Graphics is a field that is concerned with all aspects of producing pictures or
images using a computer with the help of data structure, graphics algorithm and
programming. i.e.
Computer graphics = Data Structure + Graphics Algorithm + Language
Computer Graphics includes the creation; storage and manipulation of images of objects
those come from diverse fields such as physical, mathematical engineering, architectural
abstract structures and natural phenomenon.
We use different input and display devices to generate & perform the modification on the
digital images. Some such devices are keyboard, mouse, or touch sensitive panel, monitors
etc.
Some considerable terminologies on the computer graphics are:
✗ Modeling: creating and representing the geometry of objects in the 3D world
✗ Rendering: generating 2D images of the 3D objects
✗ Animation: describing how objects change in time
History of Computer Graphics
The history of the computer graphics illustrates a acute development of hardware and
software. The past principals and techniques are still applicable in present and future
computer graphics technology. The evolutions of graphics can be explained under following
points.
Year Major Achievements
1950 First Graphics Images were created
1951 CRT monitors on Main Frame computer were instroduced
1959 CAD was used to design cars
1961 First video game named “Space War”developed
1963 First Hidden Line and Hidden surface removal algorithms
developed.
1965 DDA algorithm developed by Jack Bresenham
1973 First use of 2D animations
1982 AutoCAD was released.
2001 First digital film name “The Spirits Within”with digital actors
2006 Google acquired sketechup
2015 “Big Data” used for constructing animation
2016 With enough preparation, Real Time source can be animated

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 Differentiate between Computer Graphics and Image Processing

Computer Graphics Image Processing

Computer Graphics involves in Image Processing involves in
generating images from standard analyzing the images to generate
graphical models standard graphical models.
It includes the creation storage and It is the part of computer graphics that
manipulation of images or objects. handles image manipulation or
interpretation.
E.g., drawing a picture Eg: Making blur image visible

Interactive and Non-Interactive Computer Graphics

Interactive Computer Graphics:
Interactive Computer Graphics involves a two way communication between computer and
user. The observer is given some control over the image by providing him with an input
device for example the video game controller of the ping pong game.
Different parts of Interactive Computer Graphics are:
✗ Inputs
✗ Processing
✗ Outputs
Non Interactive Computer Graphics:
Non interactive computer graphics or passive computer graphics is the computer graphics in
which user does not have any kind of control over the image. Image is simply the product of
static stored program and the image is totally under the control of program instructions not
under the user. Example: screen savers.
Application of Computer Graphics
There is no area in which graphical displays can’t be used to some advantage. Today almost
every computer can do some graphics, and people have even come to expect to control
their computer through icons and pictures rather than just by typing.
We can classify applications of computer graphics into four main areas:
• Display of information
• Design
• User interfaces
• Simulation
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1. Computational Biology: Computational biology is a field that applies the techniques of
computer science, applied mathematics and statistics to address biological problems.
The main focus lies on developing mathematical modeling and computational simulation
techniques.
2. Computational Physics: Computational physics is the study and implementation of
numerical algorithm to solve problems in physics for which a quantitative theory already
exists.
3. Information of Graphics: Information graphics are visual representations of information,
data or knowledge. These graphics are used where complex information needs to be
explained quickly and clearly, such as in signs, maps, journalism, technical writing, and
education.
4. Scientific Visualization: Scientific visualization focuses on the use of computer graphics
to create visual images which aid in understanding of complex, often massive
numerical representation of scientific concepts or results.
5. Graphic Design: Graphic design can refer to a number of artistic and professional
disciplines which focus on visual communication and presentation. Various tools like
Coral Draw, In Design, photo shop are used.
6. Computer-aided Design: Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer
technology for the design of objects, real or virtual. CAD is also widely used to produce
computer animation for special effects in movies, advertising, technical manuals.
7. Web Design: The process of designing Web pages, Web sites, Web applications or
multimedia for the Web may utilize multiple disciplines, such as animation,
communication design, corporate identity, graphic design, interaction design,
marketing, photography, search engine optimization etc.
8. Digital Art: The impact of digital technology has transformed traditional activities such
as painting and drawing.
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9. Video Games: A video game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user
interface to generate visual feedback on a raster display device. The electronic
systems used to play video games are known as platforms. This platform creates
through graphics.
10. Virtual Reality: Virtual reality (VR) is a technology which allows a user to interact
with a computer-simulated environment. The simulated environment can be similar to
the real world, for example, simulations for pilot or combat training, or it can differ
significantly from reality, as in VR games.
11. Computer Simulation: A computer simulation, a computer model or a computational
model is a computer program, or network of computers, that attempts to simulate an
abstract model of a particular system.
12. Education: Different computer graphics and images are used in schools and many
training center for the better understanding the subject of interest.
13. Information Visualization: Information visualization is the study of the visual
representation and the use of graphical techniques to help people understand and
analyze data

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