Computer Graphics and Animation (BCACG-401) –
Detailed Notes
Module I – Introduction to Computer Graphics
• Computer Graphics refers to the creation, storage and manipulation of images using
computers.
• It is widely used in fields such as gaming, film production, computer-aided design (CAD), virtual
reality and scientific visualization.
• Interactive Computer Graphics allows users to interact with graphical objects using input
devices like mouse, keyboard or touch screens.
• Advantages of Interactive Graphics include improved user experience, real-time manipulation
of objects and better visualization of complex data.
• Representative Uses of Computer Graphics include entertainment, education, medical imaging,
business presentations and simulation systems.
• The conceptual framework for interactive graphics consists of input devices, processing units,
graphics software and display devices.
• Development of hardware includes GPUs, graphic accelerators and high-resolution monitors.
• Development of software includes graphics libraries, APIs such as OpenGL, DirectX and
various modeling tools.
Module II – Scan Conversion and Clipping
• Scan conversion is the process of converting geometric objects into pixel representations on
the screen.
• Scan Converting Lines involves determining which pixels should be illuminated to best
represent a line.
• Bresenham’s Line Algorithm and Digital Differential Analyzer (DDA) are common methods used
for line generation.
• Scan Converting Circles includes algorithms like Midpoint Circle Algorithm which determines
pixel positions using symmetry.
• Scan Converting Ellipses uses midpoint ellipse algorithms to generate elliptical shapes
efficiently.
• Clipping refers to removing parts of objects that fall outside the viewing area.
• Point clipping checks whether a point lies within a defined boundary.
• Cohen-Sutherland line clipping algorithm divides the space into regions and uses region codes
to determine visibility.
• Midpoint Subdivision Algorithm recursively divides line segments to determine visible portions.
• Sutherland–Hodgman polygon clipping algorithm is used for clipping polygons against
rectangular clipping windows.
Module III – Geometrical Transformations
• Geometric transformations modify the position, size or orientation of objects in graphics.
• Translation moves an object from one location to another by adding translation values to
coordinates.
• Rotation rotates an object around a fixed point using trigonometric functions.
• Scaling increases or decreases the size of an object relative to a fixed point.
• Reflection creates a mirror image of an object across a specified axis.
• Shearing distorts the shape of an object by shifting one coordinate axis.
• Homogeneous coordinates allow representation of transformations using matrix multiplication.
• Matrix representation simplifies the combination of multiple transformations.
• Composite transformations combine several transformations into a single matrix operation.
• Window-to-Viewport transformation maps world coordinates into display device coordinates.
• 3D transformations extend these concepts into three-dimensional space.
Module IV – Curves and Surfaces
• Polygon surfaces are the simplest representation of 3D objects using connected vertices and
edges.
• Polygon meshes are networks of polygons used to represent complex shapes.
• Quadratic surfaces include shapes like spheres, ellipsoids and paraboloids defined by
second-degree equations.
• Superquadric surfaces are extensions of quadric surfaces that provide flexible shape modeling.
• Spline curves are smooth curves defined mathematically using control points.
• Common spline representations include Bezier curves, B-splines and NURBS.
• Curves and surfaces are essential for modeling smooth and realistic objects in computer
graphics.
Module V – Computer Animation
• Computer animation is the technique of creating moving images using computer graphics.
• It is widely used in movies, games, simulations and virtual reality systems.
• Morphing is a technique where one image gradually transforms into another.
• Keyframe animation involves defining important frames and automatically generating
intermediate frames.
• Motion specification defines how objects move over time.
• Types of animation include 2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion animation and procedural
animation.
• Sequencing in animation design organizes frames and actions in the correct order.
• Fundamental principles of animation include timing, squash and stretch, anticipation, staging
and follow-through.