1.0 Introduction of Computer Graphics (C.
G)
C.G involves technology to access. The Process transforms and presents information in a visual form.
The end product of the computer graphics is a picture. In computer graphics, 2 or 3D pictures can be
created. Algorithms have been developed for improving the speed of picture generation.
Definition of Computer Graphics:
It is the use of computers to create and manipulate pictures on a display device. It comprises of software
techniques to create, store, modify, represents pictures.
Why computer graphics used?
Without C.G, lot of time and memory will be needed. This method will be tough to understand by a
common man. In this situation graphics is a better. Graphics tools are charts and graphs. Using graphs,
data can be represented in pictorial form. A picture can be understood easily just with a single look.
Application of Computer Graphics
1. Education and Training: Computer-generated model of the physical, financial and economic system is
often used as educational aids. Model of physical and physiological systems can help trainees to
understand the operation of the system.
2Flight Simulator: It helps in giving training to the pilots of airplanes. These pilots spend much of their
training not in a real aircraft but on the ground at the controls of a Flight Simulator.
3. Use in Biology: Molecular biologist can display a picture of molecules and gain insight into their
structure with the help of computer graphics.
4. Presentation Graphics: Example of presentation Graphics are bar charts, line graphs, pie charts and
other displays showing relationships between multiple parameters.
7. Entertainment: Computer Graphics are now commonly used in making motion pictures, music videos
and television shows.
9. Printing Technology: Computer Graphics is used for printing technology and textile design.
Interactive and Passive Graphics
(a) Non-Interactive or Passive Computer Graphics:
In non-interactive computer graphics, the user cannot make any change in the rendered image. Non-
interactive Graphics involves only one-way communication between the computer and the user.
(b) Interactive Computer Graphics:
In interactive Computer Graphics user can make any change in the produced image. Interactive
Computer Graphics require two-way communication between the computer and the user.
Advantages:
1. Higher Quality
2. More precise results or products
3. Greater Productivity
4. Lower analysis and design cost
5. Significantly enhances our ability to understand data and to perceive trends.
GRAPHICS SOFTWARE (OPENGL)
OpenGL as the primary basis for 3D graphics programming, supported by the graphics hardware in most
modern computing devices, including desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices. In the first
desktop computers, the contents of the screen were managed directly by the CPU, i.e, to draw a line
segment on the screen, the CPU would run a loop to set the color of each pixel that lies along the line.
Graphics could take up a lot of the CPU’s time, and performance was very slow
In modern computers, graphics processing is done by a specialized component called a GPU, or Graphics
Processing Unit. A GPU includes processors for doing graphics computations with its own dedicated
memory for storing things like images and lists of coordinates.
GPU processors have very fast access to data that is stored in GPU memory, faster than their access to
data stored in the computer’s main memory. To draw a line or perform some other graphical
operations, the CPU simply has to send commands, along with any necessary data, to the GPU, which is
responsible for actually carrying out those commands.
The CPU offloads most of the graphical work to the GPU, which is optimized to carry out that work very
fast. The set of commands that the GPU understands make up the API of the GPU. OpenGL is an API, and
most GPUs support OpenGL in the sense that they can understand OpenGL commands, or at least that
OpenGL commands can efficiently be translated into commands that the GPU can understand.
OpenGL has a series of APIs that have been subject to repeated extension and revision. It was designed
as a “client/server” system. The server, which is responsible for controlling the computer’s display and
performing graphics computations, carries out commands issued by the client. The server executes
OpenGL commands. The client is the CPU in the same computer, along with the application program
that it is running.
The client & the server are separate, and there’s a communication channel between those components.
OpenGL commands and the data that they need are communicated from the client (the CPU) to the
server (the GPU) over that channel. One of the driving factors in the evolution of OpenGL has been the
desire to limit the amount of communication that is needed between the CPU and the GPU.
One approach is to store information in the GPU’s memory. If some data is going to be used several
times, it can be transmitted to the GPU once and stored in memory there, where it will be immediately
accessible to the GPU. Another approach is to try to decrease the number of OpenGL commands that
must be transmitted to the GPU to draw a given image.
BASIC GRAPHIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Contrast
Contrast refers to how different elements are in a design, particularly adjacent elements. These
differences make various elements stand out. Contrast is also a very important aspect of
creating accessible designs. Insufficient contrast can make text content in particular very difficult to read
Proportion
Simply put, it’s the size of elements in relation to one another. Proportion signals what’s important in a
design and what isn’t. Larger elements are more important, smaller elements less.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy refers to the importance of elements within a design. The most important elements or
content should appear to be the most important. It is most easily illustrated through the use of titles
and headings in a design. The title of a page should be given the most importance
Repetition
Repetition is a great way to reinforce an idea. It’s also a great way to unify a design that brings together
a lot of different elements. Repetition can be done in a number of ways: via repeating the same colors,
shapes, or other elements of a design. An example is the use of repetition in the format of the headings.
Rhythm
The spaces between repeating elements can cause a sense of rhythm to form, similar to the way the
space between notes in a musical composition create a rhythm. Rhythms can be used to create
excitement (particularly flowing and progressive rhythms) or create reassurance and consistency.
Pattern
Patterns are a repetition of multiple design elements working together. In design, however, patterns can
also refer to set standards for how certain elements are designed. For example, top navigation is a
design pattern that the majority of internet users have interacted with.
Movement
Movement refers to the way the eye travels over a design. The most important element should lead to
the next most important and so on. This is done through positioning (the eye naturally falls on certain
areas of a design first), emphasis, and other design elements already mentioned.
Variety
Variety in design is used to create visual interest. Without variety, a design can very quickly become
monotonous, causing the user to lose interest. Variety can be created in a variety of ways, through
color, typography, images, shapes, and virtually any other design element.
Unity
Unity refers to how well the elements of a design work together. Visual elements should have clear
relationships with each other in a design. Unity also helps ensure concepts are being communicated in a
clear, cohesive fashion.