Question Bank

Computer Graphics

1. Explain the scope of computer graphics and distinguish between 2D graphics, image
processing, and 3D graphics.
2. Describe the complete 3D graphics paradigm including:
 Modeling
 Rendering
 Displaying
 Projection plane
 Frame buffer
3. Explain modeling in computer graphics with:
 Polygonal meshes
 Bezier curves
 Procedural models
 Particle systems
4. Explain texture mapping and surface characteristics in detail.
5. Discuss scene graphs and virtual reality systems.
6. Explain light-surface interaction in detail including:
 Reflection
 Refraction
 Specular light
 Diffuse light
 Ambient light
7. Explain the rendering pipeline with neat diagram.
8. Discuss clipping, scan conversion, and hidden surface removal techniques.
9. Explain z-buffer algorithm for hidden surface removal with advantages and
disadvantages.
10. Compare flat shading, Gouraud shading, and Phong shading.
11. Explain the role of graphics hardware in rendering.

1) Explain the Scope of Computer Graphics.

Computer Graphics is the branch of computer science concerned with the creation, storage,
manipulation, and display of visual information. It has applications in image editing, motion
pictures, video games, graphical user interfaces, scientific visualization, and virtual reality.
Computer graphics can be categorized into:
1. 2D Graphics – Creation of images from two-dimensional shapes such as lines, circles,
and text.
2. Image Processing – Analysis and enhancement of existing images.
3. 3D Graphics – Creation of images from three-dimensional virtual scenes.
The process of 3D graphics consists of:
 Modeling: Creating and storing virtual objects and scenes.
 Rendering: Generating a final image by simulating lighting and camera effects.
Applications include animated films, interactive video games, virtual reality systems, medical
imaging, and engineering design. Future developments may allow users to interact directly with
complete virtual worlds rather than viewing fixed two-dimensional movies.
Thus, computer graphics has become an essential technology for entertainment, education,
science, engineering, and communication.

2) Explain the Overview of 3D Graphics.

The process of 3D graphics consists of three major stages: Modeling, Rendering, and Displaying.
Step 1: Modeling
 Analogous to designing and constructing a movie set
 Scene is constructed from digitally encoded data and algorithms
 The scene may never exist in reality

Step 2: Rendering
 Produce a 2D image of the scene
 Compute how objects would appear in a photograph from a specified camera
position
 Uses mathematics of analytic geometry
 Projects objects onto a flat surface called the projection plane
Key Rendering Concepts
Term Definition
Projection Plane Flat surface onto which the 3D scene is projected
Restricted portion of the projection plane that defines the final
Image Window
image
Center of Projection
Common point from which all projectors extend
(Viewpoint)
Straight lines extending from center of projection through each
Projectors
pixel
Objects projected along lines meeting at a common point (like
Perspective Projection
human eye)
Projectors are parallel — produces true profiles (engineering
Parallel Projection
drawings)

Frame Buffer
 Storage area (main memory or special circuitry) where the pixel-by-pixel results
are stored
 Each pixel's appearance is computed and stored as a bit map
 Can be displayed immediately or stored for later use

Step 3: Displaying
 Image from frame buffer is displayed on screen
 Real-time applications (video games): images produced and displayed
continuously
 Motion pictures: images may be stored and modified before presentation
  This is why animated films look better than video games — no real-time
constraint

3) Explain the Scope and Applications of Computer Graphics in Modern Computing.

Provide Examples
Computer Graphics is the branch of computer science that deals with the creation, storage,
manipulation, and display of visual images using computers. It includes 2D graphics, 3D
graphics, image processing, animation, and visualization techniques.
Scope of Computer Graphics
1. 2D Graphics: Used for creating and editing flat images, drawings, charts, and
diagrams.
Example: Microsoft Paint, Adobe Photoshop.
2. 3D Graphics: Used for creating virtual three-dimensional objects and scenes.
Example: Video games, animated movies, virtual reality.
3. Image Processing: Involves analyzing and enhancing digital images.
Example: Photo editing, medical image enhancement.
4. Graphical User Interfaces (GUI):Provides visual interaction between users and
computers.
Example: Windows desktop, mobile applications.
5. Scientific Visualization:Represents scientific and engineering data in graphical
form.
Example: Weather forecasting maps and engineering simulations.
Applications of Computer Graphics
1. Entertainment Industry:Used in animation, movies, and video games.
Example: Animated films and 3D gaming.
2. Computer-Aided Design (CAD):Used for designing buildings, machines, and
electronic circuits.
Example: Architectural and automobile design.
3. Education and Training:Used in simulations and virtual learning environments.
Example: Flight simulators and virtual laboratories.
4. Medical Field:Used for diagnosis and visualization of internal organs.
Example: MRI and CT scan imaging.
5. Business and Data Presentation:Used for charts, graphs, and dashboards.
Example: Sales reports and business analytics.
6. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR):Creates immersive and
interactive environments.
Example: VR games and virtual tours.
 4) Compare 3D Graphics and Traditional Photography

Aspect Traditional Photography 3D Graphics

Scene Real physical world Virtual world (data + algorithms)
Camera Physical camera Simulated camera
Subject Must physically exist Never needs to exist
Modification Limited after capture Completely controllable
Applications Real-world documentation Games, animation, VFX

5) Describe the complete 3D graphics paradigm including: (Modeling,

Rendering, Displaying, Projection plane, Frame buffer)
The 3D Graphics Paradigm is the process of creating, rendering, and displaying images
of three-dimensional virtual scenes. It consists of three main stages:
1. Modeling 2. Rendering 3. Displaying

1. Modeling
Modeling is the process of creating digitally encoded representations of objects and
scenes.
 Objects are created using polygonal meshes, geometric models, Bezier
surfaces, or procedural models.
 All objects, light sources, and camera information are organized into a scene
graph.
 The scene acts as a virtual world that may not exist physically.
Example: Creating a virtual car, road, trees, and buildings for a racing game.

2. Rendering
Rendering is the process of generating a 2D image from the 3D scene.
Projection Plane
 A flat surface on which the 3D scene is projected.
 Similar to the film or sensor inside a camera.
Perspective Projection
  Objects are projected onto the projection plane using straight lines called
projectors.
 All projectors originate from a common point called the Center of
Projection (View Point).
 Produces images similar to human vision.

Image Window
 The portion of the projection plane that defines the final image boundaries.
Pixel Computation
 The appearance of every pixel is calculated.
 Takes into account:
o Lighting
o Shadows
o Surface properties
o Reflections

3. Frame Buffer
 The rendered image is stored as a bitmap in a memory area called the Frame
Buffer.
 It stores color information for every pixel.
 Can be located in:
o Main memory
o Dedicated graphics memory
Function: Temporary storage of the image before display.

4. Displaying
 The image stored in the frame buffer is displayed on a monitor or stored for
later use.
 In movies, images may be stored and edited.
 In video games, images must be displayed in real time.
 6) Explain modeling in computer graphics
Modeling is the process of creating digitally encoded representations of objects and scenes in a
3D graphics environment.
 Scene → Complete virtual world/set
 Objects → Individual elements or props in the scene

1. Modeling Individual Objects:

A. Shape Modeling using Polygonal Meshes
 Objects are represented using many small flat surfaces called planar patches.
 These patches combine to form a polygonal mesh.
 Triangles are commonly used because 3 vertices are the minimum required to
define a flat surface in 3D space.
 Polygonal meshes provide a uniform and efficient method for rendering.

B. Methods of Obtaining Polygonal Meshes

1. Geometric Modeling
 Uses mathematical equations to create shapes.
 Common shapes include spheres, cylinders, and cones.
2. Bezier Curves and Surfaces
 Developed by Pierre Bezier.
 Curves are controlled by a few control points.
 Bezier surfaces are used to model smooth and complex 3D shapes.
3. Manual Digitizing
 A physical model is scanned using a digitizing device.
 Surface points are recorded and converted into a polygon mesh.
4. Procedural Models
 Shapes are generated automatically using algorithms.
 Used for mountains, trees, clouds, smoke, and terrain.
 Produces realistic and unique objects.
5. Particle Systems
 Objects are represented as collections of particles.
 Used for fire, water, smoke, clouds, and crowd simulations.

2. Fractals in 3D Graphics
 Fractals are self-similar geometric structures generated recursively.
o Used to create natural objects such as: Mountain ranges, Vegetation, Clouds,
Smoke

3. Surface Characteristics
Shape alone is not enough; surface properties are needed for realism.
Vertex Color Encoding
 Color information is stored at each vertex.
 Helps recreate the original appearance during rendering.
Texture Mapping
 Applies a 2D image to a 3D object's surface.
  Similar to applying wallpaper.
.
4. Search for Realism
Researchers improve realism by modeling:
 Human Skin – Light penetration and skin layers.
 Human Hair – Texture, transparency, and movement.
 Cloth – Weaving patterns and fabric behavior.
These techniques are first used in movies and later adapted for real-time applications
such as games.

5. Modeling Entire Scenes – Scene Graph

A Scene Graph is a data structure that stores:
 Objects
 Light sources
 Camera information
 Positions and orientations
Importance
 Represents the entire virtual world.
 Marks the end of modeling and the beginning of rendering.
Virtual Reality
 Uses two cameras (left eye and right eye).
 Produces depth perception and a realistic 3D experience.

7) Explain modeling in Rendering.

Rendering is the process of generating a realistic 2D image from a 3D scene by determining how
objects appear when projected onto the projection plane. It simulates the interaction of light with
objects to produce the final image.

1. Light–Surface Interaction
The appearance of an object depends on how light interacts with its surface.
A) Reflection
When light strikes an opaque surface, it bounces back.
Types of Reflected Light:
1. Specular Reflection
o Occurs on smooth surfaces.
o Reflected rays remain parallel.
o Produces bright highlights.
o Example: Mirror, polished metal.
2. Diffuse Reflection
o Occurs on rough surfaces.
o Light scatters in many directions.
o Gives the object its actual color.
o Example: Paper, wall.
3. Ambient Light
o Indirect scattered light present in the environment.
 o Helps illuminate shadowed regions.
B) Refraction
 Occurs when light passes through transparent materials.
 Light bends due to change in medium.
 Depends on the refractive index of the material.
 Example: Glass, water, crystal.

2. Rendering Pipeline
The rendering pipeline is a sequence of steps used to convert a 3D scene into a 2D
image.
a) View Volume Identification
 Determines the portion of the scene visible to the camera.
 Defined by the image window and center of projection.
b) Clipping
 Removes objects or object portions outside the view volume.
 Reduces computational effort.
c) Scan Conversion (Rasterization)
 Converts geometric objects into pixels.
 Determines which pixels represent each object.
d) Hidden Surface Removal
 Eliminates surfaces not visible to the viewer.
Methods:
Back Face Elimination
 Removes surfaces facing away from the camera.
Z-Buffer Algorithm
 Stores depth information for each pixel.
 Displays only the nearest visible surface.
e) Shading
 Calculates the color and brightness of visible surfaces.
3. Shading Techniques
1. Flat Shading
 Entire polygon has one color.
 Fast but gives faceted appearance.
2. Gouraud Shading
 Colors are calculated at vertices.
 Colors are interpolated across the polygon.
 Produces smoother appearance.
3. Phong Shading
 Surface normals are interpolated.
 Lighting calculated at every pixel.
 Produces realistic highlights and smooth surfaces.
4. Bump Mapping
 Creates the illusion of surface roughness.
 Adds texture without increasing geometry.

4. Rendering Hardware
Modern graphics systems use dedicated hardware called:
 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
 Graphics Card / Graphics Adapter
Functions:
 Performs clipping
 Rasterization
 Hidden surface removal
 Shading
 Stores output in frame buffer
Examples:
 NVIDIA GPUs
 AMD Radeon GPUs

5. Graphics APIs
Graphics hardware is controlled through standard software interfaces such as:
 OpenGL (Open Graphics Library)
 Direct3D (Microsoft)
 These APIs allow applications to communicate with graphics hardware efficiently.

8) Explain the rendering pipeline.

Steps in the Rendering Pipeline
1. View Volume Identification
 Determines the region of the 3D scene visible to the camera.
 Defined by the center of projection and image window.
 Objects outside this volume are ignored.
2. Clipping
 Removes portions of objects lying outside the view volume.
 Reduces unnecessary computations.
 Only visible parts remain for rendering.
3. Scan Conversion (Rasterization)
 Converts geometric objects into pixels.
 Determines which pixels correspond to the visible surfaces.
 Produces scan lines for display.
4. Hidden Surface Removal
 Eliminates surfaces blocked by other objects.
 Ensures only visible surfaces appear in the final image.
Methods:
 Back Face Elimination
 Z-Buffer Algorithm
5. Shading
 Computes the color and brightness of visible pixels.
 Simulates lighting effects.
Types of Shading:
 Flat Shading
 Gouraud Shading
 Phong Shading
6. Frame Buffer
 Stores the rendered pixel values as a bitmap image.
 Acts as temporary memory before display.
7. Display
 The contents of the frame buffer are sent to the monitor.
 Produces the final 2D image visible to the user.

Advantages of Rendering Pipeline

 Fast image generation.
 Efficient hardware implementation using GPUs.
 Suitable for real-time applications such as:
o Video games
o Flight simulators
o Virtual reality systems
 9) Explain the Scan Conversion (Rasterization) process with a neat diagram.
Scan Conversion, also called Rasterization, is the process of converting geometric objects into
pixels for display on a screen.
 A Center of Projection acts as the camera.
 Projectors are drawn from the center of projection through the object.
 The object (triangular patch) is projected onto the Image Window.
 The image window is divided into pixel positions.
 The pixels covered by the projected shape are identified.
 These pixels are colored and stored in the frame buffer.
 The resulting pixel pattern forms the final image displayed on the screen.

Phase A: The Scan Conversion Process

The top half of the diagram shows the geometric setup required to map a 3D object onto
a 2D screen:
 Center of Projection: This represents the viewpoint or "camera." All rays (projectors)
originate from here.
 Triangular Patch: A basic geometric primitive in 3D space. Most complex 3D models
are made of many such triangles.
 Projector: An imaginary line drawn from the center of projection through the 3D object.
 Image Window: A 2D plane divided into a grid of pixel positions. Where the projector
intersects this window determines which pixel represents that specific part of the 3D
triangle.
Phase B: The Projected Shape
The bottom half shows the final result of the projection onto a Raster (a grid of pixels):
 Projection: The 3D triangle is flattened into a 2D shape based on the perspective
defined in Phase A.
 Rasterization: The computer identifies which specific pixels fall within the boundaries of
the projected shape.
 Pixels Associated with Patch: These are the discrete units that will be colored or
shaded to display the image on your monitor.

10). What is Rasterization? Explain its significance in computer graphics.

Rasterization is the process of converting a 3D geometric object into a set of pixels on a 2D
display screen.
Significance:
 Converts mathematical models into visible images.
 Essential step in rendering.
 Used in video games, CAD, animation, and simulations.
 Determines image quality and resolution.

11). Explain the role of the following in Scan Conversion:

a) Center of Projection
 Represents the camera or viewer position.
 All projector rays originate from this point.
b) Projector
 Imaginary line extending from the center of projection through the object.
 Determines where the object appears on the image window.
c) Image Window
 2D projection plane containing pixel positions.
 Defines the visible region of the final image.

12). How is a triangular patch converted into pixels during rasterization?

Answer:
1. A triangular patch is defined in 3D space.
2. Projector rays are drawn from the center of projection.
3. The triangle is projected onto the image window.
4. The projected shape becomes a 2D triangle.
5. The raster grid is examined.
6. Pixels lying inside the projected triangle are identified.
7. These pixels are shaded and stored in the frame buffer.
8. The collection of shaded pixels forms the displayed image.

USHA, ET Dept