SUMMIT UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
COURSE ASSIGNMENT
Computer Graphics — Hardware, Standards & Applications
TOPIC:
Trends and Applications of Computer Graphics
Submitted by:
Name: [Your Full Name]
Matriculation Number: [Your Matric Number]
Level: [Your Level]
Submitted to:
[Lecturer's Name]
Date: 31st July, 2026
Question 1: Vector Graphics vs. Raster Graphics (6 Marks)
1.1 Vector Graphics
Vector graphics represent images through mathematical descriptions of geometric primitives
such as points, lines, curves, and polygons, rather than through a fixed collection of coloured
dots. Every shape in a vector image is stored as a formula describing its path, outline (stroke),
and fill colour, and this formula is recalculated by the computer whenever the image is
displayed, moved, or resized. Because the image is described mathematically rather than as a
static grid, vector graphics can be enlarged or reduced to virtually any size — from a small
app icon to a large billboard — without any loss of sharpness or clarity, since the curve is
simply redrawn at the new dimensions rather than stretched.
This resolution independence makes vector graphics the preferred choice for logos, icons,
technical line drawings, typography, and illustrations that must remain crisp at many different
sizes.
1.2 Raster Graphics
Raster graphics, also known as bitmap graphics, represent an image as a fixed rectangular
grid of individual picture elements called pixels, with each pixel assigned a specific colour
value. Because the image is stored as a finite grid rather than a formula, raster graphics are
resolution-dependent: enlarging a raster image beyond its native resolution stretches the
existing pixels, producing a blocky or blurred appearance commonly called pixelation.
Raster graphics excel at representing photographs and other images with continuous tones,
subtle colour blends, shadows, and gradients — which is why digital cameras, scanners, and
screenshots all produce raster output. The trade-off for this photographic realism is larger file
sizes and a loss of quality on resizing.
1.3 Comparison Table
Feature Vector Graphics Raster Graphics
Basic building block Mathematical paths defined by A fixed grid of coloured picture
points, lines, and curves elements (pixels)
Scalability Infinitely scalable with no loss of Loses sharpness (pixelates) when
quality enlarged beyond native resolution
Typical file size Generally small Generally larger, especially at high
Feature Vector Graphics Raster Graphics
resolution
Best suited for Logos, icons, line art, typography, Photographs and images with
technical drawings continuous colour tones and
gradients
Common editing Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP
software Inkscape
Common file SVG, AI, EPS JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
formats
1.4 File Formats
• Vector graphics: SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) and AI (Adobe Illustrator).
• Raster graphics: JPEG/JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and PNG (Portable
Network Graphics).
Figure 1: A raster image is composed of a fixed grid of pixels that becomes blocky when zoomed in, while a
vector image is defined by mathematical anchor points and paths that remain smooth at any scale.
Question 2: Computer Graphics and Its Major Applications (8 Marks)
2.1 What is Computer Graphics?
Computer graphics is the branch of computer science concerned with the creation,
manipulation, storage, and display of pictorial and visual information using computers. It
encompasses both the hardware used to generate and present images — such as graphics
processing units (GPUs), monitors, and input devices — and the software techniques used to
model, render, and animate those images, whether they are photorealistic scenes, engineering
drawings, or abstract data visualisations. The field is generally traced to Ivan Sutherland's
pioneering Sketchpad program of the 1960s, and it has since grown into a discipline that
underlies nearly every visual interaction people have with computing devices today.
2.2 Major Applications of Computer Graphics
(a) Medicine: Computer graphics is central to modern medical imaging and visualisation.
Data from CT and MRI scans is reconstructed into detailed 3D models of organs and tissues,
allowing surgeons to plan and rehearse complex operations before ever entering the operating
theatre. Medical illustrators also use computer graphics to produce anatomical animations
that are used both to train healthcare professionals and to help patients understand diagnoses
and procedures.
(b) Education: In education, computer graphics is used to build interactive simulations,
virtual laboratories, and three-dimensional models that make abstract or complex concepts —
such as molecular structures, human anatomy, or planetary motion — easier to understand
than static text or two-dimensional diagrams. Training simulators, such as those used in flight
and medical education, rely heavily on computer-generated visuals to provide safe, repeatable
practice environments.
(c) Entertainment: The entertainment industry is one of the most visible users of computer
graphics. Animated films, cartoons, and blockbuster movies rely on computer-generated
imagery (CGI) and visual effects (VFX) to create scenes and characters that would be
impossible or too costly to film physically. Video games use real-time 3D rendering to build
immersive environments, lifelike characters, and dynamic animations, while virtual and
augmented reality experiences push this immersion even further.
(d) Engineering: Engineers and architects depend on computer graphics for computer-aided
design (CAD), used to design buildings, machines, automobiles, aircraft, and consumer
products long before a physical prototype is built. Beyond drafting, computer graphics
enables structural and stress simulations that reveal design flaws early, reducing costly errors
and speeding up the overall product development process.
Figure 2: Major application areas of computer graphics, spanning medicine, education, entertainment, and
engineering.
Question 3: OpenGL and DirectX (6 Marks)
3.1 OpenGL
OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is an open, cross-platform, vendor-neutral application
programming interface (API) used for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. It was originally
released in 1992 by Silicon Graphics and is now developed and maintained by the Khronos
Group, a non-profit industry consortium made up of graphics hardware manufacturers,
operating system developers, and technology companies. Because it is platform-independent,
OpenGL can run on Windows, Linux, macOS, and various mobile operating systems,
allowing a single graphics program to operate across many different systems and GPU
vendors with minimal modification.
3.2 DirectX
DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces developed by Microsoft for
handling multimedia tasks — including graphics, sound, and input — on Windows-based
systems and Xbox game consoles. Its 3D graphics component, Direct3D, is the part most
relevant to computer graphics; it provides a low-level interface for rendering three-
dimensional scenes and gives applications access to advanced GPU capabilities such as
hardware-accelerated shading, texture mapping, and lighting effects. Unlike OpenGL,
DirectX is proprietary to Microsoft platforms and is the de facto standard 3D API for
Windows PC and Xbox game development.
3.3 Importance in Graphics Programming
• Hardware abstraction: both APIs provide a standard set of commands that shield
programmers from having to write separate code for every individual graphics card
manufacturer.
• Standardisation and portability: because the APIs are widely adopted, applications
written against them can run on any conformant driver, and OpenGL in particular
enables genuinely cross-platform graphics software.
• Performance: both APIs give applications close, low-overhead access to GPU
hardware, which is essential for real-time rendering in games and simulations.
• Industry foundation: major game engines, CAD packages, and simulation tools are built
on top of OpenGL, DirectX, or their modern successors (such as Vulkan and Direct3D
12), making these APIs foundational to the graphics software industry.
Figure 3: OpenGL and DirectX sit at the graphics API layer, translating application requests into instructions
the GPU driver and hardware can execute.
References
1. Adobe. (n.d.). Raster vs. vector: What are the differences?
[Link]
2. GeeksforGeeks. (2024). Vector vs Raster Graphics. [Link]
graphics/vector-vs-raster-graphics/
3. Herron Printing. (n.d.). File Formats Decoded: Vectors vs. Rasters.
[Link]
rasters-and-why-it-matters/
4. TutorialsPoint. (n.d.). Applications of Computer Graphics.
[Link]
5. EBSCO Research Starters. (n.d.). Computer Graphics.
[Link]
6. FasterCapital. (n.d.). Applications of Computer Graphics in Various Industries.
[Link]
7. The Khronos Group. (n.d.). About The Khronos Group / OpenGL. [Link]
8. Wikipedia. (n.d.). OpenGL. [Link]
9. TechTerms. (2023). Direct3D Definition — What is the Direct3D API used for?
[Link]
10. Microsoft Learn. (n.d.). Graphics APIs in Windows.
[Link]
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