Notes on Unit -I Computer graphics Theory PDF

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UNIT-1 What is graphics? Graphics are visual presentations on some surface such as a wall, canvas, computer screen to inform, illustrate and entertain. For example:- photographs, symbols, drawings, maps etc.

Computer Graphics Computer Graphics is the use of computers to display and manipulate information in graphical or pictorial form, either on a visual-display unit or via a printer or plotter. Or Computer graphics are graphics created by computers and, more generally, the representation and manipulation of pictorial data by a computer. The term computer graphics includes almost everything on computers that is not text or sound. Today nearly all computers use some graphics and users expect to control their computer through icons and pictures rather than just by typing. The term Computer Graphics has several meanings:   

The representation and manipulation of pictorial data by a computer The various technologies used to create and manipulate such pictorial data The images also produced

Today computers and computer-generated images touch many aspects of our daily life. Computer imagery is found on television, in newspapers, in weather reports, education, medicine, business, art and during surgical procedures. A well-constructed graph can present complex statistics in a form that is easier to understand and interpret. Such graphs are used to illustrate papers, reports, theses, and other presentation material. A range of tools and facilities are available to enable users to visualize their data, and computer graphics are used in many disciplines. 2D Computer Graphics 2D computer graphics are the computer-based generation of digital images mostly from two-dimensional models, such as 2D geometric models, text, and digital images, and by techniques specific to them. The word may stand for the branch of computer science that comprises such techniques, or for the models themselves. 2D computer graphics started in the 1950s. 2D computer graphics are mainly used in applications that were originally developed upon traditional printing and drawing technologies, such as typography, cartography, technical drawing, advertising, etc.. In those applications, the two-dimensional image is not just a representation of a real-world object, but an independent artifact with added semantic value; two-dimensional models are therefore preferred, because they give more direct control of the image than 3D computer graphics, whose approach is more akin to photography than to typography. 3D Computer Graphics 3D computer graphics in contrast to 2D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing.3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. However, there are differences. Computer Animation

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UNIT-1 Computer animation is the art of creating moving images via the use of computers. It is a subfield of computer graphics and animation. Increasingly it is created by means of 3D computer graphics, though 2D computer graphics are still widely used for stylistic, low bandwidth, and faster real-time rendering needs. Sometimes the target of the animation is the computer itself, but sometimes the target is another medium, such as film. It is also referred to as CGI (Computer-generated imagery or computer-generated imaging), especially when used in films. To create the illusion of movement, an image is displayed on the computer screen then quickly replaced by a new image that is similar to the previous image, but shifted slightly. This technique is identical to the illusion of movement in television and motion pictures. Concepts and Principles Image In common usage, an image or picture is an artifact, usually two-dimensional, that has a similar appearance to some subject—usually a physical object or a person. Images may be two-dimensional, such as a photograph, screen display, and as well as a three-dimensional, such as a statue. They may be captured by optical devices—such as cameras, mirrors, lenses, telescopes, microscopes, etc. and natural objects and phenomena, such as the human eye or water surfaces. Digital Image A digital image is a representation of a two-dimensional image using ones and zeros (binary). Depending on whether or not the image resolution is fixed, it may be of vector or raster type. Without qualifications, the term "digital image" usually refers to raster images. Pixel In digital imaging, a pixel is the smallest piece of information in an image.[6] Pixels are normally arranged in a regular 2-dimensional grid, and are often represented using dots or squares. Each pixel is a sample of an original image, where more samples typically provide a more accurate representation of the original. The intensity of each pixel is variable; in color systems, each pixel has typically three or four components such as red, green, and blue, or cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Raster Raster images have a finite set of digital values, called picture elements or pixels. The digital image contains a fixed number of rows and columns of pixels. Pixels are the smallest individual element in an image, holding quantized values that represent the brightness of a given color at any specific point. Typically, the pixels are stored in computer memory as a raster image or raster map, a two-dimensional array of small integers. These values are often transmitted or stored in a compressed form.

Difference between text and graphics Text( is what is written) Graphics(images and pictures) 1.It is sequence of predefined symbols 1.Nothing is predefined. 2.Reading text is impossible without knowing its 2.Accessible for iliterate knowledge 3.Text requires careful deciphering (interpretation) of 3.Image is sufficient to grasp its idea letters and words 4.Text affect parts of mind but to much less degree as 4.images affect parts of mind to much higher degree as compare to graphics compare to text

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UNIT-1 Categories of computer graphics:Computer graphics can be broadly divided into 2 categories:Non- Interactive CG :- In non interactive computer graphics otherwise known as passive computer graphics, the observer has no control over the image. Familiar examples of this type of computer graphics include the titles shown on TV Interactive CG :- Interactive Computer Graphics involves a two way communication between computer and user. Here the observer is given some control over the image by providing him with an input device for example the video game controller. This helps him to signal his request to the computer. The computer on receiving signals from the input device can modify the displayed picture appropriately. To the user it appears that the picture is changing instantaneously in response to his commands. He can give a series of commands, each one generating a graphical response from the computer. In this way he maintains a conversation, or dialogue, with the computer. Interactive computer graphics affects our lives in a number of indirect ways. For example, it helps to train the pilots of our airplanes. We can create a flight simulator which may help the pilots to get trained not in a real aircraft but on the grounds at the control of the flight simulator. The flight simulator is a mock up of an aircraft flight deck, containing all the usual controls and surrounded by screens on which we have the projected computer generated views of the terrain visible on take off and landing. Flight simulators have many advantages over the real aircrafts for training purposes, including fuel savings, safety, and the ability to familiarize the trainee with a large number of the world’s airports.

Applications of Computer Graphics Computers have become powerful tool for the rapid and economical production of pictures. Computer graphics are used in several areas such as               

Computer Aided design(CAD) Presentation Graphics Computer Art Education & Training Visualization Image Processing Science Engineering Medicine Business Industry Government Art Entertainment Advertising

CAD (Computer Aided Designing):- A major use of computer graphics is in design process particularly for engineering and architectural systems, but almost all products are now compute designed. Computer aided design referred as CAD methods are now routinely used in the design of buildings, automobiles, aircraft, space craft and textiles etc.   

Useful for testing performance of a vehicle. System in virtual reality environments. Realistic renderings of design process.

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UNIT-1 

Realistic 3D renderings of building designs.

Name of some CAD tools:- Advance Design by GRAITEC, AllyCAD by Knowledge Bave, ArchiCAD by Graphisoft Presentation Graphics:- Presentation graphics used to produce illustration for reports or generate 35mm slides etc., These graphics are commonly used to summarize and economic data for research reports, managerial reports, consumer information bulletins etc. for eg:- bar charts, line graphs and pie charts. Name of Some Presentation S/w:- Database Reporting S/w-Zeho Creator, MATLAB report generator Computer art:- Computer graphics methods are widely used in both fine art and commercial art applications. Artists uses variety of computer methods including special purpose hardware, paint brush programs etc. Special Purpose S/w- Lumena, Pixel Paint, Supe-Paint. Entertainment:- Computer graphics methods are now commonly used in making motion pictures, music videos and television shows. Sometimes graphics are displayed by themselves i.e., computer animation and sometimes graphics objects are combined with the actors and live scenes. S/w Example:- Power point, movie maker Education and training:- Computer generated models of physical, financial and economic systems are often used as educational aids. For some training applications special system are designed. For eg:- Flight simulators, automobile simulators etc.

What is image processing? It is a technique to modify or interpret existing pictures, such as photographs. Two principal applications of image processing are: 1. Improving picture quality 2. Machine perception of visual information as used in robotics Working of image processing: To apply image-processing methods, we first digitize a photograph or other picture into an image file. Then digital methods can be applied to rearrange picture parts, to enhance color separations, or to improve the quality of shading. An example of the application of image-processing methods is to enhance the quality of a picture. These techniques are used extensively in commercial art applications that involve the retouching and rearranging of sections of photographs and other artwork. Similar methods are used to analyze satellite photos of the earth and photos of galaxies.

Graphical User Interface A major component of a graphical interface is a window manager that allows a user to display multiple-window areas. Each window can contain a different process that can contain graphical or non graphical displays. To make a particular window active, we simply click in that window using an interactive pointing device. Interfaces also display menus and icons for fast selection of processing options or parameter values. An icon is a graphical symbol that is designed to look like the processing option it represents. The advantages of icons are that they take up less screen space than corresponding textual descriptions and they can be understood more quickly if well designed. Menus contain lists of textual descriptions and icons.

Origin of CG Years of research and development were made to achieve the goals in the field of computer graphics. In 1950 the first computer driven display was used to generate only simple pictures. This display made use of a cathode ray tube similar to the one used in television sets. During 1950’s interactive computer graphics made little progress because

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UNIT-1 the computers of that period were so unsuited to interactive use. These computers were used to perform only lengthy calculations. The single vent that did the most to promote interactive computer graphics as an important new field was the publication in 1962 of a brilliant thesis by Ivan E. Sutherland. His thesis, entitled ‘Sketchpad: A Man- Machine Graphical Communication System proved to many readers that interactive computer graphics was a viable, useful, and exciting field of research. By the mid -1960’s large computer graphics research projects were under taken at MIT, Bell Telephone Labs and General Motors. Thus the golden age of computer graphics began. In 1970’s thee researches began to bear fruit.

Video Display Devices CRT(Cathode Ray Tube) The primary output device is a graphics system is a video monitor. The operation of most video monitor is based on the standards of Cathode Ray Tube design. Basic Operation of CRT:- A beam of electrons (cathode rays), emitted by an electron gun, passes through focusing and deflection systems that direct the beam toward specified positions on the phosphor coated screen. The phosphor then emits a small spot of light at each position contacted by the electron beam. Because the light emitted by the phosphor fades very rapidly, some method is needed for maintaining the screen picture. One way to keep the phosphor glowing is to redraw the picture repeatedly by quickly directing the electron beam back over the same points. This type of display is called a refresh CRT.

Components of CRT (i) Electron Gun (ii) Focusing System (iii) Deflection System (iv) CRT Screen Electron Gun:- The primary components of an electron gun in a CRT are the heated metal cathode and a control grid. The cathode is heated by an electric current passed through a coil of wire called the filament. This causes electrons to be boiled off the hot cathode surface. In the vacuum inside the CRT envelope, negatively charged electrons are then accelerated toward the phosphor coating by a high positive voltage. The accelerating voltage can be generated with a positively charged metal coating on the in side of the CRT envelope near the phosphor screen, or an accelerating anode can be used. Sometimes the electron gun is built to contain the accelerating anode and focusing system within the same unit. Note:- Intensity of the electron beam is controlled by setting voltage levels on the control grid, which is a metal cylinder that fits over the cathode. A high negative voltage applied to the control grid will shut off the beam. A smaller negative voltage on the control grid simply decreases the number of electrons passing through. Since the amount of light emitted by the phosphor coating depends on the number of electrons striking the screen, we control the brightness of a display by varying the voltage on the control grid

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UNIT-1 Focusing System:-The focusing system is used to create a clear picture by focusing the electrons into a narrow beam. Otherwise, electrons would repel each other and beam would spread out as it reaches the screen. Focusing is accomplished with either electric or magnetic fields. Electrostatic focusing is commonly used in TV and computer Graphic Monitors. Deflection System:-Deflection of the electron beam can be controlled by either electric fields or magnetic fields. In case of magnetic field, two pairs of coils are used, one for horizontal deflection and other for vertical deflection. In case of electric field, two pairs of parallel plates are used, one for horizontal deflection and second for vertical deflection as shown in figure above. CRT Screen:-The inside of the large end of a CRT is coated with a fluorescent material that gives off light when struck by electrons. When the electrons in the beam is collides with phosphor coating screen, they stopped and their kinetic energy is absorbed by the phosphor. Then a part of beam energy is converted into heat energy and the remainder part causes the electrons in the phosphor atom to move up to higher energy levels. After a short time the excited electrons come back to their ground state. During this period, we see a glowing spot that quickly fades after all excited electrons are returned to their ground state. NOTE: Different kinds of phosphors are available for use in a CRT, Besides color, a major difference between phosphors is their persistence how long they continue to emit light after the CRT beam is removed. Persistence is defined as the time it takes the emitted light from the screen to decay to one-tenth of its original intensity. Lower persistence phosphors require higher refresh rates to maintain a picture on the screen without flicker. A phosphor with low persistence is useful for animation; a high-persistence phosphor is useful for displaying highly complex, static pictures. Although some phosphors have a persistence greater than 1 second, graphics monitors are usually constructed with a persistence in the range from 10 to 60 microseconds.

Electrostatic Deflection of the electron beam in CRT Important terms Refresh CRT :-A beam of electrons (cathode rays), emitted by an electron gun, passes through focusing and deflection systems that direct the beam towards specified position on the phosphor-coated screen. The phosphor then emits a small spot of light at each position contacted by the electron beam. Because the light emitted by the phosphor fades very rapidly, some method is needed for maintaining the screen picture. One way to keep the phosphor glowing is to redraw the picture repeatedly by quickly directing the electron beam back over the same points. This type of display is called a refresh CRT. Resolution:- The maximum number of points that can be displayed without overlap on a CRT is referred to as the resolution. A more precise definition of resolution is the number of points per centimeter that can be plotted horizontally and vertically. Typical resolution on high-quality systems is 1280 by 1024, with higher resolutions available on many systems. High resolution systems are often referred to as high-definition systems.

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UNIT-1 Aspect Ratio:-Another property of video monitors is aspect ratio. This number gives the ratio of vertical points to horizontal points necessary to produce equal-length lines in both directions on the screen. (Sometimes aspect ratio is stated in terms of the ratio of horizontal to vertical points.) An aspect ratio of 3/4 means that a vertical line plotted with three points has the same length as a horizontal line plotted with four points.

Raster Scan Display It is the most common type of graphics monitor based on television technology. In a raster scan system, the electron beam is swept across the screen, one row at a time from top to bottom. When electron beam moves across each row the beam intensity is turned ON and OFF to create a pattern of illuminated spots. Picture definition is stored in a memory called frame buffer which holds the set of intensity values, which are then retrieved from the frame buffer and pointed on the screen one row at a time as shown in figure below:

Each screen point is referred to as a pixel or pel (shortened forms of picture element). The capability of a raster-scan system to store intensity information for each screen point makes it well suited for the realistic display of scenes containing subtle shading and color patterns. Home television sets and printers are examples of other systems using raster-scan methods. In a simple black-and-white system, each screen point is either on or off, so only one bit per pixel...