Unit 1 Computer Graphics mrsandy.

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UNIT-I: Introduction to Computer Graphics

1. Definition of Computer Graphics
Computer graphics is the field of study and practice that involves the creation, manipulation, and
representation of visual content using computers. It encompasses a wide range of techniques and
technologies for generating and processing digital images.
Key aspects:
Computer graphics involves both 2D and 3D visual content
It includes the creation, storage, manipulation, and display of images
The field combines elements of computer science, mathematics, and visual arts
It deals with both vector and raster graphics
Computer graphics is fundamental to modern user interfaces and visual computing

2. Application Areas of Computer Graphics

Computer graphics has permeated numerous fields, revolutionizing how we visualize and interact
with information.
Detailed breakdown:
1. Entertainment:
Video games: 3D modeling, texturing, animation, and real-time rendering
Movies: Special effects, CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery), animated films
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Immersive experiences, 3D
environments
2. Education:
Interactive learning tools: Visual simulations, 3D models of complex systems
Training simulators: Flight simulators, medical procedure training
Educational software: Engaging visuals for better understanding of concepts
3. Science and Engineering:
Data visualization: Turning complex datasets into understandable visual representations
CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Designing products, buildings, and mechanical parts
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Simulation: Modeling physical phenomena, testing designs virtually

4. Medicine:
Medical imaging: Processing and visualizing MRI, CT scans, and X-rays
Surgical planning: 3D modeling of organs for pre-operative planning
Prosthetics design: Custom-fit prosthetics using 3D scanning and modeling
5. Business:
Advertising: Creating eye-catching graphics and animations
Data presentation: Infographics, charts, and interactive dashboards
Product design: Conceptualizing and prototyping products virtually
6. Art and Design:
Digital art: Creating artwork directly on computers
Graphic design: Logos, layouts, and visual branding
Web design: Creating visually appealing and functional websites

3. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A Graphical User Interface is a visual way of interacting with electronic devices through graphical
elements rather than text-based interfaces.
Key points:
Definition: A system of interactive visual components for computer software
WIMP paradigm: Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer - the core elements of most GUIs
Event-driven programming: The GUI responds to user actions (events) like clicks or key
presses
Widgets: Reusable GUI components such as buttons, text boxes, sliders, and dropdown
menus
Advantages: More intuitive for users, easier to learn than command-line interfaces
Challenges: Requires more system resources, can be slower than text-based interfaces for
expert users
Historical context:
Developed at Xerox PARC in the 1970s
Popularized by Apple with the Macintosh in 1984
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Became widespread with Microsoft Windows in the 1990s

4. Display Technologies
4.1 Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT)
CRT is a vacuum tube containing electron guns and a fluorescent screen used to view images.
Detailed description:
Electron guns emit beams of electrons
Beams are focused and accelerated towards the screen
Deflection coils direct the beam to scan across the screen
Phosphor coating on the screen emits light when struck by electrons
Images are formed by rapidly scanning the electron beam across the screen
Types of CRT displays:
4.1.1 Random Scan Displays (Vector Displays)
Draw images using lines by directly controlling the electron beam
High precision for line drawings
Limited to wireframe images
Used in early CAD systems and oscilloscopes
4.1.2 Raster Scan Displays
Scan the electron beam in a fixed pattern (left to right, top to bottom)
Create images using a matrix of pixels
Can display complex images and colors
Basis for modern TV and computer monitors
4.2 Color CRT Monitors
Detailed description:
Use three electron guns, one each for Red, Green, and Blue
Employ a shadow mask or aperture grille to direct electron beams
Each pixel on the screen consists of red, green, and blue phosphor dots
Combine RGB phosphors in varying intensities to create full-color images
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Offer high contrast ratios and good color reproduction

4.3 Flat Panel Displays
Modern display technologies that offer advantages over CRTs in terms of size, weight, and power
consumption.
4.3.1 Plasma Panels
Key points:
Contain cells filled with ionized gas (plasma)
Each cell acts as a tiny fluorescent lamp
Produces light through electrical stimulation of the gas
Offers high contrast ratios and wide viewing angles
Challenges include high power consumption and potential for screen burn-in
4.3.2 Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD)
Detailed description:
Use liquid crystals to control light passage
Backlight illuminates the display (usually LED in modern displays)
Pixels consist of liquid crystal layers between polarizing filters
Electric current alters crystal alignment to allow/block light
Types include TN (fast, cheap), IPS (better color and viewing angles), and VA (high contrast)
Advantages: Low power consumption, no geometric distortion
Disadvantages: Limited viewing angles (improved in modern panels), potential for dead pixels
4.3.3 Electroluminescent Displays
Key aspects:
Use phosphor materials that emit light when electric current is applied
Very thin and energy-efficient
High contrast and wide viewing angles
Often used in small devices or as backlights
Examples include OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays
OLED advantages: Perfect blacks, vibrant colors, potential for flexible displays
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5. Graphics Software
5.1 Graphical Kernel System (GKS)
Detailed description:
First ISO standard for graphics programming
Provides a set of drawing primitives for 2D graphics
Aims for device-independent graphics output
Key features:
Output primitives: lines, polygons, text
Input handling for various devices
Coordinate systems and transformations
Segmentation for grouping graphical elements
Limitations: Primarily focused on 2D graphics, lacks advanced 3D capabilities
5.2 Programmer's Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System (PHIGS)
Key points:
Extension of GKS to support 3D graphics
Designed for interactive applications and complex scenes
Supports hierarchical structure of graphical data
Key concepts:
Structures and elements for organizing graphical data
Viewing and modeling transformations for 3D manipulation
Input handling and events for user interaction
Support for animation and dynamic scenes
Advantages over GKS: Better suited for CAD/CAM applications, supports complex 3D scenes

6. Color Models
Mathematical systems for representing colors in digital systems.
6.1 RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
Detailed description:
Additive color model based on light emission
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Primary colors: Red, Green, Blue

Colors created by combining different intensities of these primaries
Each color typically represented by 8 bits (0-255) per channel
Used in displays, digital cameras, and image processing
Represents a wide color gamut suitable for electronic displays
Example: RGB(255, 0, 0) represents pure red
6.2 CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black)
Key aspects:
Subtractive color model based on light absorption
Used primarily in printing processes
Primary colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, with Black added for deeper shadows and text
Colors created by absorbing light with different combinations of inks
Each color represented as a percentage (0-100%) of ink coverage
More suitable for reproducing colors on physical media
Example: CMYK(0%, 100%, 100%, 0%) represents pure red in print
6.3 HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value)
Detailed description:
Represents colors in a way that's closer to human perception
Components:
Hue: Color type (0-360 degrees on the color wheel)
Saturation: Color intensity or purity (0-100%)
Value: Brightness (0-100%)
Intuitive for color selection and manipulation in graphics software
Easier for humans to reason about than RGB or CMYK
Example: HSV(0°, 100%, 100%) represents pure red

7. Color Lookup Table

Detailed description:
A Color Lookup Table (CLUT) is a mechanism used in computer graphics to reduce memory
requirements and speed up display processes.
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Key characteristics:
Stores a limited palette of colors (typically 256 in 8-bit color systems)
Each entry contains RGB values for a specific color
Pixels in the image store an index to the table instead of full color information
Functionality:
When displaying an image, the system looks up the color values for each pixel
Changing colors in the table affects all pixels referencing those entries
Benefits:
Reduces memory usage for images
Allows quick color changes by modifying the table
Useful for creating visual effects (e.g., color cycling in old video games)
Can optimize color usage for specific images or applications
Limitations:
Restricts the number of colors that can be displayed simultaneously
Not suitable for photorealistic images requiring millions of colors
Historical significance:
Crucial in early computer graphics with limited memory and processing power
Still used in some specialized applications and in color quantization algorithms
Example application: In a 256-color system, instead of storing 3 bytes (24 bits) of RGB data per
pixel, only 1 byte (8 bits) is needed to reference the color in the CLUT, potentially reducing memory
usage by 66%.