Chapter 1

Introduction to Computer Graphics

The objective of this course is to provide an introduction the theory and practice of computer graphics. The course will assume a good background on programming in C and some backgrounds in mathematics and linear algebra such as the use of coordinate geometry and matrix operations.
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Contents
Why Study Computer Graphics? Whats Computer Graphics? Application Areas Course Outline Lectures & Labs Exam and Internal Assessment Books Questions?
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Why Study Computer Graphics?

Graphics is cool
I like to see what Im doing I like to show people what Im doing

Graphics is interesting
Involves simulation, AI, algorithms, architecture

Ill never get an Oscar for my acting

But maybe Ill get one for my CG special effects

Graphics is fun
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What Is Computer Graphics?

The term computer graphics was coined in 1960 by William Fetter to describe new design methods he was pursuing at Boeing Fetter created a series of widely reproduced images on a pen plotter exploring cockpit design, using a 3D model of a human body

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What Is Computer Graphics?

Perhaps the best way to define computer graphics is to find
out what it is not. It is not a machine. It is not a computer, nor a group of computer programs. It is not the know-how of a graphic designer, a programmer, a writer, a motion picture specialist, or a reproduction specialist. Computer graphics is all these a consciously managed and documented technology directed toward communicating information accurately and descriptively. Computer Graphics, by William A. Fetter, 1966

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Interactive Computer Graphics

Takes things a step further by allowing users rapid visual feedback from their actions Typically we have the following cycle:
INPUT Mouse Tablet and stylus Force feedback device Scanner Live video streams PROCESSING DISPLAY/ OUTPUT Screen Paper-based printer Video recorder Projector VR/AR headset
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This area is the focus of this course

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Interactive Computer Graphics

Sketchpad, developed in the 1960s, was the first interactive computer graphics application Using a light pen, key pad and monitor it allowed users create accurate design drawings
Dr. Ivan E. Sutherland developed Sketchpad as part of his PhD work. He went on to be a hugely influential computer scientist working in areas as diverse as graphics, circuit design, robotics 8 and computer hardware

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Interactive Computer Graphics

If we add interactivity, Fetters definition pretty much still holds So much of modern computing involves some graphical aspect that computer graphics is now ubiquitous So lets say computer graphics encompasses anything achieved visually on computers

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Applications Of Computer Graphics

Some of the application areas which make heavy use of computer graphics are:
Computer aided design Scientific visualisation Films Games Virtual/Augmented Reality

NOTE: There are lots more and there is huge overlap between these different areas
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1. Computer Aided Design

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1. Computer Aided Design

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2. Presentation Graphics
90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr East West North

East

East West North

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

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3. Computer Art

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3. Computer Art

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4. Entertainment: Cinema

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4. Entertainment: Cinema

Final Fantasy (Square, USA) March 3, 2012

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5. Entertainment: Games

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6. Education and Training

Outside In An educational film about everting a sphere

(Geometry Center, University of Minnesota)

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7. Visualization - Medical

The Visible Human Project

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MIT: Image-Guided Surgery Project

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8. Visualization-Scientific

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8. Visualization-Scientific

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9. Virtual/Augmented Reality

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10. Everyday Use

Microsofts Whistler OS will use graphics seriously Graphics visualizations and debuggers Visualize complex software systems

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10. Everyday use

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10. Everyday use

Window system and large-screen interaction metaphors (Franois Guimbretire)

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Course Outline
The course will follow this broad-strokes outline:
Maths Preliminaries Graphics Devices Raster Graphics Viewing in 2D Viewing in 3D 3D Object Modelling Illumination and Surface Rendering

Practical Work in C/C++ or Java

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Lectures & Labs

Lectures:
LTPC 3104

Labs:
LTPC 0006

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ATTEND THE LABS!!!

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Exams & Internal Assessment

Final Exams (Theory):
50 Marks

Internal Assessment (Theory):

50 Marks
30 Marks Three papers 15 marks each best 2 out of 3 10 Marks Assignment 5 Marks Quiz 5 Marks Class Behaviour
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Books
1. Computer Graphics", D. Hearn and M. P. Baker, Third Edition, PHI Computer Graphics, R. A. Plastock and G. Kalley, McGraw Hill Introduction to Computer Graphics, J.D. Foley, A. van Dam, S.K. Feiner, J.F. Hughes & R.L. Phillips, Addison Wesley, 1997
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2.

3.

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Questions

Any Questions?

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