Computer Graphics

1. Look at the computer graphics below and answer these questions:

a. Which of these graphics are three-dimentional (3D)?
b. What are the advantages of creating 3-D images?
c. Which types of professional might use the graphics below (a-d)?

a. c.

b. d.

2. Read the text on the next page and answer the following questions.
a. What are the differences between raster graphics and vector graphics?
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b. Which graphics file formats are mentioned?

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c. What is compositing?
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d. What does CAD stand for?

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e. What are the benefits of using graphics in the car industry?

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f. What type of graphics software is used to make maps or 3-D models of the Earth?
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g. Who uses computer animation? How?

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Computer graphiscs

Computer graphics are pictures and drawings produced by computer. There are two main
categories:
Raster graphics, or bitmaps, are stored as a collection of pixels. The sharpness of an image
depends on the density of pixels, or resolution. For example, text or pictures that are scaled up
– that is, made bigger – may show jagged edges. Paint and photo-editing programs like Adobe
Photoshop focus on the manipulation of bitmaps. Popular raster formats are JPEG, GIF and
TIFF.
Vector graphics represent images through the use of geometric objects, such as lines, curves
and polygons, based on mathematical equations. They can be changed or scaled without losing
quality. Vector data can be handled by drawing programs like Adobe Illustrator, Corel draw or
Macromedia Freehand. EPS is the most popular file format for excahnging vecrtor drawings.

Bitmap Graphics are composed of pixels,

each of which contains specific color information.

Vector graphics consist of points, lines and curves which,

when combined, can form complex objects.

Almost all computer users use some form of graphics. Home users and professional artists use
image-editing programs to manipulate images. For example, you can add filters (special effects)
to your favorite photos, or you can composite images. Compositing is combining parts of
different images to create a single image. Graphic artists and designers use drawing programs to
create freehand drawings and illustrations for books or for the Web. Businesspeople use
presentation graphics to make information more interesting visually – graphs and diagrams can
be more effective ways of communicating with clients than lists of figures. Electrical engineers
use graphics to design circuits in order to present data in a more understandable form.
Mechanical engineers use CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to develop, model and test
car designs before the actual parts are made. This can save a lot of time and money.
CAD is also used in the aero space, architecture and industrial sectors to design everything from
aeroplanes and buildings to consumer products. Designers start a project by making a
wireframe, a representation showing the outlines of all edges in a transparent drawing. They
then specify and fill the surface to give the appearance of a 3-D solid object with volume. This
is known as solid modelling. Next, they add paint, color and filters to achieve the desired ‘look
and feel’: this is called texturing the object. Finally, they render the object to make it look real.
Rendering includes lighting and shading as well as effects that simulate shadows and
reflections.

Rendering process.
A wireframe model.

Computer art, or digital art, is used in adverts and TV programs. Artists and scientists use
special graphic applets to create amazing fractals. Fractals are geometrical patterns that are
repeated at small scales to generate irregular shapes, some of which describe objects from
nature. Government agencies use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to understand
geographic data and then plan the use of land or predict natural disasters. Cartographers use GIS
to make detailed maps. Animators use computer animation software to create animated
cartoons or add effects in movies and video games.
3. Match the words (1-6) with the definitions (a-f).
a. special effects that can be applied to
1. resolution ( ) pictures
2. jagged ( ) b. a technique that generates realistic
3. filters ( ) reflections, shadows and highlights
4. wireframe ( ) c. geometrical figures with special
5. rendering ( ) properties
6. fractals ( ) d. irregular or uneven
e. the number of pixels in an image
f. the drawing of a model by using
features like edges or contour lines

Language Work: the –ing form

Help box
The –ing form

We use the –ing form in three ways:

1. Rendering includes lighting and shading.
2. We are designing a new car on computer.
3. They use special applets to create amazing fractals.

 In 1, rendering is a gerund (see below), acting as subject. Lighting and shading are
also gerunds acting as the objects. A gerund refers to an activity or process.

 In 2, designing is a present participle. This is used in continuous tenses (in the above
example, the present continuous) and reduced relative clauses. … a representation
showing the outlines of all edges. (= which shows the outlines…)

 In 3, amazing is an adjective.

We use gerunds in the following ways:

1. As the subject of a verb:
Compositing is combining parts of different images to create a single image.

2. As the complement of the subject:

Compositing is combining parts of different images to create a single image.

3. As the object of a verb:

I enjoy editing pictures.

4. After a preposition:
Designers start a project by making a wireframe.

5. As the complement of a verb:

This course involves painting and drawing in various media.

6. Some verbs are followed by the gerund, not by the infinitive: (e.g. avoid, finish, give
up, hate, imagine, involve, keep, suggest, etc.).

4. Correct the mistakes in these sentences. There are seven in total.

a. Computer animation is the process of create objects which move across the screen.
b. Texturing involves add paint, color and filter to drawing and designs.
c. You can open the color palette by click on the corresponding icon.
d. CAD programs are very fast at to perform drawing functions.
e. A lot of time and money is saved by test a car design before to make the product.
f. To render refers to the techniques used to make realistic images.