Graphics Produced by Computers - Essay Example

Computer graphics: Definition: Computer graphics is the field of visual computing, where one utilizes computers both to generate visual images synthetically and to integrate or alter visual and spatial information sampled from the real world. (Hill, 2001) Introduction: Computer graphics are graphics produced by computers and, further usually it is the demonstration and treatment of pictographic data by a computer. The word computer graphics comprises almost the whole thing on computers that is not content or sound. Today nearly all computers use some graphics and users expect to organize their computer through icons and pictures rather than just by typing. The term Computer Graphics has numerous values like: 1. The demonstration and manipulation of pictorial data by a computer 2. The diverse technologies used to generate and manipulate such pictorial data 3. The images so created 4. The sub-field of computer science, which studies methods for digitally synthesizing and controlling visual substance. Today computers and computer-generated images stroke many features of our every day life. Computer images are found on television, in newspapers, in weather reports, and during surgical dealings. A well-constructed graph can present multifarious information in a form that is easier to understand and understand. Such graphs are used to illustrate papers, reports, theses, and other presentation material. A range of tools and conveniences are available to facilitate users to visualize their data, and computer graphics are used in many disciplines. (Hill, 2001) As an educational discipline, computer graphics studies the manipulation of visual and geometric information using computational techniques. It focuses on the mathematical and computational foundations of image generation and processing rather than purely aesthetic issues. Computer graphics is often differentiated from the field of visualization, even though the two fields have many similarities. (Xiang ,Plastock, 2000) Pioneers in graphic design: Charles Csuri Charles Csuri is well known for pioneering the field of computer graphics, computer animation and digital fine art, creating the first computer art in 1964. Csuri has been acknowledged as the father of digital art and computer animation by Smithsonian, and as a leading pioneer of computer animation by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and The Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group Graphics (ACM-SIGGRAPH). (Lewis, Luciana, 2004) Donald P. Greenberg Donald P. Greenberg is an internationally recognized pioneer in computer graphics. Greenberg has written hundreds of piece of writings and served as an educator and adviser to many prominent computer graphic artists and animators. Five previous students have won Academy Awards for Scientific or Technical Achievements, five have won the SIGGRAPH Achievement Award, and many now work for Pixar Animation Studios. In 1991, Greenberg was the dawn director of the National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Computer Graphics and Scientific Visualization when it was formed. His former students include Robert L. Cook, Marc Levoy, and Wayne Lytle. (Lewis, Luciana, 2004) Michael Noll Noll was one of the first researchers to use a digital computer to create artistic patterns and to sanctify the use of random processes in the formation of visual arts. His original digital computer art was programmed in the summer of 1962 at Bell Telephone Laboratories in Murray Hill, NJ, making him one of the earliest digital computer artists. In 1965 Noll along with two other initiators within the field of early computer art, Frieder Nake and Georg Nees in Germany, were the first to exhibit publicly their computer art. The Howard Wise Gallery in New York City exhibited Nolls computer art along with random-dot patterns by Bela Julesz during April 1965. (Lewis, Luciana, 2004) Other pioneers for Computer graphic field include: 1. Daniel J. Sandin 2. Alvy Ray Smith 3. Ivan Sutherland 4. Steve Russell Connected studies with computer graphics include: 1. Scientific visualization 2. Information visualization 3. Computer vision 4. Image processing 5. Computational Geometry 6. Computational Topology 7. Applied mathematics Applications of computer graphics are: 1. Computational biology 2. Computational physics 3. Computer-aided design 4. Computer simulation 5. Digital art 6. Education 7. Graphic design 8. Infographics 9. Information visualization 10. Scientific visualization 11. Video Games 12. Virtual reality 13. Web design 3D computer graphics as compared 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. Inspite of these differences, 3D computer graphics depends on many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire-frame model and 2D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display. In computer graphics software, the difference between 2D and 3D is occasionally not clear. 2D applications may use 3D techniques to get the effects such as lighting, and primarily 3D may use 2D rendering techniques. 3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file. However, there are differences. A 3D model is the mathematical representation of any 3D object either inanimate or living. A model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed. Due to 3D printing, 3D models are not restricted to virtual space. A model can be displayed visually as a 2D image through a process called 3D rendering, or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations. (McConnell, 2005) The following are also considered graphics applications: 1. Paint programs: Allows in creating rough freehand drawings. The images are stored as bit maps and can easily be edited. 2. Illustration/design programs: Supports more advanced features than paint programs, particularly for drawing curved lines. The images are usually stored in vector-based formats. Illustration/design programs are often called draw programs. 3. Presentation graphics software: Lets one create bar charts, pie charts, graphics, and other types of images for slide shows and reports. The charts can be based on data imported from spreadsheet applications. 4. Animation software: Enables one to chain and sequence a series of images to simulate movement. Each image is like a frame in a movie. 5. CAD software: Enables architects and engineers to draft designs. 6. Desktop publishing: Provides a full set of word-processing features and fine control over placement of text and graphics, so that you can create newsletters, advertisements, books, and other types of documents. In broad-spectrum applications that support graphics require a powerful CPU and a large amount of memory. Many graphics applications like computer animation systems require more computing power than is available on personal computers and will run only on powerful workstations or specially designed graphics computers. This is true of all three-dimensional computer graphics applications. The quality of most graphics devices is determined by their resolution i.e. how many points per square inch they can represent their color capabilities. (McConnell, 2005) Donald Peter Greenberg: Donald Peter Greenberg was borned in 1934 and is the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Computer Graphics at Cornell University. Greenberg received his undergraduate and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University, where he played on the tennis and soccer teams and was an associate of Tau Delta Phi and the Quill and Dagger society. He joined the Cornell faculty in 1968 with a joint engagement in the College of Engineering and College of Architecture. He currently hand round as Director of the Program of Computer Graphics. He constructed the "flying diaper" figure, which currently stands at the entrance of the Cornell Plantations in the late 1960s. From 1960 to 1965, he served as a consulting engineer with Severud Associates, and was involved with the design of numerous building projects including the St. Louis Arch, New York State Theater of the Dance at Lincoln Center, and Madison Square Garden. He has taught courses in structural analysis and design, architectural design, shell structures, reinforced concrete, and computer applications in architecture. In 1970-71, he was a guest professor at the ETH in Zurich, Switzerland, and he has been a visiting professor at Yale University. (Kerlow, 2004) In 1971, Greenberg produced an early-complicated computer graphics movie, Cornell in Perspective, using the General Electric Visual Simulation Laboratory with the backing of its director, Quill and Dagger classmate Rodney S. Rougelot. Greenberg also co-authored a progression of documents on the Cornell Box. Greenberg received the Steven Anson Coons Award in 1987, the most prestigious award in the field of computer graphics. Earlier to teaching at Cornell, Greenberg was a consulting engineer with Severud Associates, working on famous structures like the St. Louis Arch and Madison Square Garden. Greenberg has served as a visiting professor at ETH Zurich and Yale University. He is on the board of directors of the Interactive Data Corporation and Chyron Corporation. He holds attachment in the National Academy of Engineering, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Association for Computing Machinery, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, SIGGRAPH, and Eurographics. He was named a beneficiary of ACM in 1995. (Kerlow, 2004) Since 1966, Dr. Greenberg had been researching and teaching in the field of computer graphics. During the last fifteen years, he has been first and foremost concerned with research advancing the state-of-the-art in computer graphics and with utilizing these techniques as they may be applied to a variety of disciplines. His specialities consist of hidden surface algorithms, geometric modeling, color science, and realistic image production. He presently teaches the course Imaging and the Electronic Age in the Department of Architecture. . He served as the founding Director of the National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Computer Graphics and Scientific Visualization until his term expired on July 1, 1995. This five-university association includes Cornell and Brown Universities, the California Institute of Technology, the University of North Carolina, and the University of Utah. Moreover, he is Director of the Program of Computer Graphics and the originator and former director of the Computer Aided Design Instructional Facility at Cornell University. Dr. Greenberg is presently on the editorial boards of Computers and Graphics and Computer-Aided Design. He is a constituent of the ACM, IEEE, SIGGRAPH, and Eurographics societies. (Batten, Batten, 1997) Photo mosaic To celebrate the twenty fifth anniversary of the Program of Computer Graphics, alumnus Eric Haines constructed a photo mosaic of Dr. Greenberg comprised of photos of his contemporary and former students and staff. Professor Greenberg is one of the foremost pioneers in the emerging field of computer graphics, having served as a leading researcher and teacher in the field since 1965. His research is primarily concerned with physically based image synthesis and with applying graphic techniques to a multiplicity of disciplines. His specialties include color science, parallel processing, and realistic image production. His application work at the present focuses on medical imaging, architectural design, perception, digital photography, and real-time photo realistic image production. Unswerving with the interdisciplinary nature of the field of computer graphics, he is a member of Cornell’s faculty in the Johnson Graduate School of Management, the Department of Computer Science, and the Department of Architecture. From past few years he has been teaching courses in computer graphics, computer-aided architectural design, digital photography, and disruptive technologies. (Batten, Batten, 1997) Professor Greenberg was the naissance director of the NSF Science and Technology Center for Computer Graphics and Scientific Visualization, now in its tenth year. He is the administrator of the Program of Computer Graphics and former director of the Computer-Aided Design Instructional Facility at Cornell. He has published more than two hundred articles on computer graphics, and many of his students have been highly recognized in the field, including several who have received the SIGGRAPH Achievement Award and others who have acknowledged Hollywood Oscars. In 1987, he received the ACM Steven Coons Award, the utmost honor in the field, for his excellent creative contributions in computer graphics. He also received the National Computer Graphics Association Academic Award in 1989. In 1997, he received the ASCA Creative Research Award in Architecture. An Honorary Doctoral Degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology was presented to him in 1999. (Batten, Batten, 1997) Education He completed his Ph.D., Structural Engineering, Cornell University, 1968 He had done B.C.S., Civil Engineering, Cornell University, 1958 Present Professional Activities of Professor Greenberg He is a member of National Academy of Engineering. And a fellow to International Association of Medical and Biological Engineering; Association for Computing Machinery. His current computer science research projects involve realistic image generation, parallel-processing algorithms for rendering, new graphical user interfaces, and computer animation. His current application projects include ornithology and the search for the ivory-billed woodpecker, medical imaging and virtual surgery, architectural design for a green environment, and new types of computer displays, from electronic paper to touch-sensitive table displays. His primary focus has been on advancing the state of the art in computer graphics. He is teaching courses in computer graphics in computer science, computer-aided design in architecture, computer animation in art, and technology strategy for business. (Buchberger, Volkert, 1994) Past Professional Activities of Professor Greenberg 1. Director, Program of Computer Graphics Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 2. Founding Director, National Science and Technology Center for Computer Graphics and Scientific Visualization, 1991-1995 Awards The awards got by Professor Greenberg are as following: 1. 1987 ACM SIGGRAPH Steven A. Coons Award for Outstanding Creative Contributions to Computer Graphics 2. 1989 NCGA Academic Award for (highest educational award given by the National Computer Graphics Association) 3. 1991 Member, National Academy of Engineering 4. 1992 Fellow, American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering Many of his graduate students have gone on to become leaders in the fields of computer graphics, computer animation, and computer-aided design for architecture. Six former students have won Hollywoods Technical "Oscars", and five have won the impressive SIGGRAPH Achievement Award. (Buchberger, Volkert, 1994) Lectures given by Professor Greenberg The list of lectures given by Professor Greenberg is given below: 1. Education Panel: Teaching 3D Graphics. 1999 ACM Symposium on Interactive 3D Graphics (13DG’99), Atlanta, GA, April 1999. 2. Disruptive Technologies in Computer Graphics: Past, Present and Future. 3. 10th Euro graphics workshop on Rendering (EGRW’99), Granada, Spain, June 1999. 4. How Computer Graphics are Changing the Internet & Education. Hudson Institute, Cyber Rendezvous Conference, Jackson Hole, WY, September 1999. 5. Computer Graphics – Progress, Problems & Potential. Computer Science Colloquium, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, October 1999. 6. Computer Graphics – the State of the Art. Managing the Next Generation of Manufacturing Technology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, November 1999. 7. Virtual Universities: Real Boundaries. Symposium honoring Dale Raymond Corson, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, December 1999. 8. The Future of Architectural Design Education. College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Advisory Council Meeting, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, April 2000 (with M. Piccolotto). 9. Working Today on Tomorrow’s Design Software. AEC/IS Roundtable, Washington, DC, June 2000. In his attributed talk, "The Expanding Boundaries of Computer Graphics", he challenges the new age group of computer graphicists i.e. those who will take great professional risks to solve big problems and to dream impossible dreams and extend the influence of computer graphics to many other disciplines. Further more, he says about film making that the process starts with development of the story and continues with modeling the geometry, animating the characters, simulating things like water and cloth and hair, defining the look of the surfaces, putting lights in the scene, and rendering the images. Making a computer-animated film requires close association between artists and technical experts in many areas of expertise and is a great example of the value of bringing different disciplines together. (Lin, Manocha, 1996) Publications of Professor Greenberg: The publications of Professor Greenberg is as following: 1. “A Lab Ahead of its Time: Cornell Graphics Lab Sets High Standards.” Architectural Record (June 2000), 198–204 (with B.J. Novitsky and M.A. Piccolotto). 2. “Image-Based BRDF Measurement Including Human Skin.” Rendering Techniques ‘99, Springer Verlag (Wien) (August 1999), 131–144 (with S.R. Marschner, S.H. Westin, E.P.F. Lafortune, and K.E. Torrance). 3. “Disruptive Technologies in Computer Graphics: Past, Present, and Future.” Rendering Techniques ‘99, Springer Verlag (Wien) (August 1999), 1–3. 4. “Direct Illumination with Lazy Visibility Evaluation.” Computer Graphics (SIGGRAPH ’99 Conference Proceedings), (33)4 (August 1999), 147–154 (with D. Hart and P.M. Dutre). 5. “A Perceptually Based Physical Error Metric for Realistic Image Synthesis.” Computer Graphics (SIGGRAPH ’99 Conference Proceedings), (33)4 (August 1999), 73–82 (with M. Ramasubramanian and S.N. Pattanaik). 6. “A Framework for Realistic Image Synthesis.” Communications of the ACM, (42)8 (August 1999), 44–53. 7. Don Greenberg is a pioneer of CG, and the director at the Cornell University Program of Computer Graphics, with a long history of successful stewardship behind him. Computer graphics society contacted Don Greenberg to discover out how he felt about being chosen as the first keynote speaker for the Inaugural SIGGRAPH Asia (Special Interest Group on GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques). When Don first started in the field of computer graphics, he said that he felt like a man without a country. In the Inaugural session, he told about the beginnings of the industry of computer graphics. A time when computer graphics was just being initially explored, when computer scientists just opening their own departments wanted to contemplate on more theoretical issues. SIGGRAPH became his academic home and he was forever grateful. Having the opportunity to be first important speaker allowed him to not only repay this magnificent organization but also possibly inspire emerging communities on the other side of the world. In both of these professions of architecture and engineering, the process consisted of concept, design and the building of real-world constructions. There was gigantic fulfillment and arrogance from seeing something grow from concept to reality. And Professor Greenberg was feeling this. (Lin, Manocha, 1996) In a hint to his talk on that Inaugural session at the Suntec Movie Theatre in Singapore, Greenberg told people about a crucial realization that is missing in the research of computer graphics. He said that so many smart, well-educated, and creative people have entered into computer graphics, not realizing how applicable the algorithms and tools they have developed are to other fields like biology, medicine, acoustics, or architectural and industrial design. Greenberg at Cornell University got the opportunity when Cornells Astronomy Professor Carl Sagan had given him the first opportunity to popularize science with BBC’s ‘Cosmos’. Professor Carl Sagan asked Greenberg to join him and to do the computer graphics simulations. Professor Greenberg used to call Professor Carl Sagan as not only a hero of his life but also a very close friend. Professor Greeenberg wanted to do this and he had two enthusiastic students, George Joblove and Doug Kay, wanting to work on this project as well. Both went on to have very triumphant technical careers and have won Hollywood’s Technical Oscars as well. In the end, they couldn’t work on ‘Cosmos’ with their existing equipment at that time without losing all of their sponsored research. That’s why Professor Donald Peter Greenberg had to turn down Professor Carl Sagan’s request. (Glassner, 1995) In the first proposal Professor Donald Peter Greenberg wrote to the National Science Foundation in the 1970s that he had a section that planned mapping the topography of the Martian exterior so that data could be used for future space investigation. This portion was abandoned with the observations that one would never need that information, as there would never be any landing on Mars. On an occasion Professor Greenberg joked, . “I am sure Carl is laughing from above when he sees the success of his former student, Steve Squyres and the Mars Rover Mission”. (Glassner, 1995) Professor Donald Peter Greenberg had the chance to educate at China’s Tsinghua University in the 1980s. It may have been one of the earliest Computer graphics courses ever taught in China. In that University, equipment was very expensive and students were attempting to write algorithms on machines with very limited capacity. Even though he have been back to Asia several times, he not really had the opportunity to see how far the field has progressed and he hoped that Singapore’s SIGGRAPH would allow him to attain that opportunity. SIGGRAPH (Special Interest Group on GRAPHics and Interactive Techniques) is composed of a society of researchers who can facilitate in a lot of fields, but the entice of the entertainment industry has been so great that much of their work has ignored these other disciplines. There are many problems that can be solved by algorithms and techniques invented in the computer graphics community and Professor Donald Peter Greenberg wanted to show how some of these could be applied. (Glassner, 1995) Bibliography: Hill.F, 2001.Computer Graphics: Using OpenGL, Prentice Hall Xiang.Z, Roy A. Plastock.R, 2000. Schaums Outline of Computer Graphics, McGraw-Hill Professional Lewis.R, Luciana.J, 2004. Digital Media: An Introduction,Prentice Hall McConnell.J, 2005. Computer Graphics: Theory Into Practice, Jones & Bartlett Publishers Kerlow.I, 2004. The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects: Computer Animation and Effects, John Wiley and Sons Batten.J, Batten.D, 1997. Awards, honors & prizes: an international directory of awards and their donors recognizing achievement in advertising, architecture, arts and humanities, business and finance, communications, computers, consumer affairs, ecology, education, engineering, fashion, films, journalism, law, Gale Research Company Buchberger.B, Volkert.J, 1994. Parallel Processing: CONPAR 94-VAPP VI : Third Joint International Conference on Vector and Parallel Processing, Linz, Austria, September 6-8, 1994 : Proceedings, Springer Lin.M, Manocha.D, 1996. Applied Computational Geometry: Towards Geometric Engineering: FCRC 96 Workshop, WACG 96, Philadelphia, PA, May 27-28, 1996: Selected Papers, Springer Glassner.A, 1995. Principles of Digital Image Synthesis, Morgan Kaufmann. Read More

 

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