COMPU TER

G RAPHICS-150313
Hemlata Arya
Assistant Professor
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
 UNIT-1

Introduction to C o m p u t e r
Graphics
Basics of Computer Graphics

❖ Computer graphics is an art of drawing pictures on computer screens with the help of
programming. It involves computations, creation, and manipulation of data. In other words, we
can say that computer graphics is a rendering tool for the generation and manipulation of
images.

❖ Computer graphics is a sub-field of computer science which studies methods for digitally
synthesizing and manipulating visual content. Although the term often refers to the study of
three-dimensional computer graphics, it also encompasses two-dimensional graphics and image
processing.
❖ Computer graphics deals with creation, manipulation and storage of different type of
images and objects. Some of the applications of computer graphics are: Computer Art:
Using computer graphics we can create fine and commercial art which include animation
packages, paint packages.
Cathode Ray Tube
The primary output device in a graphical system is the video monitor. The main element of a video monitor
is the Cathode Ray Tube CRT, shown in the following illustration.

The operation of CRT is very simple −

➢ The electron gun emits a beam of electrons cathode rays.

➢ The electron beam passes through focusing and deflection systems that direct it towards
specified positions on the phosphor-coated screen.

➢ When the beam hits the screen, the phosphor emits a small spot of light at each position contacted by
the electron beam.

➢ It redraws the picture by directing the electron beam back over the same screen points quickly.
Figure: CRT
Types of graphics?
There are two ways Random scan and Raster scan by which we can display an object on
the screen.

❖ Raster Scan

❖ Vector Scan (Random Scan)

Raster Scan

In a raster scan system, the electron beam is swept across the screen, one row at a time
from top to bottom. As the 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 memory area called the Refresh Buffer or Frame Buffer. This
memory area holds the set of intensity values for all the screen points. Stored intensity
values are then retrieved from the refresh buffer and “painted” on the screen one
row scanline at a time as shown in the following illustration.

Each screen point is referred to as a pixel picture element or pel. At the end of each scan
line, the electron beam returns to the left side of the screen to begin displaying the next scan
line.
Figure: Raster Scan
Vector Scan / Random Scan
In this technique, the electron beam is directed only to the part of the screen where the
picture is to be drawn rather than scanning from left to right and top to bottom as in
raster scan. It is also called vector display, stroke-writing display, or calligraphic
display.

Picture definition is stored as a set of line-drawing commands in an area of memory

referred to as the refresh display file. To display a specified picture, the system
cycles through the set of commands in the display file, drawing each component line in
turn. After all the line-drawing commands are processed, the system cycles back to the
first line command in the list.

Random-scan displays are designed to draw all the component lines of a picture 30 to
60 times each second.
Figure: Vector Scan
Application of Computer Graphics
Computer Graphics has numerous applications, some of which are listed below −

➢ Computer graphics user interfaces GUIs − A graphic, mouse-oriented paradigm which allows the
user to interact with a computer.

➢ Business presentation graphics − "A picture is worth a thousand words".

➢ Cartography − Drawing maps.
➢ Weather Maps − Real-time mapping, symbolic representations.
➢ Satellite Imaging − Geodesic images.
➢ Photo Enhancement − Sharpening blurred photos.
➢ Medical imaging − MRIs, CAT scans, etc.
➢ Engineering drawings − mechanical, electrical, civil, etc. - Replacing the blueprints of the
past.
➢ Typography − The use of character images in publishing - replacing the hard type of the
past.
➢ Architecture − Construction plans, exterior sketches - replacing the blueprints and hand
drawings of the past.
➢ Art − Computers provide a new medium for artists.
➢ Training − Flight simulators, computer aided instruction, etc.
➢ Entertainment − Movies and games.
➢ Simulation and modeling − Replacing physical modeling and enactments
Interactive Computer Graphics:-
In interactive Computer Graphics user have some controls over the picture, i.e., the user can make
any change in the produced image. One example of it is the ping-pong game.
Interactive Computer Graphics require two-way communication between the computer and the user.
A User can see the image and make any change by sending his command with an input device.

Advantages:
1. Higher Quality
2.More precise results or products
3.Greater Productivity

4. Lower analysis and design cost

5. Significantly enhances our ability to understand data and to perceive trends.
Working of Interactive Computer Graphics:
The modern graphics display is very simple in construction. It consists of three components:

1. Frame Buffer or Digital Memory

2. A Monitor likes a home T.V. set without the tuning and receiving electronics.
3. Display Controller or Video Controller: It passes the contents of the frame buffer to the
monitor.
Frame Buffer: A digital frame buffer is large, contiguous piece of computer memory used to
hold or map the image displayed on the screen.
➢ At a minimum, there is 1 memory bit for each pixel in the raster. This amount of memory is
called a bit plane.
➢ A 1024 x 1024 element requires 220 (210=1024;220=1024 x 1024) sq.raster or 1,048,576
memory bits in a single bit plane.

➢ The picture is built up in the frame buffer one bit at a time.

➢ ∵ A memory bit has only two states (binary 0 or 1), a single bit plane yields a black and white
(monochrome display).

➢ As frame buffer is a digital device write raster CRT is an analog device.

Properties of Video Monitor:

1. Persistence: Persistence is the duration of phosphorescence. Different kinds of

phosphors are available for use in CRT. Besides color, a major difference between
phosphor in their persistence how they continue to emit light after the electron beam is
removed.

2. Resolution: Use to describe the number of pixels that are used on display image.

3.Aspect Ratio: It is the ratio of width to its height. Its measure is unit in length or number of
pixels.

Aspect Ratio =
Direct View Storage Tubes (Storage
tube graphics display):

DVST terminals also use the random scan approach to generate the image on the CRT

screen. The term "storage tube" refers to the ability of the screen to retain the image which has

been projected against it, thus avoiding the need to rewrite the image constantly.

Function of guns: Two guns are used in DVST

1.Primary guns: It is used to store the picture pattern.

1.Flood gun or Secondary gun: It is used to maintain picture display.

Advantage:
1. No refreshing is needed.
2. High Resolution
3. Cost is very less

Disadvantage:
1.It is not possible to erase the selected part of a picture.
2.It is not suitable for dynamic graphics applications.

3.If a part of picture is to modify, then time is consumed.

Calligraphic refresh graphics display:
It is also called vector display, stroke-writing display, or calligraphic display. Picture definition is
stored as a set of line-drawing commands in an area of memory referred to as the refresh display
file. ... Random-scan displays are designed to draw all the component lines of a picture 30 to 60
times each second.

Conceptual block diagram of calligraphic refresh display

Flat Panel Display:
The Flat-Panel display refers to a class of video devices that have reduced volume, weight and
power requirement compare to CRT.

Example: Small T.V. monitor, calculator, pocket video games, laptop computers, an advertisement
board in elevator.
1. Emissive Display: The emissive displays are devices that convert electrical energy into
light. Examples are Plasma Panel, thin film electroluminescent display and LED (Light
Emitting Diodes).

2.Non-Emissive Display: The Non-Emissive displays use optical effects to convert sunlight
or light from some other source into graphics patterns. Examples are LCD (Liquid Crystal
Device).
Plasma Panel Display:
Plasma-Panels are also called as Gas-Discharge Display. It consists of an array of small lights.
Lights are fluorescent in nature. The essential components of the plasma-panel display are:

1. Cathode: It consists of fine wires. It delivers negative voltage to gas cells. The voltage is
released along with the negative axis.
2.Anode: It also consists of line wires. It delivers positive voltage. The voltage is supplied along
positive axis.
3.Fluorescent cells: It consists of small pockets of gas liquids when the voltage is applied to this
liquid (neon gas) it emits light.
4.Glass Plates: These plates act as capacitors. The voltage will be applied, the cell will glow
continuously.
The gas will slow when there is a significant voltage difference between horizontal and vertical
wires. The voltage level is kept between 90 volts to 120 volts. Plasma level does not require
refreshing. Erasing is done by reducing the voltage to 90 volts.

Each cell of plasma has two states, so cell is said to be stable. Displayable point in plasma panel is
made by the crossing of the horizontal and vertical grid. The resolution of the plasma panel can be
up to 512 * 512 pixels.
Figure shows the state of cell in plasma panel display:
Advantage:
1. High Resolution
2. Large screen size is also possible.
3. Less Volume
4.Less weight
5.Flicker Free Display

Disadvantage:
1. Poor Resolution
2. Wiring requirement anode and the cathode is complex.
3. Its addressing is also complex.
What is refreshing of a CRT?

In graphics, Refresh CRT means the repeated drawing of a picture to keep the glowing of
the Phosphor intact. Explanation: CRT in graphics is the cathode rays or the electron beam
that is emitted through a gun of electron and which crosses the system of deflection and
focusing.

What is meant by refreshing in computer graphics?

In a computer display, to refresh is to redraw the image information from memory. Computer
or television displays have to be refreshed because they don't have the capacity to hold a stable
image. Refreshing browser content ensures that the most currently updated information will be
displayed.
What is the importance of refreshing a computer?

The refresh option marks all the components of the screen as dirty, and the whole screen is
recreated in the next frame and displayed on your monitor. That's the prime job of the Refresh
option in Windows.

Why do we need to refresh CRT?

A display appears stable if the refresh rate is high enough, but if the refresh rate is too low, the
display will flicker, causing eye strain and headaches.
What is meant by flickering in computer graphics?

A flicker is the appearance of flashing or unsteadiness in an image

on a display screen. This issue can occur when the video refresh rate
is too low, other video related issues, and in some cases hardware
issues with the monitor. Commonly, when this issue occurs, users will
experience more eyestrain.
Interlacing:-
Interlaced scan is a display signal type in which one-half of the horizontal pixel rows are
refreshed in one cycle and the other half in the next, meaning that two complete scans are
required to display the screen image. ... In an interlaced scan, alternating rows of pixels are
refreshed in each cycle.

What do you mean by interlaced scanning?

television scanning in which each frame is scanned in two successive fields each consisting
of all the odd or all the even horizontal lines.
Where is interlaced scanning used?

In TV reception and some monitors, interlaced scanning is used in a cathode-ray tube display, or
raster. The odd-numbered lines are traced first, and the even-numbered lines are traced next. We
then get the odd-field and even-field scans per frame. The interlaced scheme is illustrated in Fig.