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Yadwinder Singh, Lovely Professional University Unit 13: Advanced Computer Graphics

Unit 13: Advanced Computer Graphics

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction

13.1 Texturing
13.2 Ray Tracing
13.3 Morphing
13.4 Summary
13.5 Keywords
13.6 Self Assessment

13.7 Review Questions
13.8 Further Readings

Objectives
After studying this unit, you will be able to:

• Define texturing
• Analyze ray tracing
• Visualize morphing
Introduction

The advent of computers led to the emergence of computer graphics. Initially, computer graphics were
displayed on hardcopy plotters and cathode ray tube (CRT) screens. However; today, computer
graphics is more interactive in nature when compared to the past.

Computer graphics is also defined as a process of creating and manipulating images with the use of
computers. To work with computer graphics, it would be advantageous if you have knowledge and
understanding of specific hardware, file formats, and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
Computer graphics involves the procedure of creation and storage of manipulated models of images.
These manipulated models are generated from diverse fields of physics, mathematics, engineering and
conceptual architectural structures.
In advanced computer graphics, the introduction of raster graphics as a built in feature in the personal
computers popularized the use of bitmap graphics for user computer interactions. A bitmap is
represented by ‘zeros’ and ‘ones’ of a rectangular array of points known as pixel or pels.

Did you know? Pixel is the short form of picture elements.

13.1 Texturing

Texture is the way how things look. One can see many types of textures of various things around them.
Textures can be rough, smooth, soft, and uneven. A cotton ball has a soft texture while sand has a rough
texture. Generally, textures are used by artists. They make smooth and flat pictures using water paints.
By using thick layers of paint, an uneven texture can be obtained.

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