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Ajay Kumar Bansal, Lovely Professional University Unit 14: Animation in Computer Graphics

Unit 14: Animation in Computer Graphics

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction

14.1 Animation
14.2 Additional Visual Effects
14.3 Summary
14.4 Keywords
14.5 Self Assessment
14.6 Review Questions

14.7 Further Readings
Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
• Discuss animation

• Explain additional visual effects
Introduction
Visual effect is part of advanced computer graphics that pertains to the various processes through
which images are created and manipulated in the absence of a live environment. When the sets are
costly to setup and when it becomes impossible to capture a film or object, visual effects come into
picture. They provide realistic image of the live environment. The images in visual effects are computer
generated and can be seen in most of the movies.
Visual effects provide more appeal to the story line of a movie and are generally completed after the
completion of movie but are pre-planned before the commencement of a movie shoot.

Visual effects employ graphic designing, modeling, animation and other relevant software but special
effects are made on the sets.
Today, one can find the application of computer graphics and visual effects and animation in diverse
fields such as science, technology, military, advertising, entertainment, and so on.

14.1 Animation
The word animation is derived from the Latin word ‘anima’ which is the animating principle. It is used
as a translation for the Greek word psyche and relates to the Christian concept of soul. Hence,
animation can be defined as a technique of giving soul to drawings and art work which are lifeless.
Earliest examples of animation can be traced back to the Paleolithic cave paintings where attempts were
made to capture the phenomenon of motion drawing.
The term animation is used to display a sequence of images rapidly employing either 2-D or 3-D art
works or positions of various models to bring out an illusionary movement to the models and art work.
This is done through optical illusion of motion by employing the phenomenon of persistence of vision
in which images can be created and depicted in several ways. Motion picture or video programs are the
commonly used methods of animation.

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