CHAPTER 7

COMPUTER ANIMATION

Computer animation is the process of creating moving images using computers. It involves generating a
series of frames, each slightly different, to give the illusion of motion.

 A (Applications):

o Animation in video games for characters and environments.

o Special effects (VFX)Visual Effects in movies and television.

o Animated explainers for marketing and educational purposes.

o Data visualization through animation.

OPEN GL

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-platform, open-source API (Application Programming

Interface) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. It provides a standard way for software to
communicate with the graphics processing unit (GPU) to create visual output.

A (Applications):

 Real-time rendering in video games and simulations.

 Scientific visualization (e.g., visualizing 3D data).

 Computer-aided design (CAD) software.

 Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and windowing systems

CHAPTER 7

Graphics Language and Graphics Design Packages (4 Hours, 8 Marks)

6.1 Introduction to Graphics File Formats

 D (Define): A graphics file format is a standard way to store digital images, including
information like color, pixel arrangement, compression (to reduce file size), and other
image metadata. This encompasses raster (bitmap/pixel-based) and vector (geometry-
based) file formats.
 Des (Description): Introduces different graphics file types. It talks about raster image
format (such as BMP, JPEG, PNG, GIF, and TIFF). These raster file stores the image as a
grid or map of pixels. Also the vector graphics which describes images according to the
basic geometrical elements which stores the images as geometric primitives such as
points, lines, curves, and polygons. It provides flexibility, because images are scaleable,
 easily resized or rescaled without any reduction of picture resolution. And file formats
also includes different color formats.
 I (Illustration):
o Illustrations of different image formats along with image resolutions and size.
o Comparision with table format as vector and raster image.
 A (Application): The use of graphics file format includes to represent images as its core
purpose which stores, manage and distributes digital images to others

6.2 Discussion of Available Graphical File Formats

 D (Define): Examine several popular graphics file formats

 Des (Description): Overview of different image types in use (e.g., BMP, JPEG, PNG,
GIF, TIFF). Explains each with properties such as type, use, supported features, and its
suitability for computer vision projects

Okay, let's simplify those graphics file formats in a way that's easier to remember, focusing on
the key takeaways for your computer engineering studies:

Imagine these file formats as tools in a toolbox. Each tool has strengths and weaknesses for
different jobs.

1. BMP (Bitmap)

 Think of it as: The simple "hammer" in your toolbox. It's straightforward.

 Pros:
o Uncomplicated. Easy to understand and create (because it simply stores pixel data
directly).
o Lossless: (Lossless compression is a data compression method where no data is
lost during the compression and decompression processes. The original data
is perfectly reconstructed when the file is opened). This is great for images. Each
pixel is a specific value of each color which means all detail are present.
 Cons:
o Huge files! Like a hammer, simple tools can be great at one job (building), while,
you'll need more versatile, more specialised tools such as "screwdriver". These
huge file can make the computers operate at slow process or its memory fills.
o Not optimized for photos.
 Use it for:
o Very simple graphics. Simple images without any need to have different
operations with graphics
o Internal uses (Windows sometimes uses it internally).

2. JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)

 Think of it as: The "Swiss Army Knife" for your camera, for images (photos). It is
excellent in one particular feature: making smaller the photos
 Pros:
 o Good Compression (Small Files). Compresses photographic images, creating
reasonably sized images.
o Great for photos : Can keep decent detail with compression.
 Cons:
o Lossy compression: this compression removes/discards image quality from the
data and has the details as trade off for file size. (Like erasing data from original
image, its data loss)
 Use it for:
o Photographs, and images. For showing photo in any computer.
o Online image sharing, and uploading and for printing photo or images (for good
quality you have to choose proper compression level.

3. PNG (Portable Network Graphics)

 Think of it as: The "Transparent Tape." For having a feature on any object for better
results
 Pros:
o Lossless compression - Keeps the image detail without file loss
o Transparency (alpha channel): You can have background pixels that don't "fill".
 Cons:
o Files are slightly larger than JPEG for the same image (because PNG cannot
compromise in size/detail or the information it contains
 Use it for:
o Web Graphics, and logos (that needs transparent backgrounds) to avoid image to
change colors.

4. GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)

 Think of it as: "Small movies," is about a animation picture not an static pictures
 Pros:
o Supports animated GIFs as many other feature does.
o Simple animations . For simple, small animated picture it's useful, *not suitable
for good pictures (images), where its color quality/ resolution will become poor.
 Cons:
o Limited colors, this causes to render poor images or picture.
o Lossy(due to it's limitation as described), if the picture's (animation's) quality
should not matter it is fine but for most of all the situations, this limitation become
great challenge.
 Use it for:
o Simple Animations
o Small Images, Logos for low detail, in which color palates and small file sizes
matter most.
5. TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)

 Think of it as: The "High-Quality Scanner," or the most precise data which the highest
value and should contain most precise or clear form. It also could use more resources to
do this as compared to GIF or JPEG
 Pros:
o Best for preserving data, (very detailed to the maximum, or full quality
o Works lossless compression. and/or lossy options
o Support of a huge amount of data by this tools makes very useful and gives
various option such as the RGB as grayscale, and good in displaying good
resolution images
 Cons:
o More data/ size . It has more space requirement . In other words this files will
produce a larger images because it will contain most detailed
 Use it for:
o Scanned images and Publishing industry (Because you can keep detail, such as
the source file. For having various formats). For professional purpose such as
archiving images that require high data and color
o Situations where the quality matters and for printing images to have detailed
format
o Data that requires various detailed and high quality for displaying (including for
high range such as grayscale)

Summary Table

File
Compression Transparency Best for Pros Cons
Format
Large File size, for
Simple, exact
photos can not have
copies, un-
BMP Lossless No Simple Graphics results for
manipulated
manipulation or
results
various needs
Good
Image loses its content
JPEG Lossy No Photos compression for
and it will cause blurr
photos
Lossless with
Web Graphics, files are larger if
PNG Lossless Yes transparent
Logos compared to others
Background
Simple to use, Small Color palette,
Simple creates easily Lossy, images are
GIF Lossy Yes (limited)
Animations Animated worst for use, in this
pictures tool
High Higher space
TIFF Lossless/Lossy Yes Most detailed file
Quality/Printing requirement
This table, combined with the "toolbox" analogies, should help you remember the essential
characteristics of each format for your exam. Focus on the purpose, pros, and cons to have quick
reference for each file and keep this picture's memory so when exam came you just connect its
information. Good luck!

o .
 I (Illustration):
o Example of each type to display various resolutions for particular picture with
various file format.
o Visual Comparisons: Same image saved in different formats (BMP, JPEG, PNG)
with comparisons of size and quality.
 A (Application): Using an image file with various application: Image formats is applied
while presenting a different types of images like
o In websites using various image formats with compressions techniques so, they
don't affect websites loading speed, also use images of right dimension.
o Creating Image for social media, using suitable compressions as it reduces
bandwidth

6.3 Type, Purposes, and Features of Graphics Packages

 D (Define): Graphics Packages is software tool which help to design, rendering and
display any images by using mathematical computations. It contains image, design and
animation.
 Des (Description): Overview of Graphics package Types like paint, draw, 3D modeling.
o Image-editing tools, for operations that affects colors and visual structure such as
image editor, image filters.
o Drawing Package , For illustration package, draw tools, Bezier Curves, Free-
form curves.
o 3D-Modeling Package, Used to create virtual image for engineering purpose,
special effect with animations
o Purpose: Create images and render objects.
o Feature: Drawing of images, editing and retouching etc.
 I (Illustration): Interface example of each graphical packages
o Diagram illustrating image formats and image editing process using any Graphics
packages such as using tools like layer masking in Photoshop
o Various rendering such as shading and lightning
 A (Application): Usage of the software's tool to design images, design products which is
useful for image or movie makers. This graphical tools helps user's with many different
options of creating visuals that looks great and improve the usability of your website and
web applications

6.4 Examples of Graphics Packages and Libraries

 D (Define): Graphical package are the libraries for graphics application like GIMP,
PHOTOSHOP, etc.
  Des (Description): Practical Examples such as Image Manipulation (e.g., Adobe
Photoshop, GIMP), CAD Design software (AutoCAD), and 3D modelling (Blender, 3ds
Max). Briefly covers their purposes and functions:
o Adobe Photoshop: Popular for image manipulation and editing, used in the
photography and creative industry. Focuses on creating 2D graphics with features
like layer-based editing and digital painting tools.
o GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program): Open-source alternative to
Photoshop, offers similar capabilities but might lack some advanced professional
features. Free for creating images.
o AutoCAD: CAD for architectural design and drafting of building plans, or
technical illustration of machines. Offers many feature like geometric and model
creation. CAD software provides many benefits such as saving cost
o Blender: Free and open-source 3D creation software, powerful for 3D modeling,
animation, rendering, and game design. Feature film-quality, 3D, modeling
software for both commercial as well as artistic work. Provides an extremely
versatile framework for producing images.
 I (Illustration): Screenshot interface example, functionality features such as photo
editing for any type of product presentation, design or CAD/CAM illustrations
o Interface snapshots of Photoshop, GIMP, and Blender demonstrating basic
operations.
 A (Application): Product Design, Advertisement, Graphic design

6.5 Discussion of Available Graphical Languages (PHIGS, GKS, PHIGS+)

 D (Define): Graphical languages is computer graphics based packages that provides tool
for rendering. They are low-level standards, Graphics Kernel System (GKS) and
Programmer's Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System (PHIGS, PHIGS+) for drawing
geometric shapes in specific coordinates and using computer.
 Des (Description): Briefly introduce legacy and sometimes used for graphical packages,
that standardized APIs. Discuss these:
o GKS (Graphics Kernel System): An early 2D graphics standard. provides
drawing function such as points and polylines. This provides standard ways to
present graphics on computer systems for display devices. Its major focus is 2-d
and mostly ignored today
o PHIGS (Programmer's Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System): An
improved standard supporting 3D graphics with hierarchical structure (allowing
organization of graphics scenes). Provides many new graphical techniques such as
3-d graphics viewing , and 3-d object descriptions. Also provide animation feature
o PHIGS+: The advancement on PHIGS provides extra functionality to use for
more graphic based activities such as light, 3d model etc
 I (Illustration):
o Code Snippets
 Show examples of functions of PHIGS+ that could be used to illustrate
how 2D, 3D graphics can render graphical scene or draw points to a vector
or point of display
 o Images that uses the different functions to construct, model etc using code as the
tool of programming, also the pictures related to design.
 A (Application):
o These are less-used today, may find applications in legacy CAD systems or
specialized fields needing strict adherence to specific graphical standards, but
their value has diminished as a result.

6.6 Need for Machine-Independent Graphical Languages

 D (Define): A "Machine-independent graphics language" are graphical packages, where

developers should use the same graphics instructions while doing operations, with
various hardware setups.
 Des (Description): Discuss how platform dependence in graphics affects the efficiency
of rendering and compatibility with various hardware and device drivers
 I (Illustration):
o How many libraries work the code independent format and run easily irrespective
to machines
 A (Application):

 Software can run on any device without needing special hardware for each app.
 Platform-independent apps can work on different devices, making them cheaper and
more efficient.
 Games can also be designed to work on multiple platforms, so they can run on different
devices like PC, mobile, or console.
 Developers don’t need to create separate versions for each type of device, which saves
time and effort.
 Users can access the same app or game on different devices without any problem.
 Updates and bug fixes can be applied to all platforms at once.
 It’s easier to share and distribute the software to a wider audience.
 Businesses can reach more users without worrying about what device they are using.
 It improves user experience by allowing smooth switching between devices (like starting
on a phone and continuing on a laptop).