Unit 1

Graphics Primitives and Scan

Conversion
Algorithms .

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 Index
UNIT 1: Graphics Primitives and Scan Conversion
Algorithms
▪ Introduction, graphics primitives - pixel, resolution, aspect
ratio, frame buffer. Display devices, applications of computer
graphics.
▪ Introduction to OpenGL - OpenGL architecture, primitives and
attributes, simple modelling and
rendering of two- and three-dimensional geometric objects,
GLUT, interaction, events and call-backs
picking. (Simple Interaction with the Mouse and Keyboard).
▪ Scan conversion: Line drawing algorithms: Digital Differential
Analyzer (DDA), Bresenham. Circle
drawing algorithms: DDA, Bresenham, and Midpoint.

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 Introduction, graphics
primitives
Computer Graphics:
• Computer Graphics is the creation of pictures with the help of a
computer.
• Outcome of CG may be business graph, drawing, and engineering etc.
• CG comprises of software techniques to create, store, modify, and
represents pictures.

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 Introduction, graphics
primitives
Graphics Primitives :
• A primitive is a low level object or operation from which higher-level,
more complex objects and operations can be constructed.
• In graphics, primitives are basic elements, such as lines, curves, and
polygons.

Graphics Primitive is a basic object that is essential for the

creation or construction of complex images.

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 graphics primitives
1.Pixel (Picture Element/ PEL)
• A pixel is a smallest addressable screen element
• A pixel is a point of light.
• The resolution of CRT is related to the dot size, the
diameter of a single dot. A resolution of 100 dots lines/inch
implies a dot size of 0.01 inch.
• Pixel Ratio: The ratio of the distance between the centres of
two adjacent horizontal pixels to that of the vertical ones is
called the pixel ratio. Pixel ratio should be considered in
line-generating algorithms.

Total No of Pixels=No. of Rows * No. of Columns

Pixel 1-5
 Introduction, graphics
primitives
Resolution:
• Resolution is refers the size of the pixel. The smaller the
pixel, the higher the resolution.
• In pixel resolution, the term resolution refers to the total
number of count of pixels in an digital image.
• For example. If an image has M rows and N columns, then
its resolution can be defined as M X N.

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 Introduction, graphics
primitives
Aspect ratio
• Aspect ratio is the ratio between width of an image and the
height of an image.
• It is commonly explained as two numbers separated by a colon
(8:9).
• This ratio differs in different images, and in different screens.

Refersh Rate
• The term refresh rate refers to how many times per second
your monitor can display a new image.
• It is measured in hertz (Hz).
• One hertz equates to one new image per second.
• Therefore, a 120 Hz gaming monitor can potentially display
120 images every second.
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 Introduction, graphics
primitives
Frame Buffer
• A frame buffer is a large, contiguous piece
of computer memory. At a minimum there is
one memory bit for each pixel, this amount of memory is
called a bit plane.
• The video output device which drives a video display from
the memory buffer containing a complete set of data is
known as frame buffer.
• The image is stored in terms of pixel by pixel.
• The memory can be discs, Integrated circuits etc.,

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 graphics primitives
2.Line
• Line, especially straight lines, constitute the basic building
block of Line graphs, bar and pie charts, two and three-
dimensional graphs of mathematical functions, engineering
drawings and architectural plans.
Straight lines can be developed in two different ways.
A structural method determines which pixels should be set
before drawing the line; a conditional method tests certain
conditions to find which pixel should be set next.
3.Polygon
A polygon is a closed area of image bounded by straight or
curved lines and filled with one solid color.

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 Introduction, graphics
primitives
Display Devices:
• The most commonly used display device is a video monitor.
The operation of most video monitors based on CRT
(Cathode Ray Tube).

The following display devices are used:

• Refresh Cathode Ray Tube
• Random Scan and Raster Scan
• Color CRT Monitors
• Direct View Storage Tubes
• Flat Panel Display
• Lookup Table

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Difference between Random
Scan(Vector Scan) and Raster Scan
Display

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 Introduction, graphics
primitives
Applications of Computer Graphics:
1. Education and Training
2. Flight Simulator
3. Use in Biology
4. Computer-Generated Maps
5. Architect
6. Presentation Graphics
7. Computer Art
8. Entertainment
9. Visualization
10. Educational Software
11. Printing Technology

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Application of Computer Graphics
1. User Interfaces
 The built-in graphics provided with user interfaces use visual control items
such as buttons, menus, icons, scroll bar, etc.
 By using different control user can interact with a computer only by mouse-
click.
 Application of Computer Graphics
2. Entertainment
 Computer graphics are commonly used in making motion pictures, music,
videos and television shows.
 Animations are created by preparing a sequence of frames using a graphics
system each slightly different from the other.
 When these frames are played at the rate of 20 to 30 frames a second, the
human eye blends these images and sees motion.
Application of Computer Graphics
3. Interactive Games
 Game playing involves a lot of interaction which is carried out with the help
of input devices and simulated displays which are realistic.
 The player interacts with the help of joystick or buttons and the computer
generated picture responds instantly incorporating the change.
 This requires high speed transfer of data from memory to the display unit
requiring advance graphics cards.
Application of Computer Graphics
4. Medical Imaging
 Image processing and computer graphics are combined in medical
applications such as CAT (computer aided tomography).
 Computer graphics is used for creating pictures based on some description
using computer.
 Image processing on the other hand is used to enhance or manipulate images
created using any source such as camera, video recorder, scanner, etc.
Application of Computer
Graphics
5. Education and Training
 Simulators with graphic screens are used for training of aircraft pilots, air
Traffic control personnel, etc.
 It can be used to train pilots for difficult or critical conditions.
 How to learn the radar system.
Application of Computer
Graphics
6. Presentation Graphics
 Presentation Graphics are used to produce illustrations for reports, bulletins
etc.
 The user can create highly stylized images for slide shows or reports.
 User can create sequences of textual information along with pictures that tell
a story.
 Multimedia presentation software also allows inclusion of audio and video
sequences and sophisticated navigation through buttons and hyperlinks.
Application of Computer
Graphics
7. Computer Aided Design (CAD)
 CAD is used in the design of buildings, automobiles, aircraft, computers,
textiles and many other products.
 The advantage of CAD is apart from drafting, it can automatically generate
the bill of materials, apply validation checks, etc.
 In Computer aided machining (CAM), the manufacturing process is tied to
the computer description of designing objects to automate the construction
of the product.
Thank You

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