Computer Graphics

Introduce computer graphics as a revolutionary development in the field of computer sciences. Tell the students that William Fetter invented the term computer graphics in 1960. Explain the term computer graphics followed by the history of computer graphics hardware.

Conduct an open discussion on the applications of computer graphics. You may discuss the applications of computer graphics discussed in the Additional Inputs  sectionInputs section.

Next, discuss operating system support for graphics. Finally, discuss programming language support for graphics.  Inform the students that they will learn to use C programming for creating graphics as a part of this curriculum.

Fractals

Most graphic packages allow you to create simple graphics using lines, polygons, and curves easily. However, these basic tools cannot help you in creating clouds, trees, or for that matter the jazzy patterns in the AVS used in audio software such as Winamp or the latest Windows Media Player. Such real-life or complex patterned graphics are implemented using the concept of fractals.

Fractals are mathematically generated patterns, which are produced by recursive implementation of self-similar pattern at varying scales within itself. For example, fractals can be implemented to create a tree from a small leaf with a tiny stem under it by infinite recursions of the same pattern (mathematical function).

A well-known fractal named after  its inventor, Benoit Mandelbrot, is the Mandelbrot set. Mandelbrot discovered the concept of fractals when he wrote a program to run a mathematical formula (dealing with fractional dimensions such as 1.2 dimes ions) recursively on an IBM computer. The output was a pretty pattern.

Applications of Computer Graphics – Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

GIS is a software system through which you can capture, store, and manipulate geographical information and display it in various forms. Geographical information (spatial data) has always been better understood through pictures rather than numerical data. GIS depicts geographical information pictorially, in the form of maps. Consequently graphics form an inevitable part of GIS.

Applications of Computer Graphics – Computer Aided Design (CAD)

CAD is the use of computers for creating engineering drawings used in various fields such as architecture, and civil engineering. CAD has been a boon for engineers, who can now use graphical tools for CAD, such as AutoCAD, and create, manipulate, and share engineering drawings with ease.

OpenGL

OpenGL is a known and highly used Application Programming Interface (API) for creating 2D and 3D graphics, which has become a de-facto industry standard. It is an easy to use, reliable, and portable graphics development environment, which is compatible with popular programming languages such as C, C++, and Java.

You can download various applications made using OpenGL at its official site, http://www.opengl.org. For example, to download games made in OpenGL visit http://www.opengl.org/applications/windows/games/.