Computer Graphics: From Then to Now

Abstract

Computer graphics have always been the darling of the software world. Laypeople can appreciate computer graphics more easily than, say, increasing the speed of a sort algorithm by 3 percent or adding automatic tint control to a spreadsheet program. You are likely to hear more people say “Cooooolllll!” at your nicely rendered image of Saturn on your iPad than at a Visual Basic script in Microsoft Word (unless, of course, a Visual Basic script in Microsoft Word can render Saturn, then that really would be cool). The cool factor goes up even more so when said renderings are on a device you can carry around in your back pocket. Let’s face it—Steve Jobs has made the life of art directors on science-fiction films very difficult. After all, imagine how hard it must be to design a prop that looks more futuristic than an iPad. (Even before the iPhone was available for sale, the prop department at ABC’s LOST borrowed some of Apple’s screen iconography for use in a two-way radio carried by a helicopter pilot.)KeywordsComputer GraphicGame EngineCool FactorGraphic LandscapeHelicopter PilotThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.