Computer graphics are a set of visual representations of information that can be displayed on a computer screen. They are designed to be visually appealing and to convey an idea quickly. These techniques have a wide range of applications, including promotional materials, advertisements, marketing, presentations, and product images.
Graphics have become a useful tool for all businesses. They can improve customer loyalty, streamline communication, and cut costs associated with shipping and storage. When done correctly, graphics can boost your company’s image and increase revenue.
In the 1960s, companies such as Sperry Rand and General Electric began experimenting with computer graphics. Some of the first commercial systems were released by Apple and Microsoft. By the 1980s, the home computer revolution had made graphics more accessible to a wider audience.
The most common type of graphics is raster images. Raster images are created by taking pictures or by using a lens. Rendering a raster image on a computer screen requires that the pixels be organized into squares or triangles. However, some developers are moving to ultra-high-resolution modes.
Another type of graphics is animation. Computer animation is similar to the illusion of movement in motion pictures. Generally, computer animation uses keyframes to store the values for each time interval. This allows the user to create a new image by shifting the image slightly.
Another form of animation is ray tracing. Using ray tracing, a user can generate an image by tracing a light path through pixels. This technique produces very realistic images. It also uses advanced calculations, such as subsurface scattering and photon mapping.