CS426 Computer Graphics - Lecture 1 Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts from the CS426 Computer Graphics Lecture 1 notes.

Computer Graphics

The study of the creation and manipulation of geometric objects (2D/3D) and the methods used to create an image using descriptions of objects, lights, and cameras.

Modelling

Part of computer graphics that focuses on the creation and manipulation of geometric objects (2D/3D).

Rendering

Part of computer graphics that focuses on the methods used to create an image using descriptions of objects, lights, and cameras.

GIS

Application area of computer graphics related to mapping, geocomputation, and spatial data visualization (e.g., ArcGIS).

HCI

Human-Computer Interaction, an application area of computer graphics that includes interaction design.

Siggraph

Annual conference on computer graphics research, showcasing technical papers and advancements in the field.

Ray Casting

A rendering technique (Arthur Appel, 1968) that casts rays from the camera, one per pixel, until it intersects the first object blocking the path of the ray.

Ray Tracing

A rendering technique (Turner Whitted, 1979) that extends ray casting by generating new rays (reflection, refraction, shadow) when a ray hits a surface.

View Ray

In ray tracing, the ray that leaves the camera and travels into the scene.

Shadow Ray

In ray tracing, a ray cast from a surface to a light source to determine if the surface is in shadow.

Reflection

In ray tracing, when a ray bounces off a surface, and the angle of incidence (i) is equal to the angle of reflection (r), i.e., i = r

Refraction

In ray tracing, when a ray passes through a transparent surface and bends according to Snell’s Law: nisin(i) = nrsin(r)

Snell's Law

Formula describing the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction, when referring to light or other waves passing through a boundary between two different isotropic media.