History of Computer Graphics and the Internet

Introduction to the Internet Age

  • Transition from previous historical contexts to the exploration of the Internet era.
  • The development of technology during this time, particularly in 3D graphics.

Evans and Sutherland

  • Foundation: Founded by David Evans and Ivan Sutherland at the University of Utah.
  • Significant for developing interactive computer graphics technologies used in various fields including:
    • Training simulations
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Business
Key Contributions
  • Collaboration: 1968, Sutherland was persuaded by Evans to join the University of Utah, leaving a prestigious position at Harvard.
  • Sketchpad: Early innovation by Sutherland that utilized graphical computing for design and display.
  • Formation of Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation at the university, focusing on visualization solutions.
  • Initial research included recruiting students and developing projects related to virtual reality.
Development of Technology
  • Wireframe Models: The creation of 3D objects using interconnected triangles – allows for the representation of any physical object.
  • Applications: Utilization in facial recognition technology by approximating human facial features mathematically.
Graphics Innovations
  • Transition from basic wireframe to shaded figures, enhancing appearance by simulating lighting and texturing.
  • Understanding the physics of light reflection and materials to create realistic graphics, crucial for video games and simulations.
  • Example: Simulation of an aircraft landing, utilizing shading and texture mapping.

Educational Approach to Graphics

  • Courses could cover the mathematics behind graphics programming, requiring foundational knowledge in vectors and physics laws.
  • Emphasis on high-level libraries (e.g., the Alice project) to make graphics programming accessible for computer science and non-computer science students.

E & S’s Expanded Role

  • Growth into simulation systems leading to partnerships with companies like Rita Fusion for flight simulators.
  • Established a strong presence in the military, commercial airlines, and even developed technology for NASA.
  • Impact: Today, 80% of the world’s pilot training utilizes systems developed by E & S, showcasing their dominance in simulation technology.

Silicon Graphics Incorporated (SGI)

  • Emerged from Evans and Sutherland, founded by Jim Clark and grad students at Stanford, aiming to enhance visual computing.
  • Notable for pioneering 3D graphics in computers, contributing to films such as Jurassic Park and Toy Story.
The Geometry Engine
  • Important technological innovation for rendering graphics quickly—utilized in game machines and crucial for the development of graphics processing units (GPUs).
  • Open Graphics Library (OpenGL): Developed to program graphical hardware; remains a standard in game development.

Key Figures in Graphics and Gaming

  • Mark Hanna: Contributed to the development of the Graphics Language (GL) at SGI, pivotal for fast graphics processing.
  • Jerry Lawson: Developed the first removable video game cartridge and contributed to early 3D gaming.
  • John Henry Thompson: Developed early video editing software and programming languages for interactive media.

Conclusion

  • Overview of how advancements began with early computer graphics and evolved through collaborations, leading to the transformation of ARPANET into the Internet, setting the stage for worldwide interconnectivity and digital communication.