Jitendra Bhaskar

Assoc. Prof, MED,

HBTU Kanpur
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
Computer graphics is a sub-branch of computer science and deals with software to digitally
synthesize and manipulate visual content on computer screen. It is method of converting data to
and from display device.
a) Generating computer graphics (Pictures are created).
b) Picture analysis (Picture to be analyzed by digitizing or scanning)
c) Picture processing-Transformation of picture (views /scaling / translation/rotation)
Computer Graphics Actual picture
Display

Graphic software is dedicated software that makes the above computer graphics work possible.
Main activity of this software is as following:
a) Interaction with graphics terminals.
b) Creating a model with the use of information / data available.
c) Storage
There are six rules for a good computer graphics software.
Simplicity, Consistency, Completeness, Robustness, Performance, Economy.
CAD Software Configuration:
CAD software system can be basically divided into three subparts as below:
 Application software (AutoCAD, Pro/E, Solidworks etc.)
 Computer graphics software (GKS, IGES etc.)
 Applications and graphics information database.

Application Application Computer I/P & O/P

database Software Graphics
software devices

Kernel System Input / output drive handler

Computer Graphics software

a) Application software:
The application software are used by CAD engineers to generate 3D solid models
and drawings etc. The application software can be used by the CAD engineer only
through computer graphics software. If appropriate graphics software is not loaded in the
computer, the CAD application software does not work. An application program is often
tailor made for a particular field of applications. Specialized CAD application software-
Solvers also perform mathematical modelling and simulation. Examples: FEM based
mesh generation and analysis, bill of materials, mass and inertia properties of solid
models etc.

J Bhaskar, HBTU Kanpur

 b) Computer graphics software:
The graphic software comprises of input and output functions. The task of input
routines is to accept input commands a data entered by CAD engineer and sends it further
to the application program for execution. The output routine controls the display devices
such as monitor, printer, plotter etc.
c) Applications and graphics information database:
The database comprises of basic drawing primitives, solid models of standard
engineering component, designs, drawings, assemblies, standard formats of desired
engineering information such as bill of materials etc. It also includes a major portion of
interactive graphics software such as graphics software such as graphics commands and
their description, input/output routines etc.
Organizing a Database:
One possible data structure for 3D solid models involves storing the coordinates of
vertices. But this method may not completely define the shape e.g. whether the component is
hollow or solid from inside.
Attributes of parts

Points Lines Faces Solid model Single part

Products Assembly

Standardization of Graphics software:

Earlier graphics software were device dependent. If you change device and graphics
software were also changed. Primary objective of standardization this is compatibility with
various input and output hardware.
Graphic Kernel System (GKS) Input / output drive handler
Standardization of software

GKS: GKS is a set of subroutines that are used for graphical work in language independent
manner. GKS makes language independent and device independent.
Driver / Handler: is assigned to workstation that coverts independent data into device dependent
data.
Other popular standards:
a) Programmer’s Hierarchical Interactive Graphics (PHIGS): PHICS is actually modern
development from GKS and GKS-3D. It differs primarily in its organization and
manipulations of data. It allows rapid updating of graphics model.
b) Siggraph’s CORE

J Bhaskar, HBTU Kanpur

Exchange of CAD data:
Many number of CAD software produce the data into a single unique data base format.
This is neutral format. All the systems can neutral format into their own format.
a) IGES- Initial graphics exchange system: There 80 columns. 1-72 column-for data and 73-
80 for storing of sequence. Sequence act as pointer.
b) STEP- Standard for exchange of product model data.

J Bhaskar, HBTU Kanpur