The State of

Computer
Graphics Today
About Computer Graphics
Chances are if you have seen a movie recently it
contained some form of computer graphics or CGI.
The revolution caused by computer graphics has
changed the landscape of entertainment and how we
view the world as well. From simple visual designs to
3D modeling, computer graphics has come a long way.
From humble beginnings, computer graphics have
grown along with the advancement of computer
technology which now dominates so many areas of
information, manufacturing and entertainment.
Computer graphics are the most visible extension of the
power of computers and their impact has only grown
with the advancing technology.
What is Computer Graphics?
Basically, computer graphics are visual designs that are
created by computers through the use of hardware and
software that is dedicated to the creation of graphics.
Graphics are not only visual effects, but they also help
our interaction and understanding of interpreting data
and capabilities of computers themselves.
The impact of computer graphics over the past half
century has truly been profound in the fields of movies,
television, animation and video games. They have not
only entertained us, but they have also facilitated major
changes in the entertainment industry that is still
growing by the day.
The History of Computer
Graphics
In 1960, William Fetter who was a graphic designer for
Boeing actually coined the term computer graphics. At
that time, computers were still very primitive compared
to what we see today and it took a series of graphic
hardware products such as the SAGE Projects and
Whirlwind to construct the CRT monitors so that the
graphics could be displayed. In 1959, Douglas T. Ross
who worked at MIT actually created a computer image
of a Disney character using the technology that was
available.
Over the next 40 years, computer graphics managed to
develop alongside computers themselves as they
became more powerful and technically advanced.
During the 1960s, there were substantial advances in
graphics that included Pong, the first computer video
game and in 1966 the first efforts at 3D modeling were
seen at MIT as well.
By the 1970s, graphics had advanced considerably with
the advent of the 3D Core Graphics System or Core
that became the foundation for 3D modeling. In
addition, the movie Westworld became the first to
showcase a 3D computer image, a hand that was
shown on a monitor in the film.
The 1980s brought about substantial change as bit-slice
and microprocessors helped revolutionize the industry
while the 1990s brought about further advancements
with 3D graphics such as Quake, the first 3D computer
video game and the evolution of CGI in movies.
The State of Computer
Graphics Today
Today, computer graphics and 3D modeling is not only
more advanced than ever, it is now within the reach of
consumers who now have the ability to create graphics
for their own uses. Even films are taking advantage of
having compete computer-generated sets for films such
as Sin City and Sky Captain and the World of
Tomorrow.
With each advancement computer graphics becomes
more a part of todays changing world and the ability to
create realistic effects gets more in touch with the
everyday consumer.