Computer Graphics

Computer Graphics
2.1 Raster scan graphics coordinate system
2.2 database structure for graphic modeling
2.3 transformation of geometry
2.4 3D transformations
2.5 mathematics of projections
2.6 clipping
2.7 hidden surface removal
 Wire-Frame versus Solid Modeling
Limitations of 2-D line drawings: (Drive for 3-D Modeling)
3-dimensional shape of the object needs to be interpreted from the 2-D
Drawings which is left to the human being who reads the drawing.
Drawings could represent any of a number of possible geometric shapes.
The limitations of 2-D line drawings led the CAD/CAM systems to work on the
capability of having interactive computer graphic systems for 3-D geometry. It is
important that the graphics system work with 3-D shapes in developing the
model of an object.
Modeling Approaches:
1.Wire-Frame Modeling
2.Solid Modeling
 1. Wire-Frame Modeling:
This is a form of 3-D Modeling in which edges of the object are shown as lines.
Objects with Curved surfaces are represented by contour lines. Image assumes
the appearance of a frame constructed out of wire – hence the name “wire-
frame” model.
 Limitations of wire-frame Modeling
Many of 3-D wireframe systems in use do not possess an automatic hidden-line
removal feature. Consequently the lines that indicate the edges at the rear of
the model show right through the foreground surfaces. This can cause the image
to be somewhat confusing to the viewer, and in some cases the image might be
interpretable in several different ways.
 There are also limitations with the wire-frame models in the way many CAD
systems define the model in their databases.
 Ex: There might be ambiguity in the case of a surface definition as to which side of
the surface is solid.
Wire-Frame versus Solid Modeling
 2. Solid Modeling
 An improvement over wire-frame models, both in terms of realism to the user
and definition to the computer, is the solid modeling approach. In this
approach, models are displayed as solid objects to the viewer, with very little
risk of misinterpretation. When color is added to the image, the resulting
picture becomes strikingly realistic.

 Graphic systems with this capability find a wide range of applications outside
computer-aided design and manufacturing. These applications will include color
illustrations in magazines and technical publications, animation in movie films,
and training simulators (Ex: air-craft pilot training).

 Development in software can provide application programs to work with more

highly automated model building and design systems, more complete 3-D
engineering analysis of models, including interference checking, automated
manufacturing planning, and more realistic production simulation models.
 Approaches to the Solid Modeling
There are 2 basic approaches to the problem of solid modeling have been developed

1.Constructive solid Geometry (CSG or C-rep) / Building block approach

The CSG or C-Rep systems allow the user to build the model out of solid
graphic primitive, such as rectangular blocks, cubes, spheres, cylinders, and
pyramids. A solid 3-D representation of the model is produced as an outcome in this
approach. The most common method of structuring the solid model in the graphics
data base is to use Boolean operations.

2.Boundary representation (B-rep)

Boundary representation approach requires the user to draw the outline or
boundary of the object on the CRT screen using an electronic tablet and pen or
analogous procedure. The use would sketch the various views of the object (front,
side, top, etc.), drawing interconnecting lines among the views to establish their
relationship. Various transformations and other specified editing procedures are
used to refine the model to the desired shape.
 Solid Modeling (C-Rep , B-Rep) Contd…
S.No C-Rep B-Rep
Procedural Advantage in the initial Advantageous for the complexed shapes
1 formulation of the model
Relatively easy to construct a precise solid B-Rep is very much advantageous and fast to
model out of regular solid primitives by model the shapes that are very difficult to be
2 adding, subtracting, and intersecting the modelled using C-Rep
components.
Unusual shapes are quite difficult to Unusual shapes are very much feasible
3
develop
Stores the model by a combination of data Stores an explicit definition of the model
4 and logical procedures and required less boundaries & requires more storage but does
storage but more computation to not necessitate the same computational effort to
reproduce the model and its image reconstruct the image.
Models boundary definition is not similar Models boundary definition is similar to wire-
5 to wire-frame definition to convert one frame definition and facilitates conversion of one
form to other form to the other.

Because of the relative advantages and weaknesses of the above 2 approaches,

hybrid systems have been developed which combine the C-Rep (CSG) & B-Rep
approaches.
Characteristics of CAD/CAM Software
Three Dimensional
Associative
 Input information can be retrieved in various forms.
 Ex: given the 2 end points of a line, its length can be retrieved as
an associative outcome
Centralized
 Change of dimension in one view reflects over other
views as well as the model
Integrated
 Model information is available and integrated to
various other levels of product cycle.
Database structure for graphic modeling
Data Structure
Database
DBMS
Database coordinate system