Computer Graphics and

Animation (CEN515 )
CLASS ONE :INTRODUCTION
LECTURERS: DR. TAYO AND Engr.(Mrs) Tiwa
Course synopsis
• Overview of 3D animation and its application and types,, Coordinate system,
vertex, faces and object. Concept of wireframe, surface and solid modeling.
Construction planes and differences between object space and world space.
Principles of making characters alive. Polygonal modelling techniques: the
Box, using Edit Mesh, Smoothing techniques, subdivision Surfaces. NURBS
Modelling techniques: Utilizing NURBS toolbox, surface points and CVs.
Importing and attaching nurbs surfaces, rebuilding surfaces, curve and surface
approximation. Graphic animation process: Camera and Animation camera,
Set and Background (Image Plane), Light Linking. Animation Techniques: Walk
cycle and Facial Expression using Blend Shape. Dynamics animation: Rigid
bodies, Soft Bodies, constraint, particles. Tips and tricks on rendering.
Concept of rendering in 3D modelling. Render options and file output
WHY THIS COURSE?
• Computer graphics is responsible for displaying art and image data
effectively and meaningfully to the consumer. It is also used for
processing image data received from the physical world, such as
photo and video content.
• Computer animators create 3D motion graphics and visual effects.
These creative professionals design visually stunning animations for a
range of mediums, including film, television, video games, mobile
apps and websites
WHAT IS COMPUTER GRAPHICS AND
ANIMINATION?
• Computer graphics deals with generating images with the aid of
computers. Today, computer graphics is a core technology in digital
photography, film, video games, cell phone and computer displays, and
many specialized applications
• Computer graphics is concerned with producing images and animations.
(or sequences of images) using a computer.
• Computer graphics can be separated into two different categories: raster
graphics and vector graphics. While both in essence set out to achieve
the same goal (a high-quality digital image), they use different
techniques and therefore have different strengths and weaknesses
CONTINUTIONS……
• Computer animation is the process used for digitally generating
animated images. The more general term computer-generated
imagery encompasses both static scenes and dynamic images
• Animation means giving life to any object in computer graphics. It has
the power of injecting energy and emotions into the most seemingly
inanimate objects. Computer-assisted animation and computer-
generated animation are two categories of computer animation. It
can be presented via film or video.
What is 3D animation?

• 3D animation refers to the process of taking digital objects and

making them come to life by creating the illusion that they're
moving through a three-dimensional space.
• 5 Forms of Animation
Traditional Animation.
2D Animation.
3D Animation.
Motion Graphics.
Stop Motion
Why is 3D animation important?

• 3D animation is important because it allows businesses to

communicate in a memorable and immersive way.
• In traditional animation, images are drawn or painted by hand on
transparent celluloid sheets to be photographed and exhibited on
film. Today, most animations are made with computer-generated
imagery (CGI).
• Who created 3D animation? William Fetter
• inventor of computer-generated 3D graphics
3D animation characteristics

• Depth perspective.
• Modeling (not drawing)
• Computer-animated.
• Realistic depictions.
• Some of the most used and popular animation programs
are Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3Ds Max, Blender, Cinema 4D, ZBrush,
and LightWave 3D.
 GRAPHICS
• Graphics have many MERITS.

• What makes graphics effective ?

1. Conformity/Congruence Principle : any undertaking that
seeks to align apparently
2. Apprehension Principle: representation should be readily
and accurately perceived

• Can Animation facilitate? DISCUSS

 Advantage Graphics
1. Help in communication.
2. May save words by showing things that would otherwise need many.
3. Externalize internal knowledge
I. Reduces the burden on memory and processing by off-loading.
II. Makes underlying structures and processes transparent.
4. Used carefully can facilitate comprehension, learning, memory,
communication and inference

Graphics are not always effective. (text vs graphics)

Criteria 1:
Congruence Principle

The structure and content of the external

representation should correspond to the desired
structure and content of the internal
representation.
Animation
• By Congruence Principle: should be natural way for
conveying concepts of change, just as space in graphics is a
natural for conveying actual space.

• Appear to be effective for expressing processes ie. Weather

patterns, circuit diagrams, or circulatory systems etc.

• Compelling and attractive

Evaluating Animation
• Needs to be compared to graphics that do not change with time, as it
is change with time that animation adds.

• How well does animation teach complex systems: mechanical,

biological, physical, and operational.
• Animations can be really annoying!T/F
• Within the field of cartography, animation is often combined with
interactivity, since it allows the user to control the animation.
Selective Review of Research on
Animation
Incomparable Content in Static and Animated Graphics

Examples:

1. Circulatory system (Large et al., 1996) - animated had blood

pathways

2. Electronic Circuit (Park and Gittelman 1992) - animated

showed fine structure.

3. Pythagorean theorem (Thompson and Riding, 1990) - paper

graphic equivalent to discrete animation, but not equivalent
to continuous animation.
 Incomparable Procedures In Static and Animated
Graphics.

1. Interactivity versus Animation :, animation is often

combined with interactivity, since it allows the user
to control the animation
2. Prediction versus Animation

Why the confusion?

• Success of animation due to advantages of extra information
conveyed, rather than animation of the information.
• Animation is attractive and exciting.
• Interactivity however does not need to be combined with
animation. Many multimedia maps are only interactive but not
animated.
Criteria 2:
Apprehension Principle

The structure and content of the external representation should be

readily and accurately perceived and comprehended.
Why Do Animations Fail?
1. Animations may be hard to perceive.

2. Animations may be comprehended discretely.

3. Not universally preferred and often require expertise for

understanding.
Conclusions and Implications
1. Graphics and Animination
2. Congruence and Apprehension Principles.
3. Interactivity may be key to overcome animations’ drawbacks.
4. Animation must be used with care.
• Early 2D Animation: Used traditional techniques
• Early 3D Animation: Neglected traditional techniques.
• Briefly explain 11 Fundamental principles of traditional animation
techniques.