Animation Computer Graphics
Computer Graphics and Animation
Historical Background
The journey of computer graphics and animation began in the mid-20th century, with pioneering efforts by figures such as John Whitney, renowned for his experiments with computer graphics during the 1940s and 1950s. However, the term "Computer Graphics," as we understand it today, was coined in the 1960s by William Fetter, a graphic designer for Boeing.
Fetter's work, particularly in developing ergonomic descriptions of the human body, led to the first 3-D animated wire-frame figures, famously known as the "Boeing Man." This marked a significant milestone in the evolution of 3-D realism, which continued to develop with advancements in computing power and technology.
Technological Developments
The technological landscape of computer graphics significantly transformed in the late 20th century. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the emergence of photo-realistic 3-D imagery in film, a precursor to the full-length 3-D animated feature films of today. Conferences such as SIGGRAPH played a pivotal role in disseminating new CGI technologies, which have since become essential in various fields.
Modern advancements have introduced techniques such as JavaScript and CSS animations, facilitating more efficient sequencing of images on HTML5 web pages. The shift from earlier formats like Flash to alternatives such as SVG animations and APNG has allowed for better quality animations with multi-level transparency, not feasible with traditional GIF files.
Techniques in Animation
Contemporary computer animation has diversified into various techniques that cater to both 2-D and 3-D formats. In 3-D animation, digital models are created and rigged with virtual skeletons. Animators manipulate these models by setting key frames, and the software interpolates the in-between frames in a process known as tweening.
For 2-D animations, separate illustrations are layered transparently, sometimes utilizing a virtual skeleton to animate figures. This method serves as a digital extension of traditional stop motion techniques and frame-by-frame animation.
Key Figures
The field of computer graphics and animation has been shaped by many influential figures. In addition to John Whitney and William Fetter, notable contributors include innovators who developed keyframe animation techniques and advanced the use of 3-D models and virtual skeletons in animation.