Computer Graphic Images

Computer Graphics Development
The full potential of computer graphics was realised in 1963 when Sunderland developed a system for man-made interactive pictures.The barriers to development were cost, the need for hardware and software development and it’s enormous complexity both for graphics and for systems. The cost of computer equipment has dropped year by year, operating systems were improved and new software keeps being developed. This has meant that computer graphics have been constantly improving.

History
In the 1960’s Csuri and John Whitney Senior were two of the major pioneers in computer graphic design. Csuri won an award for an animated film Hummingbird in 1966 and created Hummingbird II in 1969.

http://arts.osu.edu/3news_events/a_news/news_summer_2006/csuri_siggraph.html

He brought together graduate students to form a computer graphic research team in 1973 and in 1984 he established the Advanced Computing Centre for the Arts and Design. He was instrumental in encouraging the development of computer graphics.

http://arts.osu.edu/3news_events/a_news/news_summer_2006/csuri_siggraph.html

Wondrous Spring explored colour and light with photography and sculpture and was created by Csuri in 1992 showing how much computer graphics has developed and why Csuri is known as the father of digital art.

In the 1970’s there was the first use of 3D computer graphic images in films. animation was also improving during this time. 2d computer animation was used in Westworld and 3D vector graphics were used in Star Wars episode IV.

In the 1980’s ray tracings rendering was developed and there was a growth of digital graphics in advertising and in films. Two well known film series, using digital graphics at this time, were Star War films and Indiana Jones films. Particle systems animation was also being developed.

In the 1990’s and 2000’s continuing improvement was made. Two notable film series successes with 3D imagery were Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Full length computer generated films were also made including Toy Story 1995, A Bug’s Life 1998 and Antz 1998.

Games Development
As computer graphics and electronics developed so did the digital games industry with three major names emerging. These were with their most recent consoles:-Sony (X box 360), Nintendo(Wii) and Microsoft(Playstation 3). They brought out games consoles and games and continue in to bring out every year new games and less frequently improved consoles. Most money is expected to be made through software so this will encourage the continuing development of computer graphics and systems as the games industry moves into visual reality.