Reading 03: Graphics Overview

by Mike Gleicher on September 16, 2011

This reading will be discussed in class on Monday September 19, but if you don’t get to it, it’s OK if you “read behind” (look at the reading after the lecture). There will be an assignment due at the end of the week based on this reading.

It’s really difficult to pick a graphics overview reading. There is nothing that is at exactly the right level of detail: everything is either too broad, or too much about the details. Things are either too trendy, or too out of date. Things are either too long or too short.

And, there is a diversity of graphics backgrounds in this class.

So, with that caveat, I am going to recommend that everyone reads:

An introductory tour of interactive rendering, by Eric Haines. IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, January 2006. (IEEE explore link) (course reader)

Yes, its pre-historic (it’s hard to believe that 6 years ago is pre-history). It’s a little on the “buzzword” heavy side. But its well organized, and has some nice aspects to it as well.

As you read it, keep in mind that it is 6 years old, and a lot has changed.

Based on your level of graphics expertise, you will probably approach this reading differently. Your assignment will vary accordingly. Please choose what is appropriate for you (it will probably be a combination of the three):

  1. If you are new to graphics: there are probably a lot of words and concepts you don’t know. Make a list of the words you need to have defined for you.
  2. If you have a normal graphics background: in addition to #1, there should be some techniques you are unfamiliar with, or curious about (since some are obscure) – make a list of them.
  3. If you are a graphics pro: you probably can pick out what things in this article are out of date.

Details of the written assignment will be coming soon.

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