CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) is effectively the use of
computer graphics to create or alternatively contribute to imagery in art,
printed media, films, video games, TV programs, shorts, commercials, videos and
simulators.
These images can be dynamic or static and can be both 2D and
3D. However, the term CGI is most often used to refer to the 3D computer
graphics used for things like creating characters, special effects and scenes
in film and television called ‘CGI animation’.
Alternatively, in 3D computer graphics, 3D modelling is the
process of creating or developing a mathematical representation of any surface
of an object (inanimate or living) in 3D through specialized software, creating
a 3D model.
Models may be created automatically or manually. The manual modelling
process of preparing geometric data for 3D computer graphics is like plastic
arts such as sculpting. Models can also be physically created using 3D printing
devices.
History of Modelling:
Early days of CGI/GC (the beginning)
The beginning of computer graphics started with the SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment) computer system, which
was designed for preparing the military in the event of an attack and was used to spot Russian military aircraft during the Cold War. Initially an effort to build a
flight simulator, SAGE was supposed to provide an air defence system that
guarded the United States against the threat of a nuclear attack. The SAGE
workstation had a vector display and light pens that operators would use to
pinpoint planes flying over the United States and was the first recorded use of computer graphics that layed the groundwork for Computer Graphics today.
1960s
CG (Computer Graphics) mostly began to emerge during the
1960s. At that point in time, anti-aliased lines, circles and curve drawing (now
considered rudimentary operations) were major topics in the field of CG.
During this time, Pierre Bézier’s work on parametric curves
and surfaces became public, IBM developed hidden surface and shadow algorithms that
were the pre-cursors to ray tracing and at the same time, Doug Englebart invented
the computer mouse.
1970s
In the 1970s, rendering (shading) was created by Gouraud and
Phong at the University of Utah. Meanwhile, Xerox PARC developed a ‘paint’ program,
Ed Catmull created the Z-buffer algorithm, Turned Whitted invented recursive
ray tracing that later became the industry standard for photorealism and the
first keyframe-based animation for 3D graphics was demonstrated.
At the same time, arcade games such as Pong and Pac-man rose
dramatically in popularity.
1980s
During the mid-1980s, Computer Aided Design courses began to
be taught at many different universities while Jim Blinn introduced texture
mapping concepts and blobby models.
Binary space
partitioning (BSP) trees were introduced as a data structure, but not many
realized how useful they would become as CGI and CG improved.
Several artists
began exploring fractals in computer graphics. The goal for 3D software became
character animation, rather than simply rendering. Adobe brought its Photoshop
software to the market. During this time video games took off, in the process
creating a need for better computer graphics, and easier software to use which was
quickly fulfilled by many different applications.
1990s
The evolution of CGI led to the emergence of virtual
cinematography in the 1990s where the vision of the simulated camera is not
constrained by the laws of physics. Availability of CGI software and increased
computer speeds have allowed individual artists and small companies to produce
professional-grade films, games, and fine art from their home computers.
In 1992, OpenGL became the standard for graphics APIs. Dynamical systems
that allowed animation with collisions, gravity, friction, and cause and
effects were introduced. The first CAD College was opened. PC graphics cards,
like 3dfx and Nvidia, were introduced. Motion capture, which began with the
data glove, became a primary method for generating animation sequences.
Graphics effects in movies, such as Terminator 2, Jurassic Park and Toy Story became
widespread.
2000s
As we moved into the 21st century, online CAD courses became available,
blending design and technology to create new frontiers in architecture,
engineering and much more.
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