Graphics Software In Computer Graphics
The
basic building blocks for pictures are referred to as output primitives. They
include character strings and geometric entities, such as points, straight
lines, curved lines, filled areas (polygons, circles, etc.), and shapes defined
with arrays of color points. Routines for generating output primitives provide
the basic tools for constructing pictures. Attributes are the properties of the
output primitives; that is, an attribute describes how a particular primitive
is to be displayed. They include intensity and color specifications, line
styles, text styles, and area-filling patterns. Functions within this category
can be used to set attributes for an individual primitive class or for groups
of output primitives.
Graphics software or image editing software is a program
or collection of programs that enable a person to manipulate visual images on a
computer. Several graphics programs support animation or digital video.
There
are two general classifications for graphics software:
1)
General Programming Packages: A general
graphics programming package provides an extensive set of graphics functions
that can be used in a high-level programming language, such as C or FORTRAN. For
example, a general graphics programming package is the GL (Graphics Library)
system on Silicon Graphics equipment. Basic functions in a general package
include those for generating picture components (straight lines, polygons,
circles, and other figures), setting color and intensity values, selecting views, and applying transformations.
2)
Special-Purpose Applications Packages: By contrast,
application graphics packages are designed for non-programmers, so that users
can generate displays without worrying about how graphics operations work. The
interface to the graphics routines in such packages allows users to communicate
with the programs in their own terms. For example, the artist’s painting
programs and various businesses, medical and CAD systems are packages of such
applications.
