The Fundamental Problem of Computer Graphics
Here's one possible way to look at computer graphics.
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Given:
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A mathematical description of a 2D or 3D scene and
a viewing position.
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Find:
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A value for each pixel in the frame buffer such that the image on the
screen is a reasonably accurate picture of what an imaginary viewer
at that position would see.
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Obviously, this definition cannot capture all of what computer graphics
is. Descriptions are not always given mathematically. "Reasonably Accurate"
takes on many different meanings depending on the application. We're not
always simply figuring out the colours of an array of pixels. This definition
doesn't consider the input aspects of CG. Nonetheless, it is a good
starting point for a discussion of the geometric transformations that are
the backbone of so many graphics applications.
Geometric Transformations
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