Section 4: Computer Graphics and Entertainment

As computers have developed, entertainment uses have always been right up there with more practical applications. From Pong to World of Warcraft and Wii, games and other entertainment applications have been the focus of intense development and industry competition. This section looks at computer graphics and other aspects of gaming, and explores the uses of computers in movies, games, and virtual communities.

Section Objectives

After completing this section, you will be able to

1. Describe the methods and tools used to create computer-generated imagery (CGI).
2. Define and describe the graphics pipeline.
3. Define and discuss object modeling.
4. Describe the principles of object motion in CGI.
5. Define and discuss the processes of rendering and display.
6. Discuss the future of CGI.
7. Describe the video gaming field.
8. Define and discuss multi-player games and virtual communities.

Required Reading

Chapter 16 in the textbook

Discussion Forum

The topic for Unit Five, Section 4 is Exercise 9 on page 755 of the text. The movement of the arm can be defined as a series of rotations, measured in degrees, in planes defined as X, Y, and Z.