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CS101 Lecture 4. Computer Graphics. It ’ s just a bunch of pixels. A computer screen is made up of many small colored squares called pixels The human eye blends the pixels together to form images on the screen. Resolution. Resolution = the number of pixels on a screen
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CS101 Lecture 4 Computer Graphics
It’s just a bunch of pixels • A computer screen is made up of many small colored squares called pixels • The human eye blends the pixels together to form images on the screen.
Resolution • Resolution = the number of pixels on a screen • Resolutions are expressed in pixels across the screen by pixels down the screen. • 16:10 resolutions (Widescreen Computers) • 1280 x 800 = WXGA • 1440 x 900 = WXGA+ • 1680 x 1050 = WSXGA+ • 1920 x 1200 = WUXGA • 16:9 resolutions (Widescreen TV’s) • 1280 X 720 • 1920 X 1080
Why change resolutions? • Changing resolutions can improve productivity and decrease eye strain • Low Resolutions = Individual items appear larger but have less work space • High Resolutions = Individual items appear smaller but have more work space
Color Depth • Color Depth = The amount of different colors that a pixel can be • 8 bit color = 256 colors • 16 bit color = 65,536 colors • 24 bit color = 16,777,216 colors • 32 bit color = 16,777,216 colors + 8 bit alpha • Often called true color
Why change color depth? • Low color depth = colors may not be accurate but computer has to process less information • High color depth = colors are more accurate but computer must process more information
How do computers make graphics? • Two ways: • Integrated Graphics • Dedicated Graphics
Integrated graphics • Built into the motherboard. • Uses system processor and RAM to generate graphics. • Cheaper way to do graphics • Slower graphics ability • OK if doing low intensity graphic applications such as: • Word processing • Web surfing • Email • etc
Dedicated Graphics • A graphics card is added to the computer which contains its own processor and RAM (this frees up the computer processor and RAM) • Really helps graphic intense applications such as video games, CAD, video editing, etc.
New Way • Accelerated Processor Unit • Processor and Graphics built into one chip. • Less Power
How do I view my computer’s graphics ability? • Windows 7 • Right click on the desktop and select “Screen resolution” > click “Advanced settings” • Macintosh • Apple menu > About This Mac > More Info… > Graphics/Displays
Why is computer color RGB? • How come computers mix red, green, and blue to make all other colors? • RBY is mixed to make all colors when using reflective light (things that do not produce their own light) • RBG is mixed to make all colors when using additive light (things that do produce their own light)
Things to look for in a LCD monitor • Native resolution works well for activities you would like to accomplish on computer • Good pixel response time for applications that have quick movement (movies, games, etc) • Viewing angle wide enough for activities you plan to use monitor for • Black level good for activities you plan to use monitor for • Has a digital connection with HDCP (High Definition Content Protection) • Make sure you can try before committed • Watch out for no return, high restocking fees, and shipping charges • Try out everything you plan to use the monitor for before your return period ends • Keep track of health while using