Page 158 - Encyclopedia of Business and Finance

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Computer Graphics

1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
Computer • Programs are run in • Mid 1970s: First • 1981: IBM introduces • The number of colors a • LCD monitors become
technology batch mode using personal computers the first color PC. The PC monitor can display popular.
punch cards. Text appear. Monitors CGA monitor is capable jumps from 256 to 16.7 • PC Graphics
characters are used to display white text of displaying 4 colors million. Processing Units
create pictures. against a green using a combination of • PCs can use 3D (GPU) deliver 25
• Printers can only print background the result red, green, and blue. graphics. times the 3D graphics
whole characters not of a P1 phosphor from • 1984: Apple Macintosh is • 1994: the World Wide performance of the
individual dots. a cathode ray tube. introduced. Web becomes available 1990s.
Monitors are called • Color graphics are to the public and
CRTs or greenscreens. possible, but computer provides another
• Graphics resolution is memory is limited. channel for computer
low, around 128 x 48 • 1987: 256 colors and a graphics use.
dots per screen. resolution of 720 dots x
400 dots are possible.

Video Manufacturers of video • Video games have • Users interact with
games experiment with advanced to virtual games through real-
computer graphics in reality and role playing. time 3D graphical
games such as Pong. • In business virtual representations of
reality technology is users.
used to evaluate and
modify product designs.

Movies/TV 1977: Star Wars • 1984: The Last • 1991: Toy Story • High Definition digital
incorporates 3D Starfighter displays the becomes the first televisions (HDTV)
computer graphics into first photorealistic computer animated become popular.
the film. computer graphic full-length film. • Shark Tale uses global
images in a feature • 3D computer graphics illumination to render
film. are used in cartoons on realistic shadows and
• 1988: Who Framed TV and in animated reflections.
Roger Rabbit combines movies.
computer animation
characters with live
humans.

Modeling • Early 1980s: CAD • Photographs are
systems using 2D floor integrated with CAD
planning and drawings.
rudimentary modeling • CAD/CAM programs
are available. are used to design,
• Late 1980s: CAD assemble and test new
systems offer 3D products.
rendering and
walkthrough
capabilities.
• 1989: Simulation and
visualization programs
become available.
• CAT scan technology
which allows
physicians to see
graphical
representations of soft
tissue aid in diagnosis
and treatment of
abnormalities.
• 3D models of the
human body are used
for virtual surgery and
training.

Figure 1

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE, SECOND EDITION 135