Definition of Computer Generated Images
Computer-generated images are becoming increasingly common in a variety of fields such as the arts, computer and video gaming, graphic design, marketing, and motion pictures. Their creation typically requires an extensive background in specialized software and a degree of personal creativity. Computer-generated images are generally used in situations that require highly controllable visuals, and where it would be too costly or impractical to produce them naturally or without the use of a computer.
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Definition
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Strictly speaking, a computer-generated image is one created entirely on a computer. In practice, however, computer-generated images often incorporate real-world photographs and drawings. Although the line between what is and is not computer generated is often difficult to identify, it is generally understood that a photograph or drawing that has only had its basic properties such as brightness, contrast and colors altered is not computer generated.
Photo Manipulation
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Graphics artists can easily manipulate digital photos in a number of ways using photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Paint.NET, and GIMP. Although basic editing alone does not constitute computer generation, it is possible to perform more advanced manipulation that usually requires very high proficiency. This can include, for example, overlaying photos, creating collages, and adding computer-generated patterns and designs. Once the alterations are significant enough, the resulting picture is typically considered computer generated.
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Mouse-Drawn Images
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Users can employ photo editing software to create images using only a mouse, without a base photo or set of photos. For example, a user could color the background of a blank project with a gradient (a gradual progression from one color to another), use a variety of tools to draw lines and shapes, and then apply effects like borders, shadows or glows. Designers develop many of the standard wallpapers that are bundled with operating systems like Windows and Mac OSX using this methodology.
Fractal Images
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Sometimes computers generate images with only minimal human guidance. The best example of this is a fractal image. Computer software can generate fractal images by carrying out an algorithm that uses random manipulations of patterns. The software user determines the degree of randomness by specifying properties such as the basic colors and the general shape of the patterns to be used. Fractal images tend to have a distinctive look that is somewhat chaotic and futuristic.
Computer-Generated Imagery
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Artists often use computers to generate images for motion pictures. Typically, this usage is known as "computer-generated imagery," or CGI. As with static computer-generated images, CGI can refer to many different applications of computer generation. Some of these include using a blue screen to superimpose a different background onto a scene, using motion capture cameras to superimpose a different foreground, adding special effects like explosions and gore, and generating 3-D animated environments.
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References
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