8. Vector Graphics:

• Vector Graphics

• Using all the Tools

• Integrating Software Features

• Review

• Show and Tell

Vector Graphics

Vectors are just a different way of defining images on a computer. Basically there are two types of computer graphics, bitmaps and vectors. Bitmap files such as jpegs or gifs contain information on each and every individual pixel while a vector file is object orientated and mathematically contains information on individual objects as to there shape, position, color, etc.

There are a number of advantages to using vector graphics, the most important being quality. You may have noticed that when you resize a bitmap image upward the quality degrades, vector objects can be resized with virtually no loss of image quality. You can deform a vector object and retain it's integrity. Size is also a factor, vector files tend to be smaller than bitmaps. You can also change vector attributes (fill color, stroke width, etc.) easily and again, without compromising image quality.

There are some limitations on vector graphics. For one, you can't create photographic type images, for that bitmaps are necessary but, for crisp high quality graphics, vectors are the way to go. Vector graphics are particularly suited to rendering cartoons and clipart. Vector objects have two basic attributes, fill and stroke, the fill being the color inside the object and the stroke being the outline.

Same as "object_oriented_graphics.html", refers to "software.html" and "hardware.html" that use geometrical formulas to represent images. The other method for representing graphical images is through "bit_map.html", in which the image is composed of a pattern of "dot.html". This is sometimes called "bit_mapped_graphics.html". "program.html" that enable you to create and manipulate vector graphics are called "draw_program.html", whereas programs that manipulated bit-mapped images are called "paint_program.html".

Vector-oriented images are more flexible than bit maps because they can be resized and stretched. In addition, images "store.html" as vectors look better on "device.html" ("monitor.html" and "printer.html") with higher "resolution.html", whereas bit-mapped images always appear the same regardless of a device's resolution. Another advantage of vector graphics is that representations of images often require less "memory.html" than bit-mapped images do.

Almost all sophisticated "graphics.html" "system.html", including "CADD.html" systems and "animation.html" software, use vector graphics. In addition, many printers ("PostScript.html" printers, for example) use vector graphics. "font.html" represented as vectors are called vector fonts, "scalable_font.html", "object_oriented.html" fonts, and "outline_font.html".

Note that most "output_device.html", including "dot_matrix_printer.html", "laser_printer.html", and display monitors, are raster devices (plotters are the notable exception). This means that all "object.html", even vector objects, must be translated into bit maps before being "output.html". The difference between vector graphics and raster graphics, therefore, is that vector graphics are not translated into bit maps until the last possible moment, after all sizes and resolutions have been specified. PostScript printers, for example, have a "raster_image_processor_RIP.html" that performs the translation within the printer. In their vector form, therefore, graphics representations can potentially be output on any device, with any resolution, and at any size.

What is a node?

A node is a control point. Every vector object contains a path, which is composed of at least one contour. A contour contains at least two nodes, or control points, and the segments that connect them. A contour is a mathematically described path, it starts at a node and ends at a node.

The intent of this course was to stimulate interest, provide insight into the most basic ideas, and to encourage seniors to experiment and learn the features of various Software Applications while having fun and sharing their knowledge with their peers. Always remember that your computer is merely a recorder/player which is full if instructions. Instructions which allow you to process stored information are called Software Application Programs. You must have software on your computer which has been designed to perform the tasks you desire.  Paint Shop Pro has great Vector Graphics capabilities. 

All types of software are available from many sources. You probably were introduced to Computer Graphics by simple "Clip Art" Images which you can insert into documents. Along the way you encountered word art and quick art. These are basic programs which usually come installed on new computers. Remember only you can become acquainted with their uses by experimenting with their various features. You only learn by experience. Try things, you may learn to like them.

Using all the Tools

As our experience base broadened we learned features common to most graphics software. Titles or names on the menus and dialog boxes vary from application to application. This is not to confuse users but to protect vendors from copyright lawsuits. Also by using new terminology vendors hope to attract new customers by novel advertising convincing potential customers that their software is the best and most capable. Do not be taken in by all this commercial babble.

All software relates in some manner to the basic commands in the operating system. Programmers can make some software easier to use, this is called user friendliness. User friendliness boils down to methods users are familiar with. Like comfortable shoes we don't like to break in new ones. Polls taken to determine popularity of various software packages can be very misleading. What the polls usually tell us is which company is best at marketing. Customers always buy the best product, people by nature never admit they made a bad selection when it come to purchasing.

The attempt of this course was to allow participants to experience various application software packages. It is hoped that you now can readily learn to use any package available to you on any computer you find available. The software packages used in this course happened to be those available for use in the computer laboratory. They are good programs and typical of many available today.

Integrating Software Features

We also experienced the great feature of the Windows Operating System called multi-tasking. Different applications can be loaded into RAM simultaneously and use made of their various features when working on processing a single graphic. This is very powerful. This feature allows you to be very creative. All types of applications can benefit from multi-tasking and the object embedding features of the current operating systems.

Review

Take a moment to reflect back on the material covered in the course. Try to see how it fits into a basic understanding of Computer Graphics. In the time allowed for this course a lot of specific detail could not be covered. You should have all the basic tools you need to expand your knowledge base. Keep on learning by experience, experiment with new commands and features. Create (Make-Up) tasks to perform. Graphics can be a great hobby with just a minimum of tools. The computer is a great tool for graphics enthusiasts. Senior citizens (Now referred to a Third Agers) have a memory full of past experiences as well as boxes full of old Photographs and Slides. Hours of fun can be had in working with them and reminiscing about our lives and friends. Listed below are the major areas which we covered. Think on them; how can you use them?

The "Paint Program" Sign Creation
A Glossary of Computer Graphics Terms
MS Works - Word Art
GREETING CARDS

Working with Photos
Microsoft Photo Editor
SPECIAL EFFECTS

Photo Studio
Photographic Formats
Menus and Tools
Multiple Photos
Slide Shows
A duck dinner.

Paint Shop Pro
Menus and Tools
Using the Browser
Working with Selections
Collage and Compositions
Special Effects
Meet My Horse
Managing Colors
Using Masks and Layers
Changing Colors
Colorizing Photographs
COLORIZING GRAPHICS USING LAYERS
Vector Graphics Concepts

Gathering Images
Changing Formats
Whatever.

The Final Learning Task

A Note From the Instructor: I have really enjoyed putting this material together. I hope it is helpful to you. I love instructing and watching participant's excitement grow with their increased knowledge and understanding. For real enjoyment you must experience by practicing, keep on enhancing your know-how. Always remember the most important thing is to have FUN and enjoy Life. Your assignment is to KEEP on LEARNING. Thank you for your participation. I have learned much from each of you. Dean

This material will be maintained and updated as appropriate. Please provide assistance by furnishing comments. e-mail deanchri@huntsvilleal.com ....(Last Revision 10/11/00)

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