Computer Graphics: New Emphasis on Image Quality

Increased processor speed, decreased memory and disk storage costs, and the advent of the bit-slice co-processor have enabled several companies to offer full-color (24-bit/pixel) computer graphics systems at significantly lower prices and in smaller packages than was possible a few years ago. These new systems are judged on speed, flexibility, number of features, and ease of use, but the overriding concern is image quality. The attributes of image quality are mostly perceived and of a qualitative rather than a quantitative measure. Because of the horizontal line limitations imposed by broadcast standards, increasing the number of pixels will not increase image quality. Therefore, methods such as filtering, anti-aliasing, and vector algorithm-based software must be used to improve the perception of quality. This article describes those measures as well as research and development of videotape machine control, single-frame animation techniques, and the development of 3-D modeling.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1986-06

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J06526