Basic Elements of Computer Graphics

Modeling

• primitives
• 3D points
• 3D lines and curves
• surfaces (BREPs): polygons, patches
• volumetric representations
• image-based representations
• attributes
• color, texture maps
• lighting properties
• geometric transformations
• affine: translate, rotate, scale, shear
• non-afine transformations: FFDs

Rendering

• Visibility
• efficiently computing what can be seen
• Simulating Light Propagation
• reflection, scattering
• absorption
• transmission
• emission
• refraction
• diffraction and interference 

Animation

• keyframe, motion capture
• autonomous motion planning, behaviors, rules
• physically-based animation

Interaction

• modeling, rendering, and animation tools
• input and output devices