OUAN05 - Understanding - CGI

CGI Rendering

CGI stands for computer-generated imagery and is the application of computer graphics to create imagery in various different formats including; video games, film and art. The term CGI commonly refers to 3D imagery, however it may also be two dimensional. The use of the term, 'computer animation' refers to dynamic, meaning moving images, rendered together. The availability of CGI software has led to small companies, professionals and personal uses to create their own animation or CGI work. This itself has brought around an almost subculture containing cliches and specialist vocabulary.

Computer graphics and this method of generating images via CGI is used in a variety of industries and not just used for a method of producing entertainment. Modern architects use services from computer graphics firms to produce 3D models for themselves and for clients. It's also important in viewing buildings in relation to the environment they're being built in to give the people working on projects a much clearer idea of what the final outcome will be, this is an example of CGI and essentially simulation being useful in a different industry. This kind of CGI also allows architects to simulate walk-throughs or essentially an interactive look at what the structure will look like to the user.

In other industries, computer generation and CGI is used to generate anatomical models, mostly in the field of science and medicine. Computer generated anatomical models can be used for both instructional and operation models. A large amount of anatomical images have been produced and collected this way, and these medical images are continued to be used by professionals and medical students. In modern medical applications, anatomical models of specific patients can be constructed to assist in surgery. The example of this I read referred to a complete knee replacement and a detailed patient model can be used to plan the surgery because of the difference in anatomy between patient to patient.

Interactive simulation and visualisation refers to the application of rendering of data that varies heavily, with applications varying from fluid dynamics to computer aided design. Simulations such as flight simulations may take extensive use of CGI for the rendering of worlds and environments.

Computer animation has been described as a digital successor to the technique of stop motion. However, computer based animation is much easier to control than other physical processes such as controlling miniatures and creating sets etc. Although, a positive of computer based animation, as oppose to other techniques is that it allows the animator to create content without the use of actors, sets and props which cost a lot of money, or can cost a lot. To create the illusion of movement, a computer generated image is displayed on a screen and replaced by a new image usually around 24 - 30 times per second. This technique is identical to the illusion of movement created with television, film and other motion pictures.