Computergrafische

Computergrafische, commonly translated as computer graphics, is the field that deals with the generation, processing, and display of visual information by computers. It covers 2D and 3D graphics, image processing, rendering, animation, and visualization, and relies on mathematical models, algorithms, and hardware such as graphics processing units (GPUs).

Historically, research began with vector graphics and raster displays in the mid-20th century. Advances in modeling, shading, and rendering in the 1980s and 1990s led to widespread computer-generated imagery in film and marketing, and to the rise of computer-aided design. In the last two decades, real-time rendering with GPUs and the development of programmable pipelines have transformed interactive graphics, while path tracing and physically based rendering have improved realism in offline work.

Main subfields include 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and visualization. Modeling creates geometric representations of objects; rendering converts those models into images using lighting and materials; animation and simulation add time-based change; visualization adapts graphics to present data clearly. The field also intersects human-computer interaction and user interface design.

Key techniques include rasterization for fast real-time rendering, ray tracing and path tracing for realism, texture mapping, shading models such as Phong or physically based rendering (PBR), and global illumination. Modern pipelines often combine rasterization with ray tracing and shading languages on GPUs.

Applications span entertainment (movies and video games), design and engineering (CAD/CAM), medical and scientific visualization, virtual and augmented reality, and visualization for simulation and training.

Common file formats include OBJ, STL, FBX, and GLTF; standards and APIs include OpenGL, DirectX, and Vulkan. Popular software ranges from open-source tools such as Blender to commercial packages like Maya and 3ds Max, as well as real-time engines such as Unity and Unreal.