Trends in graphics programs

Today, new types of graphics programs are constantly being developed. One new type of paint program, known as an image-processing program, provides powerful options for working with photographs that have been scanned into the computer (digitized).

These programs generally require high-resolution monitors and a considerable amount of primary and secondary storage, but they give the user the capability to create professional-quality images on a PC-based system. Image processing programs are designed specifically to deal with photographs and therefore contain a large selection of filters, contrast and brightness controls, and a variety of enhancement options that give the user many ways to refine an image. Some of these programs even provide a way to do color separations (separating the image into the four process colors: black, cyan, yellow, magenta), which are required by a printer when printing full-color images.

Computer Animation And Illustration Programs. Computer animation is increasingly being used to add motion to graphics created in both paint and draw programs. Animation programs provide architects, engineers, and a variety of other professionals in television, film, and training fields to take the two- or three-dimensional drawings created with CAD and rendering programs and add motion. As with rendering (discussed earlier in this chapter), motion provides a more realistic way to communicate complex information.

Today the computer can be used to create and store the images and to simulate the animation effects. The images created on the computer can then be recorded on motion picture film or on videotape. As these powerful capabilities grow in popularity,software manufacturers are beginning to develop programs that com­bine CAD, rendering, and animation in a single package.

Although these combined programs may be more complex to use than single-purpose programs, they do provide a common user interface and provide a smooth integration between all aspects of the image development process.

11. Ответьте на вопросы:

1. What is an image-processing program used for?

2. What do graphics programs require?

3. What do image processing programs deal with?

4. What are color separations required by?

5. What is used to add motion to graphics?

6. What do animation programs provide specialists with?

7. What can we do with the image created on a computer?

8. What programs are being developed now?

Прочтите и переведите текст.

TEXT B