Basic Principles of Two-Dimensional Graphics

Abstract

Basic geometric 2D-objects like points, lines, rectangles, polygons, circles and ellipses are introduced and geometric transformations for positioning, transforming and animating these geometric objects are explained. The concept of homogeneous coordinates, crucial for carrying out geometric transformations efficiently in computer graphics, is defined for two-dimensional geometry. Interpolators are a general technique for animation in computer graphics and various examples for interpolators are illustrated in this Chapter. A brief introduction to Java 2D is given and example programs and implementations help one to better understand the concepts and methods from a practical point of view.