CSC214 Computer Graphics

Computer GraphicsTU Board 2079

Differentiate between raster and vector graphics method.

5

Answer

Raster graphics (raster scan) Vector graphics (random scan)
The picture is stored as a grid of pixels in a frame buffer. The picture is stored as a list of drawing commands (lines, curves) in a display file.
The electron beam sweeps the whole screen row by row, top to bottom. The beam moves only along the lines to be drawn, in any order.
Resolution is fixed; enlarging the image makes it blocky (jagged edges, aliasing). Lines stay smooth at any size; scaling does not lose quality.
Can show realistic images, shading and many colours. Suited to line drawings; poor for filled areas and realistic scenes.
Refresh rate does not depend on picture complexity (typically 60–80 Hz). Refresh rate depends on the number of lines; complex pictures may flicker.
Needs more memory for the frame buffer. Needs less memory.
Cheaper and the most common today (TV, monitors). Costlier; used in early CAD and plotters.
File examples: BMP, JPEG, PNG. File examples: SVG, EPS, AI.

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