Computer Graphics and NYIT
Chris Capone · T.H.E. Journal Technological Horizons in Education · 1989
Computer Graphics and NYIT The New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) was established in 1955. At a when liberal arts work on the college level was the accepted norm, it emphasized a strong foundation for career education. A number of pilot programs were developed many years ago, and they are the operational programs of today. In its early years, the college was responsible for designing computer programs in mathematics and physics for such institutions as Shaw University and the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis; in addition, it produced a computer fundamentals program to serve high schools and other colleges. NYIT's Computer Graphics Laboratory began work in 1975 and is now highly active in computer graphics and animation research. Goals focus on research in 3D modeling; surface design and display; high-quality image synthesis; interactive animation; databases for complex images; and design and implementation of animation systems for use by artists to produce animated films on a large scale. In computer graphics, it is highly desirable to generate images of a number of objects and/or characters in so-called real time (i.e., a composite image is immediately displayed without the user having to wait for the controlling computer to figure out where everything goes, which displayed objects block other objects, and so on). It is also desirable to easily manipulate the objects, on- or off-screen, for display in any position, orientation and configuration. In the past, considerations of cost, speed and the number of objects that a system can handle have limited the performance of available equipment. A U.S. patent has been issued to NYIT's Computer Graphics Lab for its Graphics Display System--a new technique for assembling real-time video images that permits fast and efficient manipulation of a large number of objects in a scene. American technology needs sustained innovation, more initiative and better education of young people. Though the graphics technology is here, facilities must still be upgraded and personnel trained and retrained. Toward such an end, NYIT has numerous computer graphics projects in a developmental stage, under the collective name of Communications Linked Classroom. This is a program that integrates video, word processing, desktop publishing, voice, music, data and graphics--both still and animated. In an actual classroom setting, students can use any of these routes to complete their assigned work. At the press of a button, students and teachers alike can pull together the finished product as it pertains to assignments--work that would have taken weeks to accomplish via the traditional and usual methods. Students in the School of Architecture can use Facet, an interactive 3D modeling system for design professionals, running on personal computers. The system allows a user to develop and manipulate 3D computer models of shapes, spaces and forms for use during the design process. Models are displayed on the screen in a wire-frame form while the user interactively builds or modifies them. …