computer animation

computer animation

 also known as computer generated images (CGI)

Form of animated graphics that has replaced “stop-motion” animation of scale-model puppets or drawings. Efforts to lessen the labour and costs of animation have led to simplification and computerization. Computers can be used in every step of sophisticated animation—for example, to automate the movement of the rostrum camera or to supply the in-between drawings for full animation. When a three-dimensional figure is translated into computer terms (digitized), the computer can generate and display a sequence of images that seem to move or rotate the object through space. Hence computer animation can simulate highly complex motion for medical and other scientific researchers, as well as for feature films.

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computer animation

The creation of animated sequences within the computer. Contrast with stop-motion animation.

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computer animation [kəm′pyüd·ər an·ə′mā·shən]

(computer science)

The use of a computer to present, either continuously or in rapid succession, pictures on a cathode-ray tube or other device, graphically representing a time developing system at successive times.