3) What does “RGB” have to do with graphic files?

RGB = Red-Green-Blue. Computer monitors use RGB to define the colours that appear on screen. Each color in the RGB combination is measured from 0 - 255. An example would be the colour blue, the RGB combination for this colour would be 0-0-255.

4) What is an alpha channel?

An alpha channel is basically a mask that specifies how the pixel's of one image should be merged with another pixel from another image when the two are overlaid, one on top of the other, allowing transparency

How can this be useful in your coursework project?

Alpha channels can be helpful and useful in my coursework as it allows me to merge two or more images together to create a realistic image, e.g. placing a tram system from Germany into the Guildhall, by making certain parts of the tram system transparent and placing it in another image with the guildhall as the background.

5) What are the characteristics of the following graphics file formats?

Bitmap: A pixel based image which is of low quality but are also easy to use and manipulate
GIF: A 256 colour or 8 bit image format with a 72dpi resolution. Supports transparent backgrounds.
PNG: Two versions are availabe, Flattened PNG or Fireworks PNG, Flattened PNG does not support layers or transparent backgrounds whereas Fireworks PNG does. Fireworks PNG shows up incorrectly in Internet Explorer 6.0 and older although a javascript fix is possible for versions 5.5 and 6.0. Internet Explorer 7.0 supports this file format much better and Windows Vista uses this file formats compression to allow zoomable icons while still using reasonably low file sizes.
JPEG: JPEG maintains a higher resolution/standard of color. When uncompressed, JPEG can be used for high-quality printing,storing and reproducing images on the internet. Widely used in digital cameras.
XCF: A GIMP image file format that is unsupported by web browsers. It can save layer information and other information that you may want to use again, e.g. text layer.
PSD: A bitmap file format used for Adobe Photoshop. PSD stands for PhotoShop Data. Widely used on both Macintosh and Windows Operating Systems. Supports layers with masks, color spaces, ICC profiles, transparency, text, alpha channels and spot colors, clipping paths and doutone settings.
SVG: An XML markup language for describing two-dimensional vector graphics, both static and animated. Can be used both by Web browsers and desktop publishing to produce vector graphics which are very fast and easily transmittable files.

Here you can see some screenprints of my 3D model.

3D Image Report

3D image report

I had to make a 3D model of my form of transport, the Japanese Shinkansen. To do this I needed to use a 3D model making programme. The one I used was called Google Sketch up.

I had to use a lot of the tools provided in the programme. I first had to draw out a rectangle using the rectangle tool, as a base for my model. I then used the push/pull it tool to make this rectangle 3D. This would be the carriage of the model. I copied this shape to make a second carriage.

I then had to make a number of rectangles on this shape to make doors and windows. So that I could see through my windows I had to use the paint tool, go to translucent and pick which effect I wanted. I decided to choose the sky reflection effect. I also used the paint tool to colour the doors and the sides of the model. On the roof of the model I decided to make two large see-through windows. I used the same method to make these windows and I used the same effect. To make the front of my model curved, I had to use the arch tool. The window here was slightly more difficult to make. I had to delete the face of the curve and then make a number of small rectangles at the edges. I then made another small curve where the window would be. This created another face which I turned translucent. This created my window.

I also added two arched windows near the front of the model. I did this by drawing two lines, horizontal and linear, using the line tool. I then used the arch tool to make a small curved line which connected the two lines. To make this shape a window I used the offset tool which gave me a smaller size of the same shape. I put this inside the window and coloured it in translucent, using the paint tool again. I repeated this on the other side.

Finally, I added lines around my model as a design.

Here I have shown my two original images and my final composite image.

Composite Image Report

Composite Image Report

To make my composite image I had a variety of functions to choose from. I decided to use Adobe Photoshop 7.0 as it was the one I was most familiar with.

I now had to find two pictures which I could use to make my composite image. The first picture had to be of a place in Derry. I got two pictures, one of the Guildhall building and one of the Derry Walls. The other image had to be of the method of transportation I had researched which was the Japanese Shinkansen. As I got two images of Derry I decided to make two composite images. While making my composite image I had to use a variety of tools. First of all I opened the image of the Japanese Shinkansen. I then used the eraser tool to remove the area around the Japanese Shinkansen so I was left only with it. I then had to drag this image onto my image of Derry. I also had to use the scale tool to change the size of my image so it was in proportion to the image of Derry. I also had to change the perspective of the image by using the perspective tool.

Using Google Sketchup

Table:

Icon FUNCTION:
This tool is used to draw straight lines.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used to draw 2D squares.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used to draw 2D circles. I did not use this tool.
EXAMPLE (PASTE EVIDENCE OF HOW YOU USED THIS FEATURE IN YOUR IPOD / HOUSE HERE)
This tool is used to make arches. I did not use this tool.
EXAMPLE (PASTE EVIDENCE OF HOW YOU USED THIS FEATURE IN YOUR IPOD / HOUSE HERE)
This tool is used to make components like cars, doors and windows.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used to delete objects.
EXAMPLE (PASTE EVIDENCE OF HOW YOU USED THIS FEATURE IN YOUR IPOD / HOUSE HERE)
This tool is used to measure distances.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used to colour areas.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used to make shapes 3D.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used to move objects and change the shape of objects. I used this to make the roof.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used to rotate objects. I did not use this tool.
EXAMPLE (PASTE EVIDENCE OF HOW YOU USED THIS FEATURE IN YOUR IPOD / HOUSE HERE)
This tool makes arches. I did not use this tool.
EXAMPLE (PASTE EVIDENCE OF HOW YOU USED THIS FEATURE IN YOUR IPOD / HOUSE HERE)
This tool is used to change camera views.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used move around the screen without changing the angle.
EXAMPLE (PASTE EVIDENCE OF HOW YOU USED THIS FEATURE IN YOUR IPOD / HOUSE HERE)
This tool is used to zoom in.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used to zoom out.
EXAMPLE
This tool is used to get the current view. I did not use this tool.
EXAMPLE (PASTE EVIDENCE OF HOW YOU USED THIS FEATURE IN YOUR IPOD / HOUSE HERE)
This tool is used to import models from the internet. I did not use this tool.
EXAMPLE (PASTE EVIDENCE OF HOW YOU USED THIS FEATURE IN YOUR IPOD / HOUSE HERE)

Conor Simpson 14 B.