Introduction to Vectors

in Computer Graphics

Vectors are fundamental mathematical objects in computer graphics, enabling

the precise representation and manipulation of geometric shapes, motion, and
transformations. This presentation will explore the core concepts of vectors, their
arithmetic operations, and their applications in animation and visualization.
Vector Arithmetic and Operations
Addition Subtraction Scalar Multiplication
Vectors can be added Subtracting one vector from Scaling a vector by a scalar value
component-wise to create new another allows you to find the can adjust its magnitude while
vectors, enabling the relative difference between two preserving its direction, useful
combination of multiple forces positions or directions. for adjusting the size or speed of
or movements. an object.
Magnitude and Normalization of
Vectors
1 Magnitude
The length or size of a vector, calculated
using the Pythagorean theorem.
2 Normalization
Dividing a vector by its magnitude to
create a unit vector with a length of 1,
preserving the direction.

3 Applications
Magnitude and normalization are essential for physics simulations, lighting calculations, and
character animation.
Dot Product and Its Applications
Dot Product Projections Angle Calculations
The dot product between two The dot product can be used to The dot product can also be
vectors is a scalar value that calculate the projection of one used to determine the angle
indicates the degree of vector onto another, useful for between two vectors,
alignment between the lighting and collision important for graphics and
vectors. detection. physics simulations.
Cross Product and Its Applications
Cross Product
The cross product between two vectors is a new vector that is perpendicular to both
input vectors, useful for defining planes and normals.

Surface Normals
Cross products are used to calculate surface normals, which are crucial for lighting
calculations, reflections, and collision detection.

Coordinate Frames
Cross products can be used to construct orthogonal coordinate frames, enabling the
representation of orientation and rotation in 3D space.
Metric Tensors and Their Role in
Animation
1 Metric Tensors
Metric tensors are mathematical objects that describe the geometry of a surface or space,
encoding information about distance, curvature, and deformation.

2 Animation Applications
Metric tensors are used in computer animation to model the deformation and motion of
flexible objects, such as cloth, skin, or soft-body simulations.

3 Optimization and Control

Metric tensors also play a role in the optimization and control of animated characters,
ensuring realistic and physically-plausible motion.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Vectors Vector Arithmetic Dot Product Cross Product

Fundamental Operations like addition, Calculates the alignment Generates a new vector
mathematical objects for subtraction, and scalar between vectors, useful perpendicular to two
representing geometry, multiplication enable the for projections, angle input vectors, crucial for
motion, and combination and calculations, and defining planes,
transformations in manipulation of vectors. lighting. normals, and coordinate
computer graphics. frames.