If you study computer graphics for even a short time you’ll discover acronyms, technical terms and concepts that don’t appear in a line-of-business programmers daily vocabulary. Where can you find information about color theory, animation sprites, pixels, video card specifications and other graphics related technology?
Dr Alvy Ray Smith has been a participant in many of the pioneering companies working with computer graphics. He co-founded Pixar and was director of research at Lucas Film so one can rightly assume that he knows a thing or two about graphics.
He has a number of published articles on his web site that any budding graphics developer should read. All his articles are good. Looking for a starting point? Try his “a pixel is not a little square” article.
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My purpose here is to, once and for all, rid the world of the misconception that hat a pixel is a little geometric square. This is not a religious issue. This is an issue that strikes right at the root of correct image (sprite) computing and the ability to correctly integrate (converge) the discrete and the continuous. The little square model is simply incorrect. It harms. It gets in the way. If you find yourself thinking that a pixel is a little square, please read this paper. I will have succeeded if you at least understand that you are using the model and why it is permissible in your case to do so (is it?).
-Walt
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