Development of Computer Generated Imaging and the Science Fiction Renaissance of the 1980s
As we look back at the progression of 3D animation, it is clear that the improvements were somewhat tied to the development of the computer. Whether digital simulations were used for scientific purposes or artistic mediums, some of the leading computer scientists worked outside the box of technology at the time to produce impressive visuals. While there were numerous people who contributed to the development of computer generated imaging, some of the key motivators for improvement in CGI were Ed Catmull and Fred Parke, Jim Blinn and Richard Taylor. Technological advances they created such as 3D wireframe modeling, texture mapping, antialiasing, particle systems and 3D environments made significant leaps in the realism of computer generated scenes. The enhancement of these technologies and methodologies in turn increased acceptance by audiences of the use of CGI in movies, and allowed filmmakers to create without the restrictions of our reality.