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The use of computers to aid in the creation, design and analysis of a design. CAD is one of the foremost tools in Engineering. CAD allows the user to create, modify, analyze and simulate a design from the comfort of his/her PC. The is th foremost tool in digital fabrication techniques.
## Computer Graphics
Computer graphics is sub-divided into two categories:
### Raster
- Raster images deal with pixels on the screen. It is used mainly for rendering images (e.g. Photographs). Images are represented by "dots" or "pixels" in a set resolution (number of dots/pixels per inch).
- Raster images are characterized by becoming fuzzy as you zoom/enlarge the image. As the image is represented by dots, as you enlarge the image the dots become bigger.
- Raster images are mainly used for photographs and image representation.
- Important resolutions (measured as dpi (dots per inch)), the higher the amount of memory required to store the image.
- 72 dpi Apple/Mac screen resolution
- 96 dpi Windows screen resolution
- 300 dpi min Printer resolution
- Software
- [GIMP](https://www.gimp.org/)
- [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.photoshop.com/en)
- [MS Paint](https://ms-paint.en.softonic.com/)
- Common raster file formats
- [jpg, jpeg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JPEG) Joint Photographic Experts Group
- [png](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_Network_Graphics) Portable Network Graphics
### Vector
- Vector images use mathematical functions or algorithms to display images on the screen. e.g. a line is represented by two points and an equation to draw the line between points.
- Vector images are characterized by clean lines/edges and the ability to zoom in/out as much as you want without distortion, as each image is "drawn" using an algorithm.
- Vector images are great for logos, signs, fancy text and design files.
- As such, you require specific software to handle each image type, and some are proprietary, though some standards exist.
- Software
- [Inkscape](https://inkscape.org/)
- [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html)
- Common vector file formats
- [dxf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AutoCAD_DXF) AutoCAD Drawing Exchange Format
- [svg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalable_Vector_Graphics) Scalable Vector Graphics
- [STEP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_10303-21) STEP. ISO 10303 for 3D Objects
## CAD (Computer Aided Design)
CAD or CADD (Computer Aided Design & Drafting) are a set of vector tools that allow you to create your design, simulate and analyze the results without actually building/fabricating the object. Once tested, you can then send the digital data for computer cutting or 3D printing. CAD tools are often used in
- Electronic Design Automation
- Architectural & Building services
- Product design and manufacturing
There are a number of Commercial packages in use in SP (depending on which school you are enrolled in), for example:
- [AutoDesk Fusion 360](https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview) (Engineering, Fablab)
- [AutoDesk AutoCAD](https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview) (Engineering, Building)
- [AutoDesk Inventor](https://www.autodesk.com/products/inventor/overview) (Mechanical)
- [Rhino](https://www.rhino3d.com/) (Architecture, Design)
- [SketchUp](https://www.sketchup.com/) (Architecture, Building, Design)
- [Solidworks](https://my.solidworks.com) (Engineering)
## Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is an Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE software. You can consolidate your product development process. Unify design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing into a single platform.
As it is from the AutoDesk family, you will find the command structure similar to AutoCAD or Inventor. With the rate of uptake and the direction provided by AutoDesk, Fusion 360 will slowly replace the other AutoDesk software.
Fusion 360 is provided free for educational use, provided you sign up (using your email) as a registered student of Singapore Polytechnic. Fusion 360 is easy to learn and master with lots of online tutorials, Youtube videos and references even from Autodesk itself. We will use Fusion 360 for most of our design work in this module.
### Getting started
Here are some good Tutorials you should watch to get you going:
- AutoDesk [Getting Started with Fusion 360](https://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/courses/)
- Kevin Kennedy - [Product Design Online](https://productdesignonline.com/fusion-360/)
- [Fusion 360 Interface](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZwM87-nsYA)
- [Fusion 360 for Beginners](https://youtu.be/J39Iq4Kku1Q?list=PLrZ2zKOtC_-DR2ZkMaK3YthYLErPxCnT-)
- Warwick University [Fusion 360 Tutorials](https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/about/outreach/resources/fusion_tutorials/)
## Assignment
There are 3 short assignments to this topic:
1. Changing the background of a selfie
2. Converting an raster image to a vector logo
3. Installing Fusion 360 and registering as an Education User
In each case, write a short tutorial to teach others how to do it (also serves as a reminder for you)
### Part 1 Changing the background of a selfie
Changing the background of a selfie (or photograph) involves the use of a Raster-based software tool. This is an important task to know, as sometimes you would like to isolate the subject matter from a photograph to enhance the visibility for documentation.
In this assignment, you are going to
1. Take a selfie of yourself
2. Use GIMP (or Photoshop) to remove the background
3. Do one of the following:
- substitute the background with another e.g. the beach
- blur the background completely so that it is not recognisable, or
- paint the background a solid color(e.g. black)
Here are some guides on how to do it:
- Youtube: [How to Erase and Replace Any Image Background in GIMP 2.10](https://youtu.be/J0R3XvrsC3c)
- Youtube: [7 Ways To Remove a Background in GIMP](https://youtu.be/hPZygFS90Pk)
### Part 2 Converting a raster image to a vector logo
In this assignment, you are going to
1. Take an image/photo of an object
2. Use Inkscape (or Illustrator) to trace the image into a vector
3. Add and remove vectors to simplify your logo.
Here are some guides on how to do it:
- Youtube: [Inkscape tutorial: How to turn an Image into a Vector](https://youtu.be/qiFiKXlMQ2g0)
### Part 3 Fusion 360 Education license
In this assignment, you are goint to
1. Search for the educational version of Fusion 360
2. Install a copy of Fustion 360 on your laptop
3. Register for the Educational license (using your SP id)
4. Watch the following beginners tutorial to Fusion 360:<br>
Youtube: Product Design Online [Fusion 360 Tutorial for Absolute Beginners (2022)](https://youtu.be/XC-6AQksxHY)
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