---
title: "Components of computer graphics"
subject: "Computer Graphics"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_5/computer_graphics:components-computer-graphics"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/computer_graphics/components-computer-graphics
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Components of computer graphics

Computer Graphics · Chapter 1: Introduction and Application

- Asked in: 2075 Chaitra, 4 marks
- Video: [Components of computer graphics | Display devices in computer graphics](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm_zluR1awY) — Sandeep Kumar Gour
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/computer_graphics/components-computer-graphics
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/computer_graphics/chapter-1

## Question

Illustrate the components of computer graphics.

## Short answer

A graphics system comprises input devices (mouse, tablet), processor/GPU, frame buffer, display controller, and output displays. Software includes graphics libraries and applications that use algorithms (scan conversion, rendering) to convert models into pixel images.

## Answer

A computer graphics system has hardware and software components that work together to create and show pictures.

```text
 Input devices --> Application program --> Graphics package
 (mouse, tablet,       (model, data)        (algorithms, API)
  light pen)                                      |
                                                  v
 Output devices <-- Display controller <-- Frame buffer
 (monitor, printer)
```

1. **Input devices:** keyboard, mouse, joystick, light pen, digitizer/tablet, scanner, touch screen; used to supply data and interact.
2. **Processor (CPU) and GPU:** execute the graphics algorithms (scan conversion, transformation, clipping, rendering).
3. **Memory and frame buffer:** hold the model data and the intensity (colour) of each pixel to be displayed.
4. **Display controller (video controller):** reads the frame buffer repeatedly and sends pixel values to the monitor to refresh the screen.
5. **Output devices:** monitors (CRT, LCD, LED), printers, plotters.
6. **Software:** graphics packages and APIs (OpenGL, DirectX), application programs and the operating system's drivers that convert the user's model into pictures.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does the display controller do?
   A. Takes input from the mouse
   B. Executes clipping algorithms
   C. Stores application models
   D. Repeatedly reads the frame buffer and sends pixel values to the monitor
   Answer: D. It refreshes the screen by reading the frame buffer. (Key point: Display controller)

2. What does the frame buffer hold?
   A. The intensity (colour) of each pixel to be displayed
   B. Only the application program
   C. The OS drivers
   D. Printer fonts
   Answer: A. The frame buffer stores pixel values. (Key point: Frame buffer)

3. Which tasks do CPU/GPU perform?
   A. Only supplying input data
   B. Scan conversion, transformation, clipping and rendering
   C. Only displaying the picture
   D. Only storing files
   Answer: B. They execute the graphics algorithms. (Key point: CPU and GPU role)

4. What is the role of graphics software like OpenGL?
   A. Provides the touch screen
   B. Stores pixels permanently
   C. Converts the user's model into pictures
   D. Refreshes the CRT beam
   Answer: C. APIs and packages turn models into displayed pictures. (Key point: Software)

## Related in Computer Graphics

- [Define computer graphics](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Awhat-is-computer-graphics) — Computer Graphics, chapter 1, asked 3×
- [Short note: Applications of computer graphics](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Ashort-note-applications-graphics) — Computer Graphics, chapter 1
- [Raster versus vector graphics](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Araster-vs-vector-graphics) — Computer Graphics, chapter 1, asked 4×
- [Why 3D graphics is more complex than 2D](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Awhy-3d-more-complex-viewing-pipeline) — Computer Graphics, chapter 4
- [Polygon as standard graphics object](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Apolygon-standard-graphics-object) — Computer Graphics, chapter 6
- [Components of a VR system](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_graphics%3Avr-system-components) — Computer Graphics, chapter 1

## Related in other subjects

- [Components of CPU](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcomputer_organization_and_architecture%3Acpu-components) — Computer Organization and Architecture, chapter 2