The document discusses the origins of computer animation from the 1950s through the 1970s. It describes how in the 1950s, scientists at General Motors and IBM developed early computer drawing systems allowing 3D modeling of cars from different angles. In the 1960s, an MIT student created Sketchpad, enabling direct drawing on computer monitors. A Bell Labs employee then produced the first computer generated film in the late 1960s. The 1970s saw further milestones like the first computer graphics conference and using fractal geometry in rendering software.

1. The History of Computer Animation
by James Van Zandt

2. Origins of Computer Animation
• In the 1950s, scientists with General Motors and IBM developed the original computer drawing system
known as Design Augmented by Computers, which allowed users to view a three-dimensional model of
an automobile from various perspectives.
• During the following decade, this concept expanded as a student at the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology created Sketchpad, a program that enabled people to draw directly onto a computer monitor.
• A couple of years later, a Bell Telephone Laboratory employee produced the first computer generated film
entitled Simulation of a Two-giro Gravity Altitude Control System.
• The 1970s marked several other milestones in the field, including the first conference devoted to
Computer Generated Imagery and the application of “fractal geometry” to computer rendering software.

3. About The Author:
• A music teacher and trombonist with the San Antonio Opera and Austin Symphony Orchestra, James Van
Zandt has performed in administrative roles for the City of Round Rock and as a member of the United
States Air Force Band.
• Computer animation technology serves as one of his interests, and he has experience with several types of
design and audio editing software.