Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics (IGD)
Fraunhofer-Institut für Graphische Datenverarbeitung
Marketing by Cooperation
The Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics (IGD) was founded in 1987, at
first as a provisional working group with the support of the German State of
Hessen and the Fraunhofer Society (FhG). In 1992 the working group became a
full Fraunhofer Institute.
The IGD is closely connected with the GRIS Group of the Technical University of Darmstadt and the Computer Graphics Center (ZGDV).
Tasks and Objectives
The IGD does applied research with the aim of further developing the technology
of computer graphics and of making the results of the new technology available
for applications. This is done by relying on basic research and methods, by
using the results of computer graphics in applications, by implementing new
applications with a trend-setting or forwarding-looking character, and by
realizing prototypes (in software, firmware, and hardware), which serve as
preliminary stages for products offered by resellers or used directly by
enduser organizations.
Areas of Research
Document imaging and industrial applications of prepress, printing, and
publishing (Graphic Arts) are two major areas of research. From these areas
bridges are built from computer graphics to applications in CAD/CAM/CIM,
publishing, and electronic prepress. Scientific visualization for technology,
science, and medicine is another focus which plays an important role in many
different contexts of realization. Visual communication fills the gap between
imaging and telecommunication which-due to strong market growth-will play a
leading role in the future. Of special interest here is the development of
non-broadcast, high-definition applications. Another expanding area is
graphical information systems, with the focus on spatial and geographic
information systems.
The above-mentioned topics are handled by the following IGD departments:
- Document Imaging
- Industrial Applications
- Animation and High-Definition Image Communication
- Visualization and Simulation
- Geographic Information Systems
- Cooperative Hypermedia Systems
- Multimedia Systems and Image Processing
- Security Technology for Graphics and Communication Systems
- Computer Supported Cooperative Work
The broad range of applications in which the techniques of computer graphics
are used is one of IGD's great advantages. For many clients this variety allows
synergies to be discovered and explored, taking advantage of inhouse contacts
and cooperations. This synergy is illustrated by IGD's several demo centers,
which exist to make the potential value of the showcased technology visible
to our clients.
Address
Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics
Wilhelminenstr. 7
64283 Darmstadt
Germany
Phone (+49) 6151 155-0
Fax (+49) 6151 155-199
Email jle@igd.fhg.de