When describing the histories of the Analytical Engine and the Jacquard Loom, Ada Augusta says that the Analytical Engine processes algebraic patterns while the Jacquard Loom processes images. Taking both of these processes allows us to generate works of art with minimal effort. We no longer have to rely on drawing or painting on a canvas to capture an image. This idea of projecting mathematical processes and images relates Manovich’s third principle being automation. This principle illustrates that new media integrates both the projection of numbers and of images to create a graphic that allows the audience to view the work in a more meaningful manner. For example, we can now manipulate still images to move in a specific sequence. Manipulation of specific images is generated based on the instructions we input on the program being used. We can also portray images in artificial lighting and add effects such as new shadows and backgrounds to gain aesthetic values and depth that would otherwise be difficult to attain in natural settings.

This idea of combing numbers and patterns to generate new images is what gives us the ability to make animation. For example, we can merge together still images to make a moving picture. We can even take this further to add depth to the image where it would now be shown as a picture with three dimensional variations. Animation for films have greatly improved because the degree of detail has been enhanced over the years. Through this process of automation it allows for the production of a motion picture to look almost as if the objects presented were being filmed rather than artificially generated. Automation is one of the underlying principles of new media because it provides the basis for modern art; we are now able to manipulate different mediums to create works of aesthetic value based on technology rather than physically drawing or sculpting.