Computer Graphics 2011 (fall semester)

(1) Create a login on the LML Course Manager: https://tron.liacs.nl and then
(2) Register for Course: Computer Graphics

Period: Tuesdays, 6 Sept - 6 Dec 2011

Time: 13:45-15:30 from 6 Sept to 25 Oct; 14:30-16:15 from 1 Nov to 6 Dec

Place: room 403 on 6 Sept, room 404 from 13 Sept to 6 Dec

Organizers:

Michael Lew (Lecturer)
Room 134, Email: mlew@liacs.nl

Teaching Assistant: Simon Zaaijer, szaaijer@liacs.nl

Abstract:

The goal of this course is to create a foundation (theory and programming) for understanding the current and future technology underlying computer graphics. Our intention is to create a synergistic mixture of theory and practice.

The first part of the class begins with introductory lectures into the mathematical fundamentals of computer graphics and workshops in programming 3D graphics. In the early years that the course was given it was completely lectures and had a passing rate of 60%. Then we introduced the notion of workshops and the passing rate increased to 90%. The fundamental philosophy is that students learn the material best by practicing it in the followup workshops where an expert is also there to give guidance and insight. Thus the structure of the first half of the course is alternating lectures then workshops. There are a total of 8 lectures (4 theory; 4 programming) and 4 workshops. In the second half, the class moves to current state of the art methods which are presented by the students. There is a final project expected at the end of the course which can be substituted for an exam. Examples of typical subjects which will be covered are:

    - 3D modelling
    - 3D lighting & effects
    - Real time rendering
    - Advanced applications and systems

Requirements: C and/or C++

Textbook: No textbook is necessary. All educational materials are supplied as attachments on the forum.
For additional, optional reading: Computer Graphics Using Open GL by F. S. Hill, Jr. (Prentice-Hall, 2001 or later, ISBN: 0-02-354856-8)

Grading (6 EC):

    - Student Presentations/Attendance: 30%, Workshops, 20%, Final Project: 50%
Note that in general students can always choose for an exam instead of the final project. However, in the past years, students chose for the final project presumably because it is possible to debug the project before submitting. The exam is comprised of 50% theory and 50% OpenGL programming.

The theme for the projects is Fireworks. More information will be given on the LML Course Manager.

Syllabus

1. 2011-09-06   Theory Lecture: Matrix Math, Projections & Open_GL - Look on the LML Course Manager for class notes
        - Optional Reading in FS Hill: Chapters 4, 5, and 7

2. 2011-09-13   Programming Lecture / Workshop 1

3. 2011-09-20   Theory Lecture: Fundamentals of 3D Modeling: Lines, Aliasing, Curves, Surfaces, Hermite, Bezier
        - Optional Reading in FS Hill: Chapters 6.1-6.2, 10, 11.1-11.6

4. 2011-09-27   Programming Lecture / Workshop 2

5. 2011-10-04   Theory Lecture: Ray Tracing, 3D Illumination & Shading
        - Optional Reading in FS Hill: Chapters 8, 13, 14.1-14.8

6. 2011-10-11   Programming Lecture / Workshop 3

7. 2011-10-18   Programming Lecture / Workshop 4

8. 2011-10-25   no class

9. 2011-11-01   Student Presentations

10. 2011-11-08   Student Presentations

11. 2011-11-15   Student Presentations

12. 2011-11-22   Student Presentations

13. 2011-11-29   Theory Lecture: Advanced Topics: Radiosity, HSR & Student Presentations

14. 2011-12-06   Projects Expo (all final projects must be shown on this day)