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Computer Graphics

Note: Whilst every effort is made to keep the syllabus and assessment records correct for this course, the precise details must be checked with the lecturer(s).

Code:	3080 (Also taught as: GV10)
Year:	3
Prerequisites:	Should not be taken with COMP3079 Image Processing and Graphics
Term:	1
Taught By:	Jan Kautz (100%)
Aims:	To introduce the fundamental concepts of 3D computer graphics and give the students all the knowledge needed for creating an image of a virtual world from first principles.
Learning Outcomes:	The students will be able to define a virtual world and create images of it. They will know how to write a basic ray tracer, and use a graphics library such as OpenGl (or equivalent).

Content:

Introduction	The painter's method
Creating an image using ray tracing	Ray casting using a simple camera Local illumination Global illumination with recursive ray tracing
Specifying a general camera	World / image coordinates Creation of an arbitrary camera Ray tracing with an arbitrary camera
Constructing a scene	Definition of polyhedra Scene hierarchy Transformations of objects / rays Other modelling techniques
Acceleration Techniques	Bounding volumes Space subdivision
From ray tracing to projecting polygons	Graphics pipeline Transforming the polygons to image space Sutherland-Hodgman clipping Weiler-Atherton clipping
Polygon rasterization/Visible surface determination	Scan conversion Z-buffer Interpolated shading Texture mapping OpenGL Back face culling
Shadows	Shadow volumes Shadow buffer
The nature of light	Transport theory, Radiance, luminance, radiosity The radiance equation
Radiosity method	Classical radiosity Substructuring Progressive refinement
Parametric surfaces	Bezier Curves B-Splines Curves

Method of Instruction:

Lecture presentations and lab classes.There are 2 courseworks, equally weighted.

Assessment:

The course has the following assessment components:

Written Examination (2.5 hours, 75%)
Coursework Section (2 pieces, 25%)

To pass this course, students must:

Obtain an overall pass mark of 40% for all sections combined

The examination rubric is:
Answer THREE questions out of FIVE. All questions carry equal marks

Resources:

Computer Graphics And Virtual Environments - From Realism to Real-Time. Mel Slater, Yiorgos Chrysanthou, Anthony Steed, ISBN 0201-62420-6, Addison-Wesley, 2002.

Lecture notes and coursework exercises.

This page last modified: 26 May, 2010 by Nicola Alexander