CMPS 463 - Computer Graphics

 

 

Instructor:  Nicholas Harkiolakis, Ph.D.       

 

Course Description: 

Fundamentals of programming for computer graphics.  Covers interactive graphics, animation, color and three-dimensional modeling.  Lab included.

 

Course Objectives:

To cover the principles of computer graphics programming: introducing OpenGl and Java3D and covering fundamental graphics algorithms. To introduce the ideas and current practices of state of the art techniques. To familiarize the students with the concepts and terminology used in graphics packages and to experiment with a Ray Tracer.

 

Syllabus/Course Topics:

Introduction.

Image processing.

Interactive graphics.

2D graphics algorithms.

Geometrical transformations.

3D viewing.

Curves and Surfaces.

Solid Modeling.

Lighting and Color.

Shading.

Textures.

Environmental effects.

Animation.

Movie effects.

Introduction to advanced topics.

 

Projects:

1. 3D model development using MORAY: An example object might be a pinecone  (Student Projects)    

2. Scene Development using POVRAY: A scene with a minimum of 4 objects with different geometries and textures needs to be developed (Student Projects).

3. Development of a graphics library: It should contain basic algorithms for line and circle drawing, clipping filling and 3D transformations. The implementation language will be C++.

4. Morphing: Develop a program that will morph (transform) an objects shape into another. You will be given 2 pictures (for example a flower  and a face). You need to develop a program that will gradually transform one object into another in a smooth series of frames.

5. Artificial life animation: Simulate the movement of a group of similar objects or the growth of living organism like a flower.