CS32110 - INTERACTIVE COMPUTER GRAPHICS

Module Identifier	CS32110
Module Title	INTERACTIVE COMPUTER GRAPHICS
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Dr Mark Ratcliffe
Semester	Semester 1
Other staff	Dr Frederic Labrosse, Dr Yonghuai Liu
Pre-Requisite	CS21120, MA28010
Course delivery	Lecture	22 lectures
	Workshop	Up to 3 x 1hr
	Practical	2 Hours Up to 2 x 1 hr
Assessment	Supplementary examination	Will take the same form, under the terms of the Department's policy.
	Exam	2 Hours	100%
Further details	http://www.aber.ac.uk/compsci/ModuleInfo/CS32110

General description

The course concentrates on several aspects of Interactive Computer Graphics: animation, game programming, 2- and 3-dimensional visualisation, and illumination models. Geometric transformations are also introduced. This module involves practical graphics programming and students will need a basic knowledge of the Java programming language.

Aims

This module intends to introduce to students the basic concepts of interactive computer graphics including:

animation;
interactivity (game programming);
Java3D;
principles of image formation.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will:

be able to select and deploy appropriate geometrical theories and algorithms behind interactive and reactive 2-dimensional games and know some techniques necessary for their creation;
be able to describe and apply the main concepts behind 3-dimensional graphics standards;
be able to describe and critique different methods of image synthesis from 3-dimensional models;
be aware of the variety of hardware and software technologies that allow the creation of complex animations.

Syllabus

1. Graphics Systems Overview - 1 lecture
Important definitions, major components and features of interactive graphics systems.

2. 2D game programming - 8 lectures
2D coordinate systems, animation basics, sprites, interactions between objects, interactivity, Java applets, creation of a game.

3. Java3D - 4 lectures, 2 practicals
Java3D programming model, output primitives and attributes, model creation and editing, display, graphical input. Multiple views and animations. Constructing hierarchical models, viewing models, animating models.

4. Image synthesis - 5 lectures
Local and global illumination models, colour models.

5. Animation and Virtual Reality - 4 lectures
Applications, creation, different actors and elements, key-framing, morphing, artificial behaviours.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
J. D. Foley, A. van Dam, S. K. Feiner, J. F. Hughes, and R. L. Phillips. (1993) Introduction to Computer Graphics. Addison-Wesley 0201609215
A. Watt. (1989) Fundamentals of Three-Dimensional Computer Graphics. Addison-Wesley 0201154420