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Computer Graphics - Description

The course presents the fundamental techniques for the generation of simple line drawings through to realistic, synthetic images of 3D objects and scenes. Rendering of 3D images extends to ray-tracing, radiosity and other established techniques. On completion of the course, students should have a good understanding of the theory underlying many of the relevant techniques used in computer graphics as well as the knowledge to implement graphics applications. Some current research topic or topics will be presented if there is time.
 

Context: Students are assumed to have mathematical knowledge such as Maths for Informatics 1-4 and have substantial programming experience. Knowledge of algorithms and data structures relating to geometry and FFTs, will also be assumed.
 

Syllabus

• Algorithms for display -- raster display of lines, curves and polygons; quantisation and antialiasing.
• Viewing transformations -- 3D transformations; parallel and perspective projections; clipping; hidden line and surface removal.
• Curves and surfaces -- spline curves and surfaces; interpolation; knots and discontinuities.
• Rendering -- modeling the interaction of light with surfaces; colour; reflection, shadowing, transparency and refraction; ray-tracing, radiosity, image based rendering.

Activities: Lectures are given by Tom Thorne. Lecture notes (copy of lecture slides) are provided and students are expected to read sections of the recommended texts. The coursework assignments for will require the implementation of some of the major techniques presented in the course.
 

Assessment: An examination paper accounts for 70% of the mark. The coursework accounts for the remaining 30%.

References:

*** Peter Shirley et al., Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, 2nd/3rd ed., A.K. Peters.

*** Foley, van Dam, Feiner and Hughes, Computer Graphics--Principles and Practice, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall 1997 .

*** Tomas Akenine-Moller, Eric Haines Real-time Rendering, 2nd ed. , A K Peters 2002 or 3rd ed. 2008

** Hearn and Baker, Computer Graphics, 2nd ed. (C version), Prentice Hall 1997.

** Hearn and Baker, Computer Graphics with OpenGL, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall 2004.

** Foley, van Dam, Feiner, Hughes and Phillips, Introduction To Computer Graphics, Addison Wesley, 1994.

** Watt, 3D Computer Graphics, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley 1993.

** S.G. Hoggar, Mathematics for Computer Graphics, Cambridge University Press 1992 (reprinted with corrections 1994).

* Rogers and Adams, Mathematical Elements for Computer Graphics, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill 1990.