Part-Time Programs in Engineering and Applied Science, Johns Hopkins University

Principles for Computer Graphics
605.461


Course Description
This course begins with a discussion of various types and classes of computer graphics devices with emphasis on raster-scan displays. Scan conversion algorithms for rendering geometric objects on raster devices are covered. This includes polygon fill algorithms and anti-aliasing. A thorough discussion of the underlying mathematics for 2-D and 3-D rotations, reflections, scaling, and perspective transformations is given. The course further includes clipping algorithms for lines and polygons. Also, curve fitting, including cubic spline, Bezier, and B-spline techniques are presented.

Syllabus

  1. Raster Scan Display Systems
  2. Scan Conversion
  3. Filling and Containment
  4. Thickness and Antialiasing
  5. Clipping Lines and Polygons
  6. Polygon Approximation and Splitting
  7. Mid-term Exam
  8. Graphics Pipeline and 2D Transforms
  9. 3D Transforms
  10. 3D Viewing
  11. 3D Display Methods and Polygon Meshes
  12. Cubic Splines
  13. Surfaces
  14. Final Exam

Prerequisites
A familiarity with linear algebra.

Instructor
Daniel Sunday has a Ph.D. in mathematics, and has worked with computer graphics for over 20 years.

Computer Lab Requirements
No specific computer requirements are necessary for this course.

Textbook
Computer Graphics Principles and Practice, 2nd edition in C by Foley, J., van Dam, A., et al


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Summer 1998