Applied Computer Graphics
605.761

Course Description
This course examines advanced rendering topics in computer graphics. The course focuses on the mathematics and theory behind 3-D graphics rendering. Topics include 3-D surface representations including fractal geometry methods; visible surface detection and hidden surface removal; and surface rendering methods with discussion of lighting models, color theory, texturing, and ray tracing. Laboratory exercises provide practical application of these concepts. The course also includes a survey of graphics rendering applications (animation, modeling and simulation, and realistic rendering) and software. Students perform laboratory exercises using the C++ programming language.

Syllabus

1. Introduction. Geometric Data types, Modeling Transformations
2. Projection and Viewing Transformations. Object Representation: Polygon Meshes.
3. Rasterization and Hidden Surface Removal. Clipping and Culling.
4. Color Theory and Use in Computer Graphics. Anti-aliasing.
5. Illumination Model. Lighting and Matieral Definition.
6. Interpolative Shading. Gouraud and Phong Shading.
7. Shadows and Texture Mapping.
8. Graphics Architectures and Assorted Graphics Techniques.
9. Parametric Representation of Objects. Spline Curves and Surfaces.
10. Exam
11. Procedural Modeling and Texturing. Fractal Terrain
12. Ray Tracing.
13. Radiosity and Global Illumination. Graphics Applications.
14. Final Project and Wrap-up.

Prerequisites
605.461 Principles of Computer Graphics or familiarity with three-dimensional viewing and modeling transformations.

Instructor
David Nesbitt is a member of the Senior Staff at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Mr. Nesbitt has nearly 17 years experience in the computer graphics field. He has recently led the development of a 3-D display system for Navy command and control using a Silicon Graphics Onyx Reality Engine. He has experience with OpenGL and X11 on UNIX and PC. He obtained a B.S. degree in physics from Franklin and Marshall College in 1982 and a M.S. degree in numerical science from the Johns Hopkins University in 1987.

Computer Lab Requirements
This course contains a laboratory which will create 3-D rendering software using Borland C++ on a PC with Windows. Students DO NOT need to be familiar with Windows programming. The instructor will provide software to create and interact with Windows, the student will be required to program graphics rendering algorithms at the lowest level-drawing points into a bitmap.

Textbook
Computer Graphics, Principles and Practice. 2nd Edition in C by Foley, van Dam, Feiner, Hughes

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January 1999