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Department of Computer Science, Unit Catalogue 2007/08


CM50203 Advanced computer graphics

Credits: 6
Level: Masters
Semester: 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims: The primary aims are to understand the ways of representing, rendering and displaying pictures of three-dimensional objects (in particular). In order to achieve this it will be necessary to understand the underlying mathematics and computer techniques.
Learning Outcomes:
To be able to distinguish modeling from rendering.
To be able to describe the relevant components of Euclidean and projective geometry and their relationships to matrix algebra formulations.
To know the difference between solid and surface-modeling and be able to describe typical computer representations of each.
To be able to explain in detail rendering for raster displays, including lighting models and non-photorealistic rendering.
To identify challenges and evaluate appropriate solutions for the representation, rendering and display of graphical objects.
Skills:
The ability to conceptualise images in terms of physical models (T, A); a theoretical and practical understanding of geometrical and vector methods for transforming the shape, viewpoint and content of images (T, A); an understanding of the physical and psychological basis of vision and how visual perception can be used to the advantage of computational efficiency (T, F).
Content:
Classical Modelling: Mesh models and their representation. Constructive solid geometry (CSG) and its representation.
Classical Rendering: Raster images; Illumination models; scan line rendering or mesh models and hidden surface removal; ray trace rendering of CSG models; radiosity rendering.
Geometry: Projective geometry and homogeneous transformations.
Colour: colour spaces, limits of the human eye and of display devices; trade-off techniques for screen display and for printing.
Modern techniques: Non-photorealistic rendering; image-based rendering; tone mapping;
Applications: Animation; parallel rendering; virtual reality and games.