Interactive 3D Graphics and Animation
Interactive 3D Graphics and Animation (aka i3d) is an introductory subject in computer graphics. It takes a "top-down" approach to computer graphics using a widely available 3D graphics library (OpenGL) to introduce the principles and techniques required for developing interactive 3D graphics applications.
This year the course is again following the approach of smaller assignments with some emphasis on the toolchain typically used in computer graphics. So the use of tools to create models and perform texture mapping will be introduced, integrated with the writing of custom OpenGL programs to create interactive applications and animations. Assessment has been re-weighted so there are two smaller assignments and an exam, all one third of assessment each (actually 33% each, with 1% for completing all three). No single component is a hurdle.
COSC1186/1187 is available to second and third year undergraduates who have completed at least one semester of C programming. It may also be taken by postgraduate students with equivalent background. Formal prerequisites are stated on the course guide. Whilst C programming may be taken at the same time, i.e. as a corequisite, doing so not recommended.
The subject first ran in second semester, 1995, replacing CS514: Introduction to Computer Graphics. In 1996 it ran in both first and second semester. In 1997 and 1998 it ran in summer, first and second semesters. In 1999 CS541 replaced CS545 - CS541 is a 12 credit point subject whereas CS545 was an eight credit point subject, and ran in summer (HX541) and second semester. In 2000 CS541 ran only in first semester, to allow students wanting to do CS549 Real-Time Animation and 3DGames Programming in second semester. In 2001 CS541 ran in first semester only, and likewise COSC1186/1187 from 2002-2007.
In 2002 due to the Academic Management System (AMS) changeover academic terminology changed. What were "courses" became "programs". What were "subjects" became "courses". Course (was subject) numbers changed. CS541/493 became COSC1186/1187. COSC1186/1187 ran in first semester 2002 only. You may see residual references to CS541/493 around the place.
In 2003 Nigel Stewart, with assistance from Joseph Antony, taught COSC1186/1187.
In 2007 the course was substantially restructured to adopt more of the toolchain approach - where use of some modelling tools is included in conjunction with writing custom OpenGL programs. Assessment was also changed to be primarily practical work, and the previous approach of one larger project was changed to use three smaller assignments.
In 2008 Alex Holkner taught I3D.
COSC1186/1187 uses
. The primary
resource for information about OpenGL is the
opengl.org website.
The main equipment for the graphics subjects are the machines in the Sutherland laboratory (14.11.38), which have Intel Core i7 CPUs and (mostly) Nvidia Geforce GTX 560 graphics cards, running Linux.
Many moons ago the Sutherland Laboratory was populated with Silicon Graphics workstations. There are a couple of old SGI workstations sitting in the Sutherland Laboratory as museum pieces.
In 2000 the Interactive Information Institute laboratory of O2s were used.
This year we are using the discussion board inside Blackboard. In the past we have used an NNTP newsgroup, rmit.cs.Interactive3DGraphicsAndAnimation (RIP).
As per the SCSIT timetable the lectures are in room 10.08.04 on Wed 10:30am-12:30pm. Tutorials are in the Sutherland lab (room 14.11.38). Please use the Student Timetabling System to sign up for a tute time. See also the complete COSC1186/1187 timetable.
Notes and other materials are available online (via the links below) and are not being printed this year.
The exam/test will be held in the exam period at the end of semester. The exam counts towards 33% of your final grade. No books, notes or calculators are permitted.
Sample past exam here. Note that exams vary year to year depending on assignment work and emphasis.
Guides for this course:
OpenGL manuals:
Note: subject to updating and change
| Week | Lecture | Tutorial | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction, drawing with OpenGL | Draw primitives with OpenGL | |
| 2 | Graphics pipeline, procedural modelling and animation | Procedural modelling | |
| 3 | 3D transformations and mouse/keyboard events | Transformations and user input | |
| 4 | 3D modelling | Model viewer | |
| 5 | Lighting, blending and materials | Normals and Lighting | |
| 6 | Normals. GDB. | GDB and assignment assistance | Assignment 1 (33%) due 9pm |
| 7 | Texture mapping, sprites and billboarding | Texture mapping | |
| 8 | Anzac Day (public holiday Wed) | Anzac Day (public holiday Wed) | |
| 9 | Projectile Motion. Performance and optimisation | Projectile Motion | |
| 10 | More 3D transforms and projection | Terrain | |
| 11 | Story of Computer Graphics (movie) | Assignment assistance | |
| 12 | Revision | Assignment assistance (cont.) | Assignment 2 (33%) due 9pm Fri |