Advanced Computer Graphics
Advanced computer graphics is a second subject in the area of computer graphics. It follows CS541: Interactive 3D Graphics. The lecture series focuses on realistic image synthesis and animation. In 1998 there will be an increased emphasis on VRML 97 and animation, with some attention to 3D games programming. Image synthesis (ray tracing and radiosity) will continue to occupy approximately half the syllabus. There will be increased use of video material on topics of advanced computer graphics.
CS547 is available to any students who have passed CS545.
Advanced computer graphics has been a third year elective in the Department of Computer Science since at least 1984. It has, however, gone through several numbering changes (CS515, CS516 and now CS547) and, of course, many content revisions.
The subject is assessed 100% based on practical work. In 1998, as in 1997, the intention is to offer a wide variety of assignment choices in the areas of: realistic image synthesis (ray tracing and radiosity), animation, virtual world authoring (VRML and Java), and 3D games programming (OpenGL, Open Inventor, VRML, C, C++, Java). As assessment is totally assignment based, students are expected to develop substantial programs. All assignments must be demonstrated - even if they are not interactive. Students will also have to put all reports (but not source code) on the web, including colour images. One reason for this is that it is a cheap and convenient way to put colour images into reports.
The main equipment for the subject is a laboratory of Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI) Indy workstations. These are housed in the Sutherland Laboratory in 10.9.32. However, students can use any computers which meets their needs, including personal computers which are fine for implementing part-of or all-of ray tracers, 3D games and virtual worlds.
Subject guide for 1999.
Tutorials will be published on the web (in most cases).
Class project list for 1999.
You must use turnin for both assignments. Here are instructions.
CS547 uses a variety of graphics libraries and programming languages. Here are some links to various information resources which may be of interest.