CS155: Computer Graphics

In CS155, we study the fundamental concepts and processes that drive 3D computer graphics. We begin with a study of digital images and digital image processing. Next we study rendering techniques; rendering is the process by which a 3D model is converted to a 2D image. We cover ray tracing and scan conversion. We also study the graphics pipeline and OpenGL. Finally we look at some methods for modeling 3D objects including polygon meshes, spline curves and surfaces, and subdivision surfaces.

Image Gallery

We've collected images and movies from past semesters in our Online Gallery. Take a look to see what sorts of things we do in this class, or for motivation when the projects get difficult.

Grades

Your grade will be based on four programming projects, a final project, and class participation.

        Project 1: Image Processing      15%
        Project 2: Ray Tracing           25%
        Project 3: Pipeline           20%
        Project 4: OpenGL Robot         20%
        Final Project                    25%
        Labs/Class Participation              5%

You begin the semester with 5 one-day extensions that may be used to extend programming assignment deadlines. You earn an additional one-day extension each time you submit a programming assignment 24 (or more) hours before its due-time. Assignment submitted after the due time plus extensions will not receive any credit. In order to pass the class, however, you must submit a solution to each assignment. These late submission must compile and successfully implement at least 50% of the features assigned. Further, these submissions must be made within two weeks of the due-time. In addition to submitting your code for each assignment and appropriate documentation, you will also be required to demo your work.

For more information on how to submit assignments, check out the Homework Submission FAQ.

Tentative Course Schedule:

Date	Topic	Reading	Lab	Project assignment
9/3	Introduction Course overview Digital images Color models File formats Quantization	"A Pixel Is Not A Little Square," Smith Woo Ch. 1	Image Processing, ip, photo.bmp
9/10	Image Processing Simple pixel transformations Interpolation/Extrapolation Compositing Convolution Dithering	Woo Ch 2. Recommended: "Basic Signal Processing," Hanrahan "Alpha and the History of Digital Compositing," Smith "Image Compositing Fundamentals," Smith	Colors	Project 1: Image Processing
9/17	Image Processing cont. Warping Morphing Non-photo-realistic filtering Rendering overview	Woo Ch. 2 Recommended: "Feature-based Image Metamorphosis," Beier&Neely
9/24	Ray Tracing basics Ray casting Intersection test Lighting/Materials	Woo Ch. 5	Morphing (Download Solaris Binary)
10/1	Ray Tracing beyond basics Recursive ray casting Refraction Modeling transforms Texture mapping	Woo Ch 4	Ray Tracing	Project 2: Ray Tracing
10/8	Ray Tracing conclusion		OpenGL
10/15	Graphics Pipeline I View Systems Clipping		OpenGL
10/22	Fall Break
10/29	Graphics Pipeline II Projection Scan Conversion			Project 3: Graphics Pipeline
11/5	Graphics Pipeline cont.		Subdivision surfaces
11/12	Project work
11/19	OpenGL			Project 4 Final Project
11/26	Project overview		Dino
12/3	Modeling

Last updated: Nov., 2002