CIS 741 Computer Graphics

Spring 2004

Course Description

Design and development of computer graphics software systems: paint systems, modeling systems, rendering systems, animation systems. User interfaces for interactive computer graphics. Raster and vector graphics primitives. Spatial data representations. 2D and 3D transformations. Device independent graphics and programming with graphics standards.

Prerequisites: CIS 622X or a course in data structures; proficiency with the C programming language.

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this class, students should understand the underlying principles of computer graphics. They should also be able to write 2D and3D computer graphics applications using the C programming language with theOpenGL graphics library.

Textbooks

We will be using the following textbook for this course:

• Hearn and Baker, Computer Graphics with OpenGL, 3rd Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2004.

You might also want to have programming references for C and OpenGL. I recommend the following:

• Mason Woo et. al., OpenGL Programming Guide, 3rd Edition, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1999.
• Kernighan & Ritchie, The C Programming Language, Prentice Hall, 1998.

Course Requirements

Your grade will be based on the following criteria:

• Programming Assignments - 40%
  All programming assignments involve writing C programs that make calls to the OpenGL libraries. Most build on capabilities developed in earlier assignments. You are expected to complete all homework assignments and hand them in on time.
• Graphics System Assessment - 20%
  You will be asked to write a short paper describing a current state-of-the-art graphics system. This paper should demonstrate your understanding of what goes into a graphics system, and your ability to evaluate such a system.
• Midterm Exam - 20%
• Final Exam - 20%
  These exams will test your understanding of computer graphics concepts and issues. Both exams are closed book/notes, taken during class time. Cheating will not be tolerated. If you are caught cheating on an exam, you will automatically receive a 0 on it. If you miss an exam, you will have to make it up with a grueling oral exam and provide a corroborating doctor's note.

Computer Facilities

Programming assignments may be done on the Sun workstations in theAtrium Computer Laboratory in the Plaza Building (1306). If you are registered for this class, you have been assigned a unix account. Goto the computer laboratory to activate your account. If you prefer,you can do the programming assignments on your own PC using C andOpenGL. If you choose this option, you are responsible for obtaining your own C development environment and the OpenGL graphics library (see http://www.opengl.org for details).

Advice

Think of me as your cranky client. There may be times when you disagree with what I say. You may think that some things are a matter of opinion, or that you are right and I am wrong. Just remember that I am the one giving out the grades. When I make a suggestion, be sure to listen, because it may have an impact on your final grade.

Start your assignments early. That way if you have trouble, youcan get help in time to finish your assignment by the due date. This will also help you to avoid a last-minute crunch in the lab.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand something, it's likely that your classmates don't understand it either. Raise questions in class. If you need further explanation,come see me during office hours. If you can't make my office hours, send me email. Be sure to do this before you get hopelessly lost.

If you still find that you're having trouble completing an assignment on time, hand in what you have on the due date. Be sure to adequately comment any code to indicate what remains to be done, and what problems are being encountered. You may be asked to resubmit the completed work at a later time.

Work with other students. I do not mean that you should copy each other's work (which will not be tolerated). Rather, you should learn from one another. If you can't figure out how to make something work, see how your colleague did it. It is also useful to discuss different ways of approaching a problem.

Please let me know as soon as possible if you anticipate any problems with this class. If alerted to them early on, I will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Schedule

Please note that this schedule is approximate, and subject to change. Readings are from Computer Graphics and represent the material covered in the class that day. Programming assignments are due on the days indicated.