COMPSCI 284A. Foundations of Computer Graphics

Catalog Description: Techniques of modeling objects for the purpose of computer rendering: boundary representations, constructive solids geometry, hierarchical scene descriptions. Mathematical techniques for curve and surface representation. Basic elements of a computer graphics rendering pipeline; architecture of modern graphics display devices. Geometrical transformations such as rotation, scaling, translation, and their matrix representations. Homogeneous coordinates, projective and perspective transformations.

Units: 4

Prerequisites: COMPSCI 61B or COMPSCI 61BL; programming skills in C, C++, or Java; linear algebra and calculus; or consent of instructor.

Credit Restrictions: Students will receive no credit for Computer Science 284A after taking 184.

Formats:
Spring: 3.0 hours of lecture and 1.0 hours of discussion per week
Fall: 3.0 hours of lecture and 1.0 hours of discussion per week

Grading basis: letter

Final exam status: Written final exam conducted during the scheduled final exam period

Class Schedule (Spring 2023):
TuTh 15:30-16:59, Stanley 105 – James O'BRIEN, PhD, Ren Ng

Class homepage on inst.eecs

General Catalog listing

Department Notes:

Course objectives:

  • An understanding of the physical and geometrical principles used in computer graphics
  • An understanding of rendering algorithms, and the relationship between illumination models and the algorithms used to render them
  • An understanding of the basic techniques used to model three dimensional objects, both as surfaces and as volumes
  • An acquaintance with the principles of interaction and of user interfaces

Topics covered:

  • Polygon scan conversion (rasterization)
  • 2D and 3D Geometric and Modeling Transformations
  • Rotation about an arbitrary axis, quaternions, exponential maps
  • Homogeneous coordinates and projective geometry
  • Planar geometric parallel and perspective projections
  • 2D and 3D viewing transformations
  • Perspective Pipeline
  • Line and Polygon clipping algorithms
  • Visible surface determination
  • Illumination (Reflectance) models and gamma correction
  • Smooth shading methods and mach band artifacts
  • Ray tracing: reflection/refraction/transparency/shadows
  • Radiosity, photon mapping, and global illumination
  • Texture mapping
  • Environment mapping and bump mapping
  • Spline curve and surface representations
  • Animation
  • Image-based and non-photorealistic rendering

Related Areas: