Computer Graphics - Teoria (2007/2008)

Learning outcomes

This course aims at providing the student with the tools needed
to master the algorithms and computational methods upon which
many interactive computer graphics applications are based. The
focus is on understanding the theory (geometry, radiometry) and
the computational issues (algorithms, programming) that lie
behind computer generated images.

1. Introduction to Computer Graphics (2h)
- CG paradigms.
- Outline of a CG application.
- Course outlook

2. Mathematical background (5h)
- Vector and affine spaces.
- Matrices and transforms.
- Analytical geometry
- Polygons
- Geometric data structures

3. Geometric Modeling (3h)
- Polygonal meshes.
- Parametric surfaces (hints).
- Constructive Solid Geometry (hints).
- Spatial subdivision (hints).

4. Illumination and rendering (3h)
- Introduction: ray casting.
- Radiometry, BRDF, Rendering equation.

5. Illumination models (4h)
- Phong model
- Cook-Torrance model (hints)
- Light sources.
- Radiosity.
- Ray tracing.

6. Rasterization (6h)
- Geometric transformations.
- Clipping.
- Hidden surfaces removal: object-space, image-space.
- Scan conversion
- Shading: Flat, Phong e Gouraud
- The OpenGL rendering pipeline.
- Multi-pass technique

7. Mapping techniques (2h)
- Texture mapping.
- Bump mapping.

8. Photorealism (2h)
- Reflection maps.
- Light maps.
- Geometric shadows
- Transparency

9. Techniques for interactive applications (3h)
- Scene representation: hierarchies
- Complexity reduction techniques: geometric simplification, LoD, visibility culling

10. Volumetric rendering (2h)
- Direct: ray casting, voxel splatting, shear warp
- Isosurfaces extraction

Written essay (50%) and programming project (50%)