Computer Graphics

This course introduces computer graphics and its participants will learn about the scientific challenges and problems of image synthesis and gain working knowledge in this area. The focus will lie on rendering (the process of producing images on a screen). The course will present the foundations of image synthesis, as well as the modelling of shape and appearance of objects.

The introduced elements are often general and apply to a wide variety of topics even outside of the area of Computer Graphics. Examples include geometric representations, hierarchical structures, or projective geometry, which will also reoccur later in the curriculum in various courses. A good basis in linear algebra is important for this course.

Computer Graphics applies fundamental aspects of Computer Science (parallel programming, data structures, algorithms...).

The course will give an overview of the field, but will create links to contemporary results and research, which will offer the possibility to further deepen certain knowledge and to gain an outlook on recent trends in research.

A preliminary outline is as follows:

1) Introduction, Objects and Images

2) An introduction to C++

3) Transformations and Homogeneous Coordinates

4) Projective geometry

5) An introduction to OpenGL

6) Materials and shading

7) Shadows

8) Whitted-Style Ray Tracing

9) Acceleration Structures

The final grade consists of two partial grades: Written Exam grade [W] and a Programming Exam Grade [P]

The final grade is computed via ROUND(0.5*W + 0.5*P), where ROUND is the mathematical rounding in .5 steps.

Following the TU Delft regulations, to pass the course, each partial grade W and P should be >=5.0, and the final grade should be >=6.0.

[W] Written Exam grade:

Physical exam: may contain multiple-choice and/or open-ended questions. A simple calculator without programming capabilities is permitted. No course or other materials are allowed.

[P] Programming Exam grade:

Physical exam with programming questions. No course or other materials are allowed.

Resits

There will be a resit for the Written Exam - participation is possible without any conditions, and the maximum grade of the first written exam and the written exam resit will constitute the final W grade.

There will be a resit for the Programming Exam - participation is possible without any conditions, and the maximum grade of the first programming exam and the programming exam resit will constitute the final P grade.

Formative assessment

There will be optional assignments with formative feedback.

Disclaimer: information may change depending on unforeseen circumstances or measures (see: TER Art 29, sub 4)