Graphics Programming (Autumn 2021)

Abstract

Students attending this course will be able to implement core algorithms of Computer Graphics.

Description

Computer graphics is used to visualise data in video games, virtual & augmented reality, simulations, and many other areas, like medicine and data visualisation. This course provides an overview over the most important concepts of 3D computer graphics. It includes an introduction to both rasterized and ray-traced graphics.

Students will implement the major components of a traditional projective rendering pipeline:

model and viewing transformations 

perspective projection

clipping, culling and rasterization

reflection models

programmable shaders

texture mapping

And will learn about advanced rendering techniques, such as:

• bump mapping
• environment mapping 
• shadow mapping
• deferred shading

In addition, the student will be supervised in the acquisition of specialized knowledge in the graphics-programming area of their choice. Example topics include: 

• parameterized surfaces 
  
• physically based rendering
  
• particle systems
• voxel rendering
  

Formal prerequisites

Students need to have good programming ability and a foundational understanding of discrete mathematics and linear algebra, especially vector and matrix operations.

Intended learning outcomes

After the course, the student should be able to:

• Implement interactive graphics using OpenGL
• Outline and describe the steps in the rasterization pipeline
• Describe the main differences between rasterization and ray-tracing
• Describe light/material interaction and how it relates to lighting model
• Program GLSL shaders for the lighting and other effects
• Use linear algebra to perform the transformations between coordinate spaces in the graphics pipeline
• Implement applications with geometry, textures, shaders, and lights
• Explain the math and theory behind virtual cameras in computer graphics
• Describe advanced rendering techniques such as shadow mappings and deferred shading
• Analyze, implement and explain a topic of their choice. The topic must be related to the core content of the course

Learning activities

Foundational study in which text and online resources provide the background for in-depth programming assignments. Classes will also include supervised project work and introductions to advanced computer graphics topics.

Weekly exercises are not handed in but their solutions are published after one week. 

The final project is developed individually.

Mandatory activities

There are four mandatory activities that have to be handed in. Students can develop these activities in groups.

The student will receive the grade NA (not approved) at the ordinary exam, if the mandatory activities are not approved and the student will use an exam attempt.

Course literature

The course literature is published in the course page in LearnIT.

Student Activity Budget

Estimated distribution of learning activities for the typical student

• Preparation for lectures and exercises: 13%
• Lectures: 14%
• Exercises: 18%
• Assignments: 20%
• Project work, supervision included: 25%
• Exam with preparation: 10%

Ordinary exam

Exam type:
D: Submission of written work with following oral, External (7-point scale)
Exam variation:
D22: Submission with following oral exam supplemented by the submission.

reexam

Exam type:
D: Submission of written work with following oral, External (7-point scale)
Exam variation:
D22: Submission with following oral exam supplemented by the submission.

Time and date