Computer Science

Much of our interaction with computers is visual and animated.  This module introduces you to the modelling and programming of two- and three-dimensional visual scenes using a current graphics API.  We always want to be able to do more with graphics devices, but are usually limited by the hardware capabilities. This module explores the trade-offs that must be made and the algorithms that are used for rendering scenes on graphics hardware.

Pre-requisites: ECM1410, ECM1701

The aim of this module is to give you a first-hand knowledge of the computer science of modern computer graphics. Specifically, the module will introduce you to the modelling and construction of two- and three-dimensional scenes using a modern graphics API.  It will introduce the fundamental ideas and algorithms used in the graphics pipeline for rendering scenes, as well as to straightforward animation techniques.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:


Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 Describe the hardware and software elements of a graphics system;
2 Demonstrate a knowledge of output primitives, attributes, object modelling and lighting, and apply them in the context of a particular graphics API;
3 Demonstrate a knowledge of the viewing and rendering pipeline, including the roles of geometrical transformations, raster conversion and clipping;
4 Describe the principal algorithms for two- and three-dimensional rendering on raster devices;
5 Use a graphics API for the production of computer graphics.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
6 Show an awareness of the effect of hardware constraints on software design;
7 Demonstrate good design and modelling skills.
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
8 Conduct independent study;
9 Use technical manuals and books to interpret specifications and technical errors.

- introductory material: what is computer graphics? – hardware and software overview;
- graphics pipeline, output primitives, attributes, colour models;
- scene building, clipping and viewing;
- geometrical transformations, homogeneous coordinates;
- parametric representations of lines and surfaces;
- raster conversion: drawing lines, filling polygons, depth buffer algorithm;
- rendering: lighting models, camera placement, binocular vision, surface properties;
- animation: key frames, motion paths, kinematics.

Students may be referred/deferred in the written exam, the coursework, or both, depending on their performance in the original assessment or the reasons for deferral.

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Other resources:

Reading list for this module: