[SCS dragon logo] 15-864 Advanced Computer Graphics
Spring 2005

Computer Science Department
Carnegie Mellon University

INSTRUCTOR:  Doug James (Asst. Prof CS & Robotics)
UNIVERSITY UNITS: 12
DATE: Spring 2005
LOCATION: WeH 5409
TIME: TR 1:30--2:20 PM


DESCRIPTION:
This course will be a hands-on class on advanced computer graphics. It will cover major aspects of digital image generation: geometric modeling, computer animation, and rendering. The goal of the course is to provide a strong foundation for computer graphics principles, and provide a hands-on introduction to recent advanced topics, e.g., subdivision surfaces, real-time global illumination, and physically based animation. The course should be appropriate for graduate students in all areas and for advanced undergraduates.

PREREQUISITES:
Prior exposure to computer graphics (e.g., 15-462 Introduction to computer graphics) or approval of instructor.  Good programming skills, and knowledge of linear algebra, 3D calculus, and numerical computing will be helpful.

TEXT:
Various course notes and papers will be made available.

SIMILAR COURSES:
    Princeton, Computer Science 526, Tom Funkhouser [link]
    ...

METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Grading will be based on a set of programming and written assignments and a class project.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:



CLASS DATE
TOPICS
Material   (Partly "CMU Only" access)
Tu Jan 11
Introduction
  • N/A
Jan 13, 18, 20
  1. Mesh data structures
  2. Subdivision surfaces

Jan 25 & 27
No classes (SIGGRAPH deadline)
Loop subdivision sequence
  • Read subdivision course note chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Quiz on Tuesday Feb 1.

Assignment #1: Subdivision Surfaces
Catmull Clark scheme
  • See assignment web page
  • Due date: Sunday February 6 before midnight;
  • Late policy: Don't be late: 20% maximum grade deducted every additional day.
Tu Feb 1
  1. Quiz
  2. Subdivision Wrap-up
Geri's Game (subdivision surface fun)
Th Feb 3
Tu Feb 8
Multiresolution analysis (MRA)

Normal meshes

Th Feb 10
Mesh Simplification

Tu Feb 15
Progressive Meshes

Mesh Smoothing and Fairing

Progressive meshes:
Mesh smoothing and fairing:
Th Feb 17
Implicit Surfaces

Tu Feb 22--
Point-based Models


Assignment #2: Mesh Smoothing
  • See assignment web page
  • Due date: Saturday, March 5 before midnight (Start early!)

Cloth Modeling and Animation


Programmable Graphics Hardware


Character Skinning


Radiometry and Reflectance


Project Proposal
(due April 14 in class)

Introduction to Global Illumination


Monte Carlo Path Tracing



Biased Monte Carlo Methods;
Photon Mapping


Assignment #3:
Photon Mapping


Radiosity


Visual Importance


Visibility


Image-based Rendering