Lecturer: Alessandro Martinelli  

Course name: Computer Graphics and Scientific Visualization
Course code: 503044
Degree course: Ingegneria Informatica
Disciplinary field of science: ING-INF/05
University credits: CFU 6
Course website: http://robot.unipv.it/index.php/didattica/grafica-3d

Specific course objectives

Planning and implementing interactive applications using computer graphics. Learning how to use fundamental structures and algorithms for 3D modeling and visualization. Learning the basics API for computer graphics programming, and the basic instruments like graphics cards and CAGD software.

Course programme

The objective of the course is to reach a basic preparation and knowledge on computer graphics programming methods and solutions.

The Rendering Pipeline

• Geometric Primitives, Digitalization Algorithms and Pipeline Structure
• Appearance: Lights, Materials, Texturing, Shading Methods, Vertex Pipeline and Fragment Pipeline.
• Graphics Memory Management.

Computational Geometry

• Coordinates Transforms and Scenegraph
• Linear Interpolation and Structures
• Tessellation Algorithms
• Curves and Trajectories
• Surfaces and Animation

Shading and Illumination

• Graphics Hardware and Shading Languages
• Texturing Techniques
• Shading, BRDF and real time illumination techniques
• Shadows Algorithms
• Global Illumination

Course entry requirements

Basics of Computer Programming. Basics of calculus and linear geometry.

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 30
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 25
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 8

Suggested reading materials

Tomas Akenine-Möller, Eric Haines, and Naty Hoffman. Real-Time Rendering - third edition. AK Peters.

Wright, Lipchak. OpenGL SuperBible fourth Edition. SAMs.

Riccardo Scateni, Paolo Cignoni, Claudio Montani, Roberto Scopigno. Fondamenti di grafica tridimensionale interattiva . McGraw - Hill.

Testing and exams

The exam will take place with a written text. Some students will be asked for an oral exam for further investigation on their preparation. Students will be also asked to present a project which will determine their final evaluation.