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5.38. Computer Graphics (Mandatory)

5.38.1. Justification ↑ Back to top

Computer Graphics is a fundamental area of Computer Science that focuses on the mathematical and computational techniques for generating and manipulating images. This course provides students with the foundations of 2D and 3D modeling, rendering pipelines, and the physical principles of light and color, enabling them to develop high-performance visual applications, simulations, and interactive systems.

5.38.2. Generales Goals ↑ Back to top

1. Understand the graphics pipeline and coordinate system transformations.
2. Implement rendering algorithms for realistic and real-time visualization.
3. Apply mathematical modeling to create and manipulate 3D objects.

5.38.3. Contribution to Outcomes ↑ Back to top

AG-C08) Problem Analysis: Identifies, formulates, and analyzes complex computing problems. (Usage)

AG-C09) Design and Development of Solutions: Designs, implements, and evaluates solutions for complex computing problems. (Assessment)

AG-C07) Computing Knowledge: Applies knowledge of mathematics, science, and computing. (Usage)

5.38.4. Content ↑ Back to top

5.38.4.1. Fundamental Concepts of Graphics and Interactive Techniques (16 hours) [Skills AG-C07,AG-C08] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Marschner and Shirley, 2021a; Hearn et al., 2014)

Topics

1. Overview of computer graphics pipeline and interactive systems
2. Basic rendering concepts: rasterization, ray tracing, shading models
3. Color theory and color spaces
4. Coordinate systems and transformations
5. Basic interaction techniques: input devices, event handling
6. Advanced rendering concepts: global illumination, physically based rendering
7. Graphics hardware and acceleration techniques
8. Human perception and visual cognition

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the basic stages of the computer graphics pipeline [Explain]
2. Describe basic rendering techniques such as rasterization and ray tracing [Describe]
3. Apply color theory to design visually effective graphics [Apply]
4. Implement coordinate transformations for 2D and 3D graphics [Implement]
5. Design basic interactive applications using common input devices and event handling [Design]
6. Compare advanced rendering techniques such as global illumination and physically based rendering [Compare]
7. Analyze the role of graphics hardware in accelerating rendering tasks [Analyze]
8. Explain how human perception influences graphics and interaction design [Explain]

5.38.4.2. Applied Rendering and Techniques (16 hours) [Skills AG-C09] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Marschner and Shirley, 2021a; Hearn et al., 2014; Angel and Shreiner, 2014)

Topics

1. Rasterization algorithms: scan conversion, antialiasing
2. Ray tracing: acceleration structures, sampling, shading
3. Texture mapping and filtering
4. Shading models: Lambertian, Phong, BRDF
5. Advanced techniques: shadow mapping, environment mapping, deferred rendering

Learning Outcomes

1. Implement rasterization algorithms for primitive rendering [Implement]
2. Implement basic ray tracing with acceleration structures [Implement]
3. Apply texture mapping and filtering techniques to enhance visual realism [Apply]
4. Compare different shading models and their applications [Compare]
5. Implement advanced rendering techniques such as shadow mapping or deferred rendering [Implement]

5.38.4.3. Geometric Modeling (16 hours) [Skills AG-C08,AG-C09] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Marschner and Shirley, 2021a; Angel and Shreiner, 2014)

Topics

1. Geometric representations: polygons, curves, surfaces, implicit forms
2. Modeling techniques: splines, subdivision surfaces, constructive solid geometry
3. Procedural modeling and generation
4. Geometric algorithms: intersection, distance, decomposition

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe different geometric representations and their trade-offs [Describe]
2. Implement modeling techniques such as spline curves or subdivision surfaces [Implement]
3. Create procedural models using algorithms or rules [Create]
4. Apply geometric algorithms to solve problems like intersection testing or mesh processing [Apply]

5.38.4.4. Visualization (16 hours) [Skills AG-C09] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Marschner and Shirley, 2021a)

Topics

1. Principles of data visualization: perception, cognition, and effective encoding
2. Types of visualizations: scientific, information, geographical
3. Visualization techniques for multivariate, temporal, and hierarchical data
4. Interactive visualization and exploration
5. Evaluation of visualization effectiveness

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply principles of perception and cognition to design effective visualizations [Apply]
2. Select appropriate visualization techniques for different data types and tasks [Evaluate]
3. Implement interactive visualizations for data exploration [Implement]
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of a visualization using empirical methods [Evaluate]

5.38.4.5. Shading and Advanced Rendering (12 hours) [Skills AG-C09] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Marschner and Shirley, 2021a; Angel and Shreiner, 2014)

Topics

1. Advanced shading: physically based shading, subsurface scattering
2. Global illumination: radiosity, photon mapping, path tracing
3. Real-time rendering techniques: level of detail, culling, occlusion
4. GPU programming and shaders

Learning Outcomes

1. Implement advanced shading models for realistic materials [Implement]
2. Compare global illumination algorithms and their trade-offs [Compare]
3. Optimize real-time rendering using techniques like level of detail and culling [Create]
4. Develop GPU shaders for custom rendering effects [Create]

5.38.5. Bibliography ↑ Back to top

Marschner, S. and Shirley, P. (2021a). Fundamentals of Computer Graphics. A K Peters/CRC Press, 5th edition.

Hearn, D., Baker, M. P., and Carithers, W. (2014). Computer Graphics with OpenGL. Pearson, 4th edition.

Angel, E. and Shreiner, D. (2014). Interactive Computer Graphics: A Top-Down Approach with WebGL. Pearson, 7th edition.