CSC204 Computer Graphics and Applications

Course Type: Core
Academic Unit (AU): 4

My Opinion about CSC204:

Generally, this course taught the fundamentals of ‘copying’ real world objects into the computer’s display. This course explained how to create and manipulate (transform!) objects in 2D and 3D. Basics of how computer monitors display images, geometry (+transformations) and matrices (to apply transformations) were taught. Some principles of vectors were used.

Since 3D was involved, the matrices could take a significant space of your paper. [at most, 4x4 matrices...]

Three kinds of functions (parametric, implicit, and explicit functions) were introduced. Implicit functions are useful for sculpting (creating) objects, while parametric functions are useful for animating objects.

There were quite a lot of formulas to be remembered. Some formulas ‘came from the sky’ (they are not derivable…) because they are to effectively [cheaply?] mimic the real life objects’ lighting/shading/something similar. They were ’simplified versions’ of physics formulas related to optics.

Some of the above mathematics stuff were to be implemented in lab assignments.

Grade Parameters:

• 3 Lab Assignments (up to 50%)
• Examination

3 Lab Assignments

All the three assignments were to be submitted at the last lab session. The main task was to create a VIRTUAL HOME using VRML97. The lecturer said that VRML97 has simple syntax. The complete printed documentation was given at the first lab. Some examples could be found in the lecture notes.

Before creating the VIRTUAL HOME, I had to install a VRML browser. I also had to use some software to edit the VRML objects. The lecturer suggested PlaceBuilder, 3DsMax and VRMLPad. They are proprietary VRML editors provided in the lab.

Generally, these  were the things to be done.

1. Building the VIRTUAL HOME [assignment 1]
   Add wall, furniture, lighting, touch and proximity sensors… This was almost like The Sims.
2. Creating an object using implicit functions [assignment 2]
   Function-based VRML plugin (FVRML plugin) was used. The plugin is only available for IE7. This means that it will not work [well] on non-Windows operating systems.
   Take note that FVRML is being developed by the lecturer and some PhD and MSc students. [Try to google FVRML...]
3. Creating an animated object using parametric functions [assignment 3]
   The parametric formulas were given. However, some tweaks on the parameter range were needed. A graphic acceleration should also be implemented.
4. Combining all the three things above in another file.

Examination

No more VRML. Geometry [+transformations], lighting, and functions were tested.

The lecturer mentioned several times that students should read the textbook. You should either own or borrow it somewhere. Some past year exam paper solutions are provided there.

More explanation about the formulas are also provided in the book. The textbook is very important to get more understanding because the lecture notes basically just mention formulas and the essential points with a little explanation.

Notes:

If you don’t have such proprietary applications but you would like to do your assignments in your room, try using Notepad++ to edit objects. You should first create your objects in PlaceBuilder, though. To compress or uncompress VRML source codes, use WinGZ. [I know WinGZ stuff from Levi.]

Another solution is to use the free Google Sketchup to create objects, and use Google Sketchup Pro [free trial] to convert to VRML97. After that, use some text editor to edit the objects. [I know this from Brian. The idea is posted here without permission.]

It’d better put objects a bit far from the wall to reduce the possibility of fluctuation.

Somehow the FVRML plugin seemed so heavy that it frequently crashed my IE7.

Levi said that VRML browser did not clear itself after being closed.

I think that this course’s resources were the best. The Internet, however, could contribute to the lab when you want to add some other sensors.