CS 633 - 3D Computer Animation
Credits: 3
Course Description
This course covers the underlying principles and techniques of 3D computer animation. The topics covered include (1) modeling: the process of building the forms that will be animated, (2) rendering; the process of defining how the final picture in the model will look, (3) animation techniques: the process of creating inbetween frames and keyframes, (4) compositing and special effects: the process of assembling various pieces of an image to get special two-dimensional effects, and (5) recording: the principles and techniques involved in putting animation frames onto film or video.
Prereqs: CS 335 and CS 535, or consent of the instructor.
Needed Skills
The students should be capable of programming in C, C++ or Java, and have a general understanding of 3D graphics, data structures, and numerical computing.
Learning Outcomes
The students will know how to specifying the storyboard, the object definition, and the key frames in the setting up of a computer animation sequence. The students will also understand the complexities and subtleties of 3D computer animation. Most importantly, the students will be able to produce their own 3D computer animations.
Topics
1. Modeling: polygon modeling, splines and patches, geometric primitives, transformations, modeling techniques, hierarchies, Boolean operations and trims, digitizing techniques, plant generators
2. Rendering: lights, surface characteristics, rendering algorithms, texture mapping, atmospheric effects, final-frame considerations
3. Animation Techniques: keyframing simple transformations, interpolations, parameter-curve editing, morphing, hierarchical animation, inverse kinematics, motion paths, shape changes, camera animation, animation lights and surface properties
4. Advanced Animation Techniques: fractals, motion dynamics, motion capture and channel animation, metaballs, particle and particle-like systems, procedural animation
5. Compositing & Special Effects: digital techniques, video editing
6. Recording: video, film
Examinations
Exact details about examinations in this course will be determined by the instructor offering the course. Typically there will be two in-class examinations during the semester and a two-hour final examination. Specific details will be made available in the syllabus at the start of each semester in which the course is offered.
Grading
A student's grade will be determined by a weighted average of homework assignments, programming exercises, projects, midterm examinations, and the final examination. The faculty offering the course will make the details available at the start of the course. A typical weighting is:
Homework and programs: 40%
Midterm Examinations (2 @ 15%): 30%
Final Examination: 30%
Possible Textbooks
Computer Animation: Theory and Practice,
Magnenat-Thalmann, N. and D. Thalmann, Springer-Verlag, Tokyo, 1985.
Advanced Animation and Rendering Techniques,
Watt, A. and M. Watt, Addison-Wesley, Wokingham, England, 1992.
Physically-Based Modeling for Computer Graphics,
Barzel, R., Academic Press, San Diego, 1992.
Principles of Three-Dimensional Computer Animation,
O'Rourke, M., Norton, New York, 1995.