Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	3-D Graphics & Visualisation
Module Code	EE563
School	School of Electronic Engineering
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Derek Molloy Semester 2: Derek Molloy Autumn: Derek Molloy
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This course examines 3D scientific visualisation and visualisation technologies from an Engineering viewpoint. Topics to be examined include an introduction to computer graphics (2-D & 3-D), volume and surface visualisation, computer graphics frameworks, real-time visualisation techniques, acquisition and visualisation systems. The module aims to provide an evolving up-to-date snapshot of leading edge visualisation methodologies and techniques, focusing on research literature. The course will emphasise a practical approach, through course assignments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Use the scene graph programming model to design a 3D scene that incorporates both content and functionality and create a software implementation of the scene that corresponds to the scene graph representation.
2. Create custom 3D content using geometry primitives and specify how the content should appear using a range of different appearance options.
3. Explain how a 2D rendering of a 3D volume can be generated using direct volume rendering techniques.
4. Describe how an accurate polygonal mesh representation of a particular isosurface can be extracted from a volumetric dataset.
5. Write OpenGL code for real-time visualisation applications and low-level GPU systems integration
6. Design a scenegraph structure that is tailored to a specific visualisation application.
7. Explain the real-time considerations of scenegraph design, including the use of efficiency algorithms that reduce the complexity of the scene without have an impact on viewing quality of the data.
8. Describe research algorithms for advanced visual effects in real-time applications, such as shadowing, texture mapping, scale based rendering etc.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	36	Module lectures
Independent learning	151	No Description
Total Workload: 187

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Mathematical Fundamentals of Computer Graphics.
Manipulation of 2-D & 3-D structures Transformations, Vector Geometry, Matrix Algebra, Ray Geometry, Aliasing..

Basic Graphics.
Creating Geometry, Transformations, Lighting, Textures, User Interaction.

Content.
3-D Content Specification using Scene Graphs (Introduction to Java3D) Geometry Definition (points, voxels, B-Splines, NURBS, Primitives, Meshes, Surfaces).

Rendering.
Volume Rendering (raycasting, splatting, shear-warp, texture-mapping) Surface Extraction and Surface Rendering. Colour Models, Shading, Texturing, Non-photorealistic rendering The Graphics Pipeline Coordinate Systems.

Visualisation System and Technologies.
View Space (algorithms for culling, clipping) Hardware (GPUs, Geforce/ATI) Scene Graph Theory Data Representation (DAGs, object-oriented Structure, recursion) Efficiency and Acceleration Algorithms Real-Time Rendering Space Subdivision (octrees, BSP trees) Polygon Mesh Optimisation (LOD) Computer Animation Rigid Body Animation, Hierarchical Motion Dynamics, Collision Detection Particle Simulation Medical Visualisation Systems, Stereo Graphic Systems, GIS 3-D Acquisition - Medical Imaging Modalities, Motion Capture..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	25%	Examination Weight	75%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assignment	Assignment 1 - Java 3D Scene Graph Application	10%	Week 27
Assignment	Assignment 2 - OpenGL Scene Graph Application	15%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Derek Molloy and Robert Sadleir: 2006, EE563 Notes, DCU, DCU,
J. D. Foley, A. van Dam, S.K. Feiner, J.F. Hughes: 1995, Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice, Second, AddisonWesley,
Tomas Moller, Eric haines, Tomas Akeniene-Moller: 2002, Real-Time Rendering, Second, AK Peters Ltd,
Alan Watt: 2000, 3D Computer Graphics, Addison-Wesley,

Other Resources

None

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

CAPD

PhD

CAPM

MSc

CAPT

PhD-track

DMEV

M.Eng. in Digital Media Engineering