CS-633  3D Computer Animation (new course)

Proposed by Fuhua (Frank) Cheng

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
if the model will look, (3) animation techniques: the process
of creating in-between 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.


Prerequisites:  CS335/CS-535


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.



Course Content:

* Modeling
  Polygon modeling, splines and patches, geometric primitives
  transformations, modeling techniques, hierarchies, Boolean
  operations and trims, digitizing techniques, plant generators

* Rendering
  Lights, surface characteristics, rendering algorithms, texture
  mapping, atmospheric effects, final-frame considerations

* 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

* Advanced Animation Techniques
  Fractals, motion dynamics, motion capture and channel animation,
  metaballs, particle and particle-like systems, procedural animation

* Compositing & Special Effects
  Digital techniques, video editing

* Recording
  Video, film



Textbooks: 

1. Magnenat-Thalmann, N. and D. Thalmann, Computer Animation:
   Theory and Practice, Springer-Verlag, Tokyo, 1985.

2. Watt, A. and M. Watt, Advanced Animation and Rendering
   Techniques, Addison-Wesley, Wokingham, England, 1992.
   York.

3. Barzel, R., Physically-Based Modeling for Computer Graphics,
   Academic Press, San Diego, 1992.

4. O'Rourke, M., Principles of Three-Dimensional Computer Animation,
   Norton, new York, 1995.