Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

With the advent of the latest programmable Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), the quality of real-time computer graphics has leaped ahead by orders of magnitude. Subsequently, there is an increase in the sophistication of the techniques used to perform real-time rendering within games and simulation systems. Many of the techniques used in cinema quality rendering systems are now being used in real-time games. In addition, shading languages using modern GPU hardware are increasingly becoming the basis of rendering techniques used in computer games today. These shader language programming skills are thus being requested by games industry representatives.

Aims

This subject will provide you with knowledge and skills in basic to advanced techniques in real-time rendering using shading languages. You will be able to implement a high-quality real-time rendering system in an industry standard API.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of theory and practical techniques in real time rendering using an industry standard language and API within the areas of visual appearance; shading; texturing; lighting; and shading languages (GC1);


2. Apply critical and creative thinking in the creation of high-quality graphics applications for static images and real time animation (GC2);


3. Communicate understandings of rendering theories and techniques through oral discussion and show awareness of how rendering algorithms affect the human perception of synthetic imagery (GC3);


4. Demonstrate a sense of curiosity about aspects of real time rendering and manage and prioritise your personal study time to acquire knowledge of the specified graphics packages and achieve satisfaction in your areas of interest (GC4);

FIT Graduate Capabilities
GC1- Knowledge and Skills
GC2- Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3- Communication
GC4- Lifelong Learning

Content

You will study in detail the theory and implementing of algorithms and techniques in the following topics:

1. Visual Appearance - applying synthetic appearance models to geometric surfaces;


2. Shading techniques - methodologies for interpolating surface colour values;


3. Texturing techniques - application of digital images to the surfaces of geometric models to promote visual realism;


4. Lighting techniques - numeric solutions for the simulation of light interactions within synthetics 3D environments; and


5. Shading languages - how to program the modern computer graphics card to implement the above graphics techniques.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Weekly contact consists of 2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorial work. The lectures discuss the unit content, and where appropriate, examples will be worked out and demonstrations performed. The tutorials will consist of exercises based on the lecture material and are designed to reinforce your understanding of the content. Practical work (assignments) is a major part of the unit. You are expected to acquire knowledge of the specified graphics packages, largely through your own self study, using references and links provided on Blackboard.

This unit is being taught concurrently with an undergraduate offering of the same subject. University policy permits that postgraduate and undergraduate students attend the same lectures. Separate tutorial/discussion groups will be provided for postgraduate students where student numbers allow. As a postgraduate student you will be required to complete separate or additional assessment tasks. For this unit that means your major assignments will be of increased complexity but not necessarily of greater length or effort. In particular, you may be required to model more complex graphical phenomena, that tests your understanding of real time rendering techniques at a deeper level. For example, physical objects may be provided that you must examine and replicate the appearance of as part of your assessment. In addition, the final exam will contain questions which will require you to apply your knowledge of rendering techniques to test your greater understanding of the subject matter. You are expected to show evidence of having synthesised a more conceptual and generalised understanding of the real-time rendering theory presented in classes.

Assessment

· The assignments are undertaken on an individual basis and, when returned, will contain written comments indicating improvements which could have been included.
· Your final examination paper may be viewed by you (under supervision) after the examination results have been released. You may then seek an interview with the unit coordinator if you have any questions regarding the result.
· Tutors and the unit coordinator will be available in person at specified times or via email to answer your questions.· Feedback is provided on a weekly basis via the tutorials.

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Software implementation of selected Local Illumination algorithms
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,4
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 8

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Software implementation of selected Global Illumination algorithms
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Final Examination
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DirectX 10, Frank D. Luna, ISBN 1598220535

Risk assessment statement

There is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas and laboratories.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 24-Oct-2012