Units
Modelling and Animation Techniques
Unit code: INN381
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The development of computer graphics tools is a significant application within the IT, Games and related industries, relying heavily on software engineering methodologies. These tools, such as CAD systems, 3D modelling systems and games engines, are used in such industries as advertising, engineering, manufacturing, simulation for education and training, computer games, film special effects, etc. Modelling techniques are intrinsic to a 3D graphics system, especially one used for real time animation. With increased CPU and GPU power, the ability to animate in real time is allowing more sophisticated interaction and the merger of games/simulation and film. The unit will provide you with the knowledge and skills to use an industry standard graphics API to implement graphics applications and to develop a basic real time animation system using an industry standard language.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This is a required unit in the Software Technology major of the Bachelor of Games and Interactive Entertainment and is offered as an elective in the Bachelor of Information Technology.
The development of computer graphics tools is a significant application within the IT, Games and related industries, relying heavily on software engineering methodologies. These tools, such as CAD systems, 3D modelling systems and games engines, are used in such industries as advertising, engineering, manufacturing, simulation for education and training, computer games, film special effects, etc. Modelling techniques are intrinsic to a 3D graphics system, especially one used for real time animation.
Aims
The unit will provide you with the knowledge and skills to use an industry standard graphics API to implement graphics applications and to develop a basic real time animation system using an industry standard language.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit you should be able to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of the fundamentals of geometric and physical modelling of both static and animated 3D objects (GC1);
- Knowledge and application of the methods to generate 3D object space to a 2D image (GC1 and GC2);
- The capability to learn and apply an industry standard graphics API and to write graphics applications for static images and real time animation using an industry standard language and that API (GC1 and GC4);
- Self motivation and the possession of a sense of curiosity about aspects of computer graphics and animation and their application areas (GC4);
- An awareness of the effect that screen based visual images have on users (GC6).
Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
CG4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change
Content
You will study the following topics:
1. Introductory geometric modelling;
2. Geometric and viewing transformations;
3. Clipping and projections;
4. Visible surface determination;
5. Advanced geometric modelling for real time animation;
6. Structures for articulated animation; and
7. Data structures which support these models.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
This unit emphasises a practical approach to implementing the theoretical knowledge acquired in lectures. Weekly contact consists of 2 hours of lectures and a 1 hour workshop. The lectures discuss the underpinning theory of a graphics system and, where appropriate, examples will be worked out and demonstrations performed. The workshops will consist of exercises based on the lecture material and are designed to reinforce your understanding of the content. Practical work (assignment and workshop questions) is a major part of the unit. You are expected to acquire knowledge of the specified graphics packages through self study, using references and links provided on Blackboard.
Concurrent Teaching
This unit is being taught concurrently with an undergraduate offering of the same subject. University policy permits postgraduate and undergraduate students to attend the same lectures. Separate tutorial/practical sessions will be provided for postgraduates students where student numbers allow. As a postgraduate student you will be required to complete separate assessment tasks that reflect the advanced knowledge and understanding of the subject. For this unit that means there will be assessment requiring you to demonstrate an advanced level of critical analysis.
Assessment
Completion of tutorial questions provided to you each week will help you to complete the 3 assessment items. Additional details regarding submissions will be given during the semester. You are expected to work on the assignments independently, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:
Assessment name:
Problem Solving Task
Description:
Interactive input
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 4 and 5
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 8
Assessment name:
Problem Solving Task
Description:
Modelling, Transformation and Real-time Animation.
Relates to objectives:
1-5
Weight:
30%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 13
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
Final written exam
Relates to objectives:
1-5
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
No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.
Required text:
Angel and Shriener, Interactive Computer Graphics, Sixth Edition, 2012, Addison Wesley
Recommended Reading:
Schriener, OpenGL Programming Guide: The Official Guide to Learning OpenGL, Versions 3.0 and 3.1 (7th Edition) Addison Wesley
Donald Hearn and M. Pauline Baker Computer Graphics with OpenGL, C Version, Prentice Hall
Richard S. Wright, Jr and Michael Sweet OpenGL SuperBible (2nd Ed). Waite Group Press
OpenGL Reference Manual. Addison-Wesley
OpenGL User Manual. Addison-Wesley
Rick Parent, Computer Animation, Algorithms and Techniques, Morgan Kaufmann
Links to appropriate online information will be provided on Blackboard.
Risk assessment statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
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: 03-May-2012
