CS 348C: Modeling in Computer Graphics

Fall 1995; Not offered Fall 1996

1. The first part of the class covers material usually taught in CS 348A, a class not offered this year. In particular, we primarily cover representations of curves using Bézier curves and splines; we also discuss rational curves and NURBS, surface representations, wavelets, and quaternions. Short programming and/or written assignments, and hands-on use of custom class software and the SoftImage 3D modeling and animation system are used to visualize the mathematical theory of splines.
2. The second part of the class covers the modeling of select natural phenomena and processes. We are concentrating on recent work (from SIGGRAPH '93 and later) on topics such as
   • Lighting and fireworks.
   • Plants and trees.
   • Animal movement.
   • Atmospheric and subsurface light scattering.
   • Fire and smoke.
   • Pearlescent surfaces.
   • Animal skin.
   • Glare effects.
   • Silver tarnish.
   • Drape of cloth.
   Students study individual topics and present representative papers to the rest of the class. Also, a programming project provides the opportunity for in-depth exploration of a student-chosen topic. Finally, a field trip to Pacific Data Images brings the students in contact with a commercial application of the material covered in class.

Table of contents

• Basic information.
• Readings on geometric modeling.
• Proposed topics on natural phenomena and processes.
• Requirements.
• Software.
• Student profiles.
• Schedule and lecture notes.
• Student projects.

On-line forms

• Registration form. Due on Fri 9/29, 5:00p.
• Signups for project proposal meetings. Due on Fri 10/20, 5:00p.
• Signups for project progress meetings. Due on Fri 11/24, 5:00p.
• Teaching evaluation form. Please submit anytime and as often as you wish to.

• Courses in computer graphics.
• Computer Graphics Laboratory.
• Computer Science Department.
• Stanford University.