CIS 682: Computer Animation

Description

Survey of computer animation algorithms and techniques; interpolation, path following, quaternions, object deformations, forward/inverse kinematics, rigid body dynamics, particle systems flocking, autonomous behavior, L-systems.

Level and Credits

UG 4 (two two-hour lectures)

Prerequisites

541; 560; 581 or 681

Quarters Offered

General Information, Exclusions, etc.

Group work and group presentations; heavy programming load

Objectives

Mastery of the application of the basic interpolation techniques including controlling the speed at which a curve is traversed;
Familiarity with many of the techniques and algorithms used in computer animation, including particle systems, flocking, FFDs, global deformations, rigid body dynamics, forward and inverse kinemetics, and spring and damper systems;
Familiarity with implementing some procedural animation algorithms;
Exposure to the history of animation and computer animation;
Exposure to computer animation production.

Texts

Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques by R. Parent, Morgan Kaufmann, 2001.
optional: Advanced Animation and Rendering Techniques by Alan Watt and Mark Watt, Addison Wesley.

Topics

Number	Topics	Readings
1	Introduction, history, technical background review	Ch. 1, Ch. 2
2	Interpolation, ease-in/ease-out, orientation representation and interpolation, path following	Ch. 3
3	Using forward kinematics to pose articulated figures	Ch. 3
4	Using inverse kinematics to support articulated figure animation	Ch. 4
5	Practical simulation of rigid body dynamics for animation	Ch. 4
6	Particle systems, flocking	Ch. 4
7	Natural phenomena: plants, water, smoke, fire	Ch. 5
8	Autonomous behavior of simulated agents; randomized crowd behavior; simulated vision and memory	Ch. 6
9	Motion capture	Ch. 6

Project Timetable

Week	Activity
2	Preliminary proposal
4	Final proposal
7	Initial progress report
9	Intermediate progress report
Finals week	Final presentation

Grading Plan

Class Participation	10%
Midterm Exam	15%
Final Exam	25%
Project	50%

Relation to ABET Criterion 3 and CSE Program Objectives

Relationship to ABET Criterion 3:

a: An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

students apply knowledge of physics and engineering to develop mathematical models of real-world situations to be simulated by software

c: An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs

students design and implement a large software system to produce an animation

d: An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams

students work in teams on projects and presentations

e: An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

students formulate mathematical models and software simulations of physical phenomena

g: An ability to communicate effectively

students communicate via their animations, as well as in traaditional ways via their class presentations and animation demonstrations

k: An ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

students use industry-standard software development tools throughout the course

Relationship to CSE Program Objectives

1. To provide graduates with a thorough grounding in the key principles and practices of computing, and in the basic engineering, mathematical, and scientific principles that underpin them.
2. To provide graduates with an understanding of additional engineering principles, and the mathematical and scientific concepts that underlie them.
4. To provide students with appropriate social and organizational skills.
5. To prepare graduates for employment in the CSE profession upon graduation, as well as for successful careers in the profession, and for graduate study in computing.

Preparer Information and Date: Syllabus prepared by Rick Parent, last modified 5/23/03.