Last updated 9/23/10

• The labs: In this class, you will write a series of small example interactive programs that cover most of the basic technqiues used in Computer Animation: interpolation, particle system, flocking, hierarchical, inverse kinematics, collision detection and response, behavioral animation, modeling fluids.
• Grading:
  • This class is usually small enough, that I just have you demo your labs to the grader.
  • You still need to submit your source code (e.g. 'lab1.c'). This is to enforce a common deadline that is fair to everyone. The code you submit is to be the code that you demo no matter when the demo is.
  • There will be late penalties assessed for each day the submission of the demoed source code is late.
  • Your source code is not graded on coding style or practices.
  • I'm more interested in seeing some creativity on your part and an interest in investigating different aspects of the algorithms and techniques we cover.
• Software: You write your programs in anything you want. You need the capability of
  • interactively rotating and zooming a camera
  • using either keystrokes or buttons to restart, stop, change speed, etc. the animation
  C/C++ with OpenGL is a good option. Processing might also be one - but I only have limited experience with it.

  I will make available a sample C/OpenGL 'control' program that you can use with little modification for each lab. This will handle simple mouse-based camera control and keyboard interaction. It will make calls to the 'animation' program which will be lab-specific.

• Hardware: Most students use their own laptops. This is not a requirement. You can also use the CS lab machines.

Course web page
Rick Parent