This course treats theories, methods, and principle for programming interactive real-time computer graphics based on time-variant scenes.

After the course, the goal is that the student should know 

1. efficient algorithms and data structures for time-variant scenes consisting of three-dimensional objects.
2. the various steps taken to construct a rendered image of a scene.
3. the fundamental transforms and algorithms applied in the construction of the previous item.
4. ways to improve and optimize the rendering process.
5. how real-time computer graphics is programmed using modern low-level API:s like OpenGL.
6. how graphics cards function and are built. 
   

After the course, the goal is that the student should be able to 

1. write programs that generate interactive real-time computer graphics for time-variant scenes using low-level API:s like OpenGL.
2. create, analyze, and evaluate algorithms and data structures for building and representing scenes with three-dimensional objects so functional requirements are fulfilled.
3. create, analyze, and evaluate programmable solutions to the problems concerning the production of real-time computer graphics based on scenes with three-dimensional objects.
4. formulate and implement optimization algorithms for real-time computer graphics.
5. work together with other students and plan, carry out, and report the result of projects that results in software elements of time-variant real-time computer graphics both in writing and orally.

The course focuses on theory, methods and principles for computer-based systems containing real-time graphics as well as algorithms and data structures for computer graphics and geometry.

Practical programming of interactive real-time computer graphics. Algorithms and data structures for 1) representing and constructing three-dimensional scenes with curves, surfaces, and compound objects, and 2) the rendering of real-time computer graphics (the pipeline). Geometric transforms. Rasterization. Pixels. Fundamental algorithms for computer graphics. Optimization of the rendering process. Optical surface properties. Lighting and texturing.

The teaching consists of lectures on theory and some supervision at lab sessions. Laboratory work is carried out in a computer lab. Most lab work is done individually but some could also be done in groups. Homework assignments that render credit marks on the subsequent written exam may also occur during the course.

Examination consists of a final written exam and mandatory programming assignments during the course. Passing the lab assignment part of the course requires a passed grade on all individual assignments.

The final course grade is a function of the grades of the lab assignments and the grade on the final exam.

The course goals are examined as follows:

Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9: Written exam.
Goals 2, 5, 7, 10, and 11: Laboratory work.

Håkan Jonsson

Angle and Shreiner. Interactive computer graphics: A top-down approach. Boston, MA: Pearson. Edition 6 (C++) or edition 7-8 (WebGL/javascript).

de Berg, Cheong, van Kreveld och Overmars. Computational Geometry - Algorithms and Applications, 3rd edition, Springer (2008).

Reference: Akenine-Möller, Haines och Hoffman. Real-Time Rendering, 4th edition, CRC Press (2018).

Search books in the library »

Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering

Study guidance for the course is to be found in our learning platform Canvas before the course starts. Students applying for single subject courses get more information in the Welcome letter. You will find the learning platform via My LTU.

by Jonny Johansson, HUL SRT 15 Feb 2019

by Jonny Johansson, HUL SRT 17 Feb 2021