Interactive 3D Graphics | Creating Virtual Worlds
Details
This class will teach you about the basic principles of 3D computer graphics: meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation.
By the end of this class you will know enough to make an animated 3D demo program that runs in a web browser, while also understanding the basic principles of how realistic computer images are generated.
You will also have a portfolio of small interactive programs that run in any web browser that supports WebGL.
Knowing how to program in some language is all you’ll need to get started. Some knowledge of JavaScript is useful later on if you wish to make your projects more interactive and engaging. Familiarity with vectors and matrices will ease your way but is not critical.
To be able to see the interactive demos and do programming assignments you need a browser that supportsWebGL technology. An up to date version of Chrome or Firefox will work (see our FAQ for more information). You can test if your browser supports this technology by visiting the WebGL project homepage.
Almost all programming will be done in JavaScript using three.js library/API.
About Autodesk
This course is developed in conjunction with Autodesk, a worldwide leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. http://www.autodesk.com
Estimate Duration: Approx. 2 months. Assumes 6hr/wk (work at your own pace)
Outline
Projects
Create an interactive 3D program of your choice.
Motivation and a trip down the graphics pipeline, laying out the fundamental processes
Lesson 2: Points, Vectors, and MeshesThe basics of 3D geometry definition
Lesson 3: Colors and MaterialsColor representation, material computations, transparency
Lesson 4: TransformsTranslation, scale, rotate and how to properly combine all these
Lesson 5: MatricesTransform representation and how to fully control these
Lesson 6: LightsDirectional and point light sources
Lesson 7: CamerasHow the camera is defined
Lesson 8: Textures and ReflectionsColor and opacity textures, along with reflection and normal mapping
Lesson 9: Shader ProgrammingAn introduction to programming vertex and pixel shaders
Lesson 10: Interaction and AnimationHow to select and make objects move
Speaker/s
Eric Haines is a Senior Principal Engineer at Autodesk, Inc., working on a next-generation interactive rendering system for computer-aided design applications. He is a coauthor of the book “Real-Time Rendering”, a founder and editor of the Journal of Computer Graphics Techniques, and maintainer of the Graphics Gems code repository, among other activities. He received an MS from the Program of Computer Graphics at Cornell in 1985.
Once upon a time Gundega was a Udacity student. In a way she still is, because she is learning new things from instructors she works with and her Udacity coworkers every day.
If you occasionally want to read fun news about robotics, science and games, follow her on G+ -https://plus.google.com/+GundegaDekena.
Our mission is to bring accessible, affordable, engaging, and highly effective higher education to the world. We believe that higher education is a basic human right, and we seek to empower our students to advance their education and careers.
Education is no longer a one-time event but a lifelong experience. Education should be less passive listening (no long lectures) and more active doing. Education should empower students to succeed not just in school but in life.
