Introduction to Computer Graphics
COGR-2322
Office:  Fahy Room 46A
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:45AM-11:30AM
Friday 1-2PM
Or By Appointment
Dr. Kenneth Hoffman
Introduction to Computer Graphics is intended to familiarize students with computer graphics terminology, software and operations from an artist/manager/buyer perspective.   Students will be trained in computer graphics skills including paint and 3D software tools and techniques. The course will stimulate an awareness of the wide range of current and potential computer graphics applications.  No programming or illustration skills are required.  
ASSIGNED TEXT:
Harnessing 3D Studio Max 8 .   Ross and  Bousquet.  Thomson Learning.  2006.  1-4180-4813-5.
REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING
 Portfolio Assignments
50% 
Quizzes/Short Critiques 
12.5%
Take-home exam
12.5%
Final Assignment
25% 
LABORATORY HOURS
It is essential that you devote as much time to your computer graphics assignments as possible. Check the laboratory schedule for specific hours. All laboratory rules will be strictly enforced, and flagrant or continual violation of these rules may result in suspension of lab use, at the discretion of the instructor.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Regular class attendance is essential. Assignments will be explained in class not during laboratory sessions.
INCOMPLETES
Students may only take an incomplete for  medical or other circumstances beyond their control. Incompletes must be made up promptly the following semester. See University Bulletin for additional information.
PLAGIARISM
Cheating on a test will result in an automatic failure for that test. Plagiarism of papers, assignments or projects will result in a failure for that grade or for the course at the discretion of the instructor.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
WEEK OF
 
Week 1
 
Introduction to Computer Graphics. Computer graphics terminology.  Introduction to Windows Operating System. Introduction to Adobe Photoshop: basic concepts,  starting a new canvas,  using paint tools, saving and retrieving images..
Week 2
 
Paint software Adobe Photoshop: tools menu, brushes, pens, and other tools, help menu, selection tools, cut and paste, transform tools, adding text to images, color palette. Assign "Collage for Purpose of Satire or Tribute".  
Week 3
 
Introduction to 3D Max graphics program.
Read Chapter 1: 3D Basics
First portfolio evaluation--Photoshop Images. 
Week 4
 
Touring the MAX 3 Interface (continued).
Introduction to vector (2D and 3D draw) software. 3D Max introduction:  Opening files, view ports, coordinate system.
Project:   "Clown" assignment.
Read Chapter 2:  Introduction to 3DS Max
Week 5
 
Read Chapter 3:  Modeling
Assignment:  Chapter exercises and tutorials.
Week 6
 
Modeling continued:  Modeling with primitives, modifiers, and shapes (heart, apple). 
Week 7 
 
Modeling continued:  Extruding shapes, Bevel, Multi-spline shapes (bubble blower), Lofting and cross-sectional modeling (milk bottle).  
Creating a bowl with edit mesh modifier. Mess smooth modifier.
Project:  "Still Life" assignment--creating  a bowl of fruit using 3D modeling and materials tools.
Week 8
 
What are materials?  How are they created?  Material editor layout and workflow.   Shading types.  Diffuse, specular and ambient lighting. Custom materials.  Naming and assigning materials.  Transparency and reflections.
Read Chapter 4: Materials
Continue work on pieces of fruit using custom maps created in PhotoShop. Bump mapping.
Week 9
 
Discovering how to create the illusion of depth within the 2D frame.
Written assignment explained.  Surfing the Web for images and supporting material for your paper.
Continue work on Still Life.
Week 10
 
Read Chapter 5:  Cameras & Lights
Three point lighting. Adding cameras and lights to your scenes.
Still Life assignment due.
Week 11
 
Tracing bit mapped images in 3D Max and extruding them into 3D objects and logos.
Project:  Trace a silhouette picture, extrude, add camera and lighting.
Week 12
 
Computer graphics critique due.
Project: Final assignment--Create a furnished room.
Example of rooms created with 3DS Max
http://www.digitalgallery.dk/
Explain how to create a room from magazine design.  Boolean operations.
Week 13
 
Selecting Software and Hardware for Graphics Workstation
Creating furnishings:  tables, chairs, couch, lamp, bed, etc.
Week 14
 
Adding moldings to windows and doors. Importing PhotoShop projects as wall hangings.
Week 15
 
Take-Home Examination
Finding and using 3D clip art on the Web.
Lighting the room:  Area-specific lighting for lamps and other points of interest.
 
 
Final Assignment due on exam day.
(No Final Exam.)
COMPUTER GRAPHICS GLOSSARY
COMPUTER GRAPHICS DESIGN ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Adobe Photoshop
  1. •Download two or more photographs and create a collage, contrasting or unifying the content of the photographs.
2. Discreet 3D Studio Max (3D graphics and animation)
  1. •Using 3D primitives (globe, cylinder, pyramid, torus, etc.) create a clown.
  2. •Using standard 3D primitive objects, objects created from 2D spline shapes (lofts, objects of rotation), and objects created with the modify menu; create a 3D still life composition. Objects should be placed and lighted to emphasize depth within the frame.  Camera placement and lens perspective should increase the illusion of depth.  Use a pixel-based image as a background or texture map(s).
    Still Life Web Links:
    http://www.gallerybythesea.co.uk/Traditional%20still%20life%20gallery.htm
    http://www.a-artfurniture.com/frames/items/004994.html
    http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/cezanne/sl/
  3. •Create a 3D object from picture of a company logo or silhouette of a person or animal.
FINAL ASSIGNMENT
Design and construct a 3D environment such as a dining room, bedroom, or living room. Build tables, chairs, plants, lamps, etc.  Place these objects in the context of a room (three walls, ceiling and a floor). Use texture maps to add realism to the objects you have created. Wall hangings and windows should also be included.  Add a camera and pick the best lens and camera angle to view your room.  Render and save as a JPG image.
The University retains the right to copy images and use them for publicity and/or exhibition. Students will be given full publication credit for images. Images remain the property of the student.
ALWAYS BACK-UP YOUR PROJECTS ON A SECOND DRIVE!!!