Computer Graphics and Geometric Modeling
Course: Computer Engineering (Cpr E) 557/Industrial Engineering (I E) 557/Mechanical Engineering ( M E) 557, section XC (CD-ROM), section XE (streaming media)
Fundamentals of computer graphics technology. Data structures. Parametric curve and surface modeling. Solid model representations. Applications in engineering design, analysis, and manufacturing.
Course topics:
Introduction and overview of the field of computer graphics, a review of the basic elements (polylines, text, filled regions, raster images), display devices, input primitives and devices;
Intro to OpenGL, basics of graphics programming (opening a window, event programming, drawing lines) and development of some basic 2D graphics tools (polylines, polygons, mouse and keyboard interaction);
Viewports and clipping; Window to Viewport transformation, World Coordinates; relative drawing; drawing 2D shapes;
intro to parametric curves; vector math review; parametric lines and planes; homogeneous coordinates; intersections of lines and planes; Affine transformations in 2D and 3D; changing coordinate systems, manipulating current transformations; modeling with polygonal meshes;
normal vectors; extruded shapes;viewing transformations; perspective projections; view volume clipping; camera manipulation; rendering and types of shading; light sources; material properties; simple hidden surface removal; texturing; shadows; curves and surfaces; Bezier and Nurbs; ray tracing
Prerequisites: M E 421 (Mechanical Systems and Control) and programming experience in C/C++
Computer requirements: College of Engineering distance education specifications
Dates: August 22-December 16
Day/Time: streamed live Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-10:50 a.m.
Delivery method: CD-ROM or streaming media
Credit: 3 graduate credits
Tuition: $954
Delivery fee: CD-ROM $750, streaming media $540 (If you drop this course, part or all of the delivery fee may be refunded dependent on the date of the drop.)
Computer fee applies--see table
Off-campus programs: Master of Science in Computer Engineering, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Systems Engineering, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science in Information Assurance
Instructor:
Registration deadline: August 15
Text:
For more information, visit Engineering Distance Education at www.ede.iastate.edu

Virtual Environments and Applications
Course: Industrial Engineering (I E) 584, section XC (CD-ROM), section XE (streaming media)
Introduction to virtual reality, an exciting emerging area in computer science. Virtual reality hardware, software, design applications, and implementation of immersive vitrual worlds. Virtual reality is a very sophisticated human-computer interface. It engages many of human senses, therefore, the course will start with an overview of the physiology and perception issues involved in virtual environments. An analysis of what is virtual reality and what it means and is required to create the sense of presence in a virtual environment using computers. Virtual environments that provide different levels of immersion will be studied. The course will cover in depth: display technologies, 3-D interactive devices, 3-D sound generators, computer architectures for virtual reality, software development for virtual reality toolkits, real-time computer animation techniques and human factors. The emphasis of the course is on the practical issues that must be addressed to begin creating effective virtual environments.
What you would learn: Virtual reality is an emerging technology that is rapidly being incorporated in a variety of fields. Virtual reality techniques are currently being applied in a wide range of disciplines, such as medical applications, engineering, architecture, education, entertainment, and military simulations. The demand for professionals with the necessary expertise to develop some form of virtual interfaces is rapidly accelerating in the job market for computer science graduates. This course will provide science and engineering students with basic knowledge and training in the design and implementation of virtual reality applications. The class will prepare students to face the demands of virtual reality expertise required for industry, research, and academic careers. There are currently no comparable courses at Iowa State. Designed for graduate students who intend to pursue a career in virtual reality. Because of the highly interactive nature of the topic, this class is oriented to be a "hands-on" course. Students will be required to work on projects implementing a variety of algorithms and techniques discussed in the class. In this way, they will be able to evaluate and understand the effectiveness of different virtual environments and interfaces.
Prerequisites: Computer Science 227 (Introduction to Object-oriented Programming) and Computer Scinece 228 (Introduction to Data Structures) or programming skills in C++ and Java or permission of instructor, cruz@iastate.edu or (515) 294-5685
Computer requirements: College of Engineering distance education specifications
Dates: August 22-December 16
Day/Time: streamed live Tuesday and Thursday 1:15-2:45 p.m.
Delivery method: CD-ROM or streaming media
Credit: 3 graduate credits
Tuition: $954
Delivery fee: CD-ROM $750, streaming media $540 (If you drop this course, part or all of the delivery fee may be refunded dependent on the date of the drop.)
Computer fee applies--see table
Off-campus programs: Master of Science in Computer Engineering, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Systems Engineering, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Instructor: Carolina Cruz-Neira, Associate Professor
Registration deadline: August 15
Text:
For more information, visit Engineering Distance Education at www.ede.iastate.edu