Creating Virtual Worlds. This class will teach you about the basic principles of 3D computer graphics: meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation.
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Why Take This Course
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.
What You Will Learn
LESSON 1
Introduction
Motivation and a trip down the graphics pipeline
laying out the fundamental processes.
LESSON 2
Points, Vectors, and Meshes
The basics of 3D geometry definition.
LESSON 3
Colors and Materials
Color representation
material computations
transparency.
LESSON 4
Transforms
Translation
scale
rotate and how to properly combine all these.
LESSON 5
Matrices
Transform representation and how to fully control these.
LESSON 6
Lights
Directional and point light sources.
LESSON 7
Cameras
How the camera is defined.
LESSON 8
Textures and Reflections
Color and opacity textures
along with reflection and normal mapping.
LESSON 9
Shader Programming
An introduction to programming vertex and pixel shaders.
LESSON 10
Interaction and Animation
How to select and make objects move.
