GAM 370/470: Rendering and Graphics Programming

Instructor Information

Name: André Berthiaume

Preferred Contact: for all lecture, homework or advising matters

Berthiaume@cs.depaul.edu

Use the following only for chat/text when you need a quick help

Skype:            andreberthiaume

Discord:         Andre#5368

Course Description   

This programming class will present the rendering pipeline and basic shader creation. Students will create their own graphics package using a high-level graphics API such as Vulkan or Direct X. Topics covered include illumination techniques, Gouraud and Phong shading, antialiasing and multisampling, texture mapping and environment mapping

Prerequisite

GAM 325/425 and  CSC 361/461

Textbook

Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DirectX 11 2012, by Frank Luna. ISBN-13: 978-1-9364-2022-3

Software/Hardware

A computer using Windows 10 and a graphics card supporting DirectX 11 or later.

We be using Visual Studio C++ and all work must be submitted using Perforce version control.

Learning Goals

• Students will be able to describe and explain the various stages of a rendering pipeline.
• Students will be able to write simple shaders to render a basic 3D scene.
• Student will be able to implement the Phong reflection model
• Students will be able to implement Gouraud and Phong lighting shaders
• Student will be able to build simple models, place them in 3D space and render the scene correctly.
• Students will be able to apply textures to their will as well as control how this texture is applied using UV mapping, repeats/clamp, texture sampling, etc.
• Student will be able to implement texture mipmaps to improve rendering performance.
• Student will be able to implement environment maps, multi-texturing and reflections .

Graduate students: in addition to the above learning goals, graduate students will also be expected to explain various implementation issues associated with many of the problems listed.

Agenda

This class will be conducted as a mixture of standard lectures and class discussions. Below is a broad outline of the topics to be covered (this list may be modified as needed based on class progression)

• Introduction a graphics application
  • Window code vs 3D app code. Math library, Asset loading. Shader code, etc.
  • Our focus: 3D app and shader code only.
  • Rendering a simple triangle.
• Rendering Pipeline
  • Review all the stages and components
  • Break-down the main triangle example into more classes
• 3D drawing (flat colored cube)
  • Space chirality
  • Vertex and index buffers and their input layouts
  • Simple color shader and associated class
  • Graphic object as model + shader data
• Model loading
  • General discussion
  • Using model files
• Texture shading
  • UV maps, sampler states, repeats, wrap, etc.
  • Texture filtering: filtering, bilinear, trilinear and anisotropic filtering.
  • Multiple textures/color per model
• Lighting
  • Phong reflection model
  • Gouraud and Phong shaders
•  Mipmaps
  • Automatic/manual generation
  • Controlling parameters
• Box and reflection maps
• Environment maps
• If time permits:
  • Bump maps
  • Geometry shader/particle effects
  • Shadows

Grading

The class work will consist regular homework, a midterm exam and a final exam:

• Midterm exam: 20%
• Final exam: 20%
• Homework: 20%
• Final Project:: 40%

Homework will be in the form of weekly projects. Each individual homework is worth 0-4 points based on level of completion and correctness. The best 5 scores are summed for your total homework score. The homeworks are set up to help you design and build components for the final project. Late submissions are not accepted but you are still expected to produce the associated components in the final project.

The final project will be to produce a full rendering package for a basic game engine (Similar to 'Azul Core' but built over DX 11). The details, specification and grading guidelines of the project will be determined later in the quarter.

The final score will be converted to letters based on the following schedule: Note: this scale may be adjusted based on overall class performance.

Incompletes

Incompletes will be granted only in the most extreme circumstances and only if the student has already completed the vast majority of the project. Students must formally request an incomplete by filling out an Incomplete Grade Request Form.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

You are expected to have read and understand DePaul’s policy on Academic Integrity (http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/).  It is part of this syllabus; follow it.

Important note: Communication with your peers is an essential part of the course experience. The nature of programming demands extensive amounts of discussion and exchange of ideas with you class mates. The plagiarism policy is not intended to hinder or prevent this type of activity. . There is a significant difference between genuine exchange of ideas and wholesale plagiarism. If in doubt, ask the instructor for clarification.

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter.  If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar.  Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at:  cdm.depaul.edu/enrollment.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at: csd@depaul.edu.

Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296

Additional Policies

• Class Discussion: Student participation in class discussions will be measured in two ways.  First, students are highly encouraged to ask questions and offer comments relevant to the day’s topic. Secondly, students will be called upon by the instructor to offer comments related to the reading assignments.  Students must keep up with the reading, assignment and project to participate in class discussion.

• Attitude: A professional and academic attitude is expected throughout this course.  Measurable examples of non-academic or unprofessional attitude include but are not limited to: talking to others when the instructor is speaking, mocking another’s opinion, cell phones ringing, emailing, texting or using the internet whether on a phone or computer.  If any issues arise a student may be asked to leave the classroom.  The professor will work with the Dean of Students Office to navigate such student issues.

• Civil Discourse: DePaul University is a community that thrives on open discourse that challenges students, both intellectually and personally, to be Socially Responsible Leaders.  It is the expectation that all dialogue in this course is civil and respectful of the dignity of each student.  Any instances of disrespect or hostility can jeopardize a student’s ability to be successful in the course.  The professor will partner with the Dean of Students Office to assist in managing such issues.