Computer Science 110 The Art & Science of Computer Graphics Mount Holyoke College Spring 2008

Over the last month of the semester, you will be developing a substantial Mead model that demonstrates what you have learned.

You have a great deal of freedom in choosing what to model for this project. However, it must be an effective demonstration of your modeling skills. Projects of appropriate scope and difficulty might involve:

• a single model that you shoot with several cameras,
• a "study" - a collection of models that focus on a concept (e.g., shadow effects as the sun rises, moves across the sky, and sets), or
• a short animation.

Choosing to produce an animation will demonstrate your willingness to spend extra time in careful planning, but there is no "extra credit" for choosing this option. Any of the above can result in a good project (and hence, a good grade).

Your project should include substantial new work. You are encouraged to use your previous labs or class shared models, but be sure that the bulk of your work is new.

The final project will account for 20% of your course grade.

The Proposal

By 11:00 AM, Monday, April 14, 2008, submit a project proposal.

Your proposal should answer the following questions:

1. Of all of your lab models developed this semester, which two do you think were most successful and why?
2. What Mead skills (e.g., materials, realistic object design) do you think you need (or would like) to spend more time developing?
3. What do you want to do for your final project? Include drawings if you wish.
4. What aspects of your proposed project would address those skills you mentioned in question 2?

Everyone should arrange to meet with me during the week of April 14 to discuss your proposal and to finalize a "grading contract" for your project based on your proposed project. We will set goals and an implementation schedule for your project. Your grade will be based, in part, on how completely you meet these goals (see below).

Lab Usage and Rendering Time

As the end of the semester approaches, the Clapp 202 lab will become very busy. As your models become more complex, rendering times will increase. Plan ahead!

Here are some suggestions and requests:

• Log out when you leave the lab to make sure computers are available for others.
• Use other computers, either by installing Mead (if you have or have access to a Mac) or by using the bootable CDs. This is especially helpful for those times when you need to render complex images.
• When developing models, you will render your images many, many times. To shorten rendering times, turn off anti-aliasing, use a lower image quality, and replace surface images with regular materials. When you want to generate a better image, turn these features back on.

Final Submission

Submission is similar to the procedure you have used for labs all semester:

1. E-mail your model file or files, as attachments, to jteresco@mtholyoke.edu. In the body of the message, describe how your project has met the goals we agreed to in your grading contract.
2. Create a new section of your wiki page, where you describe your project and include a number of images that you have produced.

Demonstrations (our "Gallery Opening")

You will have a chance to show off your work on this project (in addition to the work you've done throughout the semester) to classmates, friends, and faculty, at a "gallery opening" to be held shortly after the semester ends. Details will be made available as the time approaches.

Grading

Your grade, which totals 20% of the course grade, will be based on:

• Completeness of your proposal (10 points)
• Model code documentation (comments) (10 points)
• Model code style (good names, use of object hierarchy, defined names, functions) (10 points)
• Wiki presentation (10 points)
• Satisfaction of grading contract obligations (60 points)