Sheridan Course Outlines

ANIM54110
Computer Graphics Lighting and Rendering Techniques 1

I: Administrative Information II: Course Details III: Topical Outline(s) Printable Version

Section I: Administrative Information

Total hours: 42.0
Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Fall 2008
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: ANIM53382
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Program(s): Comp Animation-Dig Vis Eff
Program Coordinator(s): Mark Simon
Course Leader or Contact: Richard Cohen
Version: 2.0
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: N/A

Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
Students explore the art and science of light and how to convincingly represent it with computer graphics. The course begins with an introduction to the physics of light, followed by an explanation of how this real-world lighting phenomena is modeled algorithmically with computer software. Students learn the boundaries inherent in synthetic imagery and how to get around them. Photographic terminology and lighting methods are covered along with a look at photographic artifacts and their impact in digital effects work. Finally, an in depth study of rendering issues are covered including advanced methods of mapping, material definitions and photo-realistic techniques. Through in class exercises, projects, guest lecturers and field trips students reinforce these concepts.

Program Context

Comp Animation-Dig Vis Eff

Program Coordinator: Mark Simon

This is a foundational course in the Computer Animation-Digital Visual Effects Program. The knowledge and skills acquired in this course allow students to effectively use lighting and rendering techniques which form the groundwork for digital visual effects. Several related disciplines and areas of specialization that are crucial to producing high quality visual effects will be drawn upon.

Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

 Critical Performance

By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the 
ability to apply lighting and rendering techniques and principles 
that are used in film and broadcast work.

Learning Outcomes

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated 
the ability to:
            
1.Identify the key visual cues from nature.
2.Utilize basic photographic terminology and lighting techniques. 
3.Simulate real-world lighting with computer generated imagery.
4.Choose the appropriate technique from a variety of rendering and
  lighting options.
5.Apply rendering techniques and methodologies.
6.Apply texturing techniques and methodologies.
7.Create photo-realistic computer generated elements.
8.Render individual elements in layers. 
9.Work independently and collaboratively to complete a series of 
  shots.
10.Complete a series of shots within a given timeframe.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

Pseudo parallax		25%	
Camera mapping          35%	
3D tracking             40%            
Total                  100%

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities requirements:

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

X	Communication	X	Critical Thinking & Problem Solving		Interpersonal
	Numeracy	X	Information Management		Personal

Notes: N/A

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) : Office of the Registrar
Students may apply to receive credit by demonstrating achievement of the course learning outcomes through previous relevant work/life experience, service, self-study and training on the job. This course is eligible for challenge through the following method(s):

Challenge Exam	Portfolio	Interview	Other	Not Eligible for PLAR
	X	X

Notes: N/A

Section III: Topical Outline

Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Effective term: Fall 2008
Professor: Richard Cohen
Textbook(s):

N/A

Applicable student group(s): Students of Computer Animation - Digital Visual Effects
Course Details:

Module 1:  Introduction (Week 1 - 5)

Targeted learning outcomes: 1, 2, 9 and 10

Topics:
Overview of process
Natural phenomena
Properties of light
Aero-perspective/atmospheric phenomena 
Basic photography principles
Photographic artifacts

Assignment:  
In class exercises
Mentoring
Pseudo parallax		25% (week 5)

Module 2:  Synthetic Lighting (Week 6 -10)

Targeted learning outcomes: 1 to 10

Topics:
Lighting Algorithms in 3D software
Lighting techniques
Simulating real world lighting
Materials
Mapping
Overview of renderers
3D imagery

Assignment: 
Camera mapping           35% (week 10)
In class exercises
Mentoring

Module 3:  Integration (Week 11 -14)

Targeted learning outcomes: 1 to 10

Topics:
Integration techniques
Lighting cg elements for integration with live action
Camera matching in the 3D environment

Assignment: 
3D tracking     40% (week 14)
In class exercises
Mentoring

Sheridan Policies

All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Academic Integrity: The principle of academic integrity requires that all work submitted for evaluation and course credit be the original, unassisted work of the student. Cheating or plagiarism including borrowing, copying, purchasing or collaborating on work, except for group projects arranged and approved by the professor, or otherwise submitting work that is not the student's own, violates this principle and will not be tolerated. Students who have any questions regarding whether or not specific circumstances involve a breach of academic integrity are advised to review the Academic Integrity Policy and procedure and/or discuss them with the professor.

Copyright: A majority of the course lectures and materials provided in class and posted in SLATE are protected by copyright. Use of these materials must comply with the Acceptable Use Policy, Use of Copyright Protected Work Policy and Student Code of Conduct. Students may use, copy and share these materials for learning and/or research purposes provided that the use complies with fair dealing or an exception in the Copyright Act. Permission from the rights holder would be necessary otherwise. Please note that it is prohibited to reproduce and/or post a work that is not your own on third-party commercial websites including but not limited to Course Hero or OneNote. It is also prohibited to reproduce and/or post a work that is not your own or your own work with the intent to assist others in cheating on third-party commercial websites including but not limited to Course Hero or OneNote.

Intellectual Property: Sheridan's Intellectual Property Policy generally applies such that students own their own work. Please be advised that students working with external research and/or industry collaborators may be asked to sign agreements that waive or modify their IP rights. Please refer to Sheridan's IP Policy and Procedure.

Respectful Behaviour: Sheridan is committed to provide a learning environment that supports academic achievement by respecting the dignity, self-esteem and fair treatment of every person engaged in the learning process. Behaviour which is inconsistent with this principle will not be tolerated. Details of Sheridan's policy on Harassment and Discrimination, Academic Integrity and other academic policies are available on the Sheridan policy website.

Accessible Learning: Accessible Learning coordinates academic accommodations for students with disabilities. For more information or to register, please see the Accessible Learning website (Statement added September 2016)

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Any changes to course curriculum and/or assessment shall adhere to approved Sheridan protocol. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.

[ Printable Version ]