Computer Graphics Laboratory ETH Zurich

Course Topics

Digital 3D geometry has emerged as the fourth wave of multimedia data, after sound, images, and video. In this course, we will explore basic and advanced representations and algorithms for digital 3D geometry processing. With a focus on parametric surfaces and polygonal meshes, we will cover the fundamental building blocks of modern geometric modeling systems, such as decimation, smoothing, free-form and multi-resolution editing. We will also look at very recent developments in this area and discuss their pros and cons with respect to traditional approaches.
This course is an integral part of the new major on visual computing.

Course Objectives

After attending this course, you should be able to:

• define and relate the basic concepts, tools, and algorithms in geometric modeling
• critically analyze and assess current research on surface representations and geometric modeling with the intent to apply the proposed methods in your own work.
• implement individual components of a geometric modeling system

Assignments

The objectives of the course are reflected in three types of assignments:

• Pen-and-paper exercises help to revise the presented material by applying the core concepts to small theoretical problems.
• Reading assignments will strengthen the ability to critically analyze scientific research papers. You are expected to read the papers and write a short summary report according to criteria that we will discuss in class. A group discussion on each paper will help to develop your argumentative skills on scientific topics.
• Programming assignments will help you translate theoretical concepts to practical applications. A code framework will be provided that allows you to experiment with various algorithms without having to bother about software infrastructure.

Prerequisites

Introduction to Computer Graphics (GDV I). Some background in geometry or computational geometry is helpful, but not necessary.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Markus Gross
IFW D 28.1
email: grossminf.ethz.ch
web: http://graphics.ethz.ch/~grossm

Prof. Dr. Mark Pauly
IFW C 26.2
email: paulyinf.ethz.ch
web: http://graphics.ethz.ch/~pauly