Interactive 3D Graphics

This class will teach you about the basic principles of 3D computer graphics: meshes, transforms, cameras, materials, lighting, and animation.

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.

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