Γραφικά Παιχνιδιών Υπολογιστών και Εικονική Πραγματικότητα ( Computer game graphics and virtual reality) [ΕΥ]

This graduate level course introduces the students to the amazing world of interactive 3D graphics for computer games and virtual/mixed reality applications and provides the theoretical foundations and practical aspects of photorealistic production rendering, including related display, motion capture and animation technologies. State-of-the-art computer-generated image (CGI) pipelines and established algorithms are presented along with examples of proven commercial game engines. The course addresses techniques such as deferred and tile-based rendering, real-time global illumination, real-time visual effects and ray-tracing-based methods for offline and real-time image synthesis.

Breadth vs Depth. A wide range of topics are covered, capturing mostly at a high level the basics of real-time image generation algorithms and graphics hardware technology, production-quality pipelines and methods and effects, materials and appearance, as well as colour manipulation. Application topics include virtual and mixed reality and the use of volume rendering to medical imaging. Interested students can delve into more details through focused reading material, personalized projects (see below) and the bibliography.

Personalization. Computer graphics is an inspiring domain and as a course we firmly believe that it should remain so. To deliver this promise, the students are encouraged to select one of many options of engagement and therefore, assessment, be that a written-examination-only system or a combination of paper study and project. For projects, there are many options available, ranging from ray tracing to VR and Unity/Unreal-based game development, either as a personal project or a team assignment.

Background. Although a basic background in computer graphics (undergraduate level) is appreciated, it is not a prerequisite, since the principles of 2D and 3D computer graphics are (briefly) re-introduced in this course. Some elementary mathematics and principles of probability theory are required (as well as some computer programming skills for those who will choose a development project).