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CMPSME22 - COMPUTER GAMES LABORATORY

Module Code:
CMPSME22
Department:
Computing Sciences
Credit Value:
20
Level:
M
Organiser:
Dr. Rudy Lapeer
This module is lab based and draws heavily on the CMPSME27 module (which is a prerequisite). It aims to make the student familiar with Virtual Reality (VR) hardware and related technologies, the Virtual Environment (VE), and Games and Entertainment platforms. Laboratory tasks should include a maximum of two of the following topics: Computer Animation, Collaborative/Networked Virtual Environments, Haptic/Force Feedback systems, Motion Capturing, Augmented Reality (AR), Stereoscopic Displays, Entertainment and Games Development using advanced programming techniques such as Shaders; Xbox development, and Medical Simulation and Visualisation.

Coursework: 20 PCs with 3DStudio Max version 9, Photoshop and OpenGL libraries. EagleStar optical motion capture equipment; Haptic devices on DELL XPS PCs (Sensable Technologies, Phantom OMNI and Desktop); DTI Virtual Window stereoscopic display; SONY Glasstron see-through HMD.


Recommended reading:

  • Angel,E. (2008) OpenGL - A Primer, 3rd Edition, Addison-Wesley
  • Bourg, D.M. (2002) Physics for Game Developers, O'Reilly
  • Parent,R. (2002) Computer Animation - Algorithms and Techniques, Morgan-Kaufmann
  • Preece,J. (1994) Human-Computer Interaction, Addison-Wesley
  • Rost,R. (2006) OpenGL - Shading Languages, 2nd Edition. Addison-Wesley
  • Seddon,C. (2005) OpenGL Game Development, Wordware Publishing
  • Sherman, W. and Craig,A.(2003) Understanding Virtual Reality: Interface, Application and Design, Elsevier Science
  • Shreiner, D. et al., (2006) OpenGL Programming Guide, 5th Edition. Addison-Wesley
  • Vince, J. (1995)Virtual Reality Systems, Addison-Wesley
  • Watt, A. and Policarpo,F.(2001) 3D Games: Real-time rendering and Software Technology, Addison-Wesley

Additionally, there is a large number of websites covering haptics, motion capture and stereoscopic viewing. 
 
The university library has subscriptions for the major journals in the field and holds an extensive collection of related books.


 


Submission:

Written coursework should be submitted by following the standard CMP practice. Students are advised to refer to the Guidelines and Hints on Written Work in CMP.

Deadlines:

If coursework is handed in after the deadline day or an agreed extension:
 

 

Work submitted Marks deducted
After 15:00 on the due date and before 15:00 on the day following the due date 10 marks
After 15:00 on the second day after the due date and before 15:00 on the third day after the due date 20 marks
After 15:00 on the third day after the due date and before 15:00 on the 20th day after the due date.  All the marks the work merits if submitted on time (ie no marks awarded) 
After 20 working days Work will not be marked and a mark of zero will be entered


Saturdays and Sundays will NOT be taken into account for the purposes of calculation of marks deducted.

All extension requests will be managed through the LTS Hub. A request for an extension to a deadline for the submission of work for assessment should be submitted by the student to the appropriate Learning and Teaching Service Hub, prior to the deadline, on a University Extension Request Form accompanied by appropriate evidence. Extension requests will be considered by the appropriate Learning and Teaching Service Manager in those instances where (a) acceptable extenuating circumstances exist and (b) the request is submitted before the deadline. All other cases will be considered by a Coursework Coordinator in CMP.

For more details, including how to apply for an extension due to extenuating circumstances download Submission for Work Assessment (PDF, 39KB)
 

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the copying or close paraphrasing of published or unpublished work, including    the work of another student; without due acknowledgement. Plagiarism is regarded a serious offence by the University, and all cases will be investigated. Possible consequences of plagiarism include deduction of marks and disciplinary action, as detailed by UEA's Policy on Plagiarism and Collusion.


Module specific:

  • Learn how to program in C++ and OpenGL.
  • 3D Games Development at the standard required by commercial companies.
  • Learn to operate modelling packages such as 3D Studio Max and MotionBuilder.
  • Learn to operate specialist equipment used in Virtual Environments, i.e. motion capture (MoCap) equipment, haptic/force feedback devices, stereoscopic and head-mounted displays, etc.
  • Learn about computer games physics and computer graphics algorithms for collision detection and optimisation of rendering.

Transferable skills:

  • Improved written communication
  • Improved oral communications: coursework is demonstrated at the end of the course. Though rather informal, it is important that students can communicate their achievements in a clear, concise and coherent fashion.
  • Improved problem solving and software development skills
  • Improved group working skills


 


On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  • Program to a standard adequate for the Games and Entertainment Industries and/or
  • Use established modelling packages such as 3DStudio max to work in the Entertainment or CAD industries
  • Understand the basic concepts of traditional and computer animation;
  • Understand the process and techniques used in the development of 3D computer games;
  • Understand the concept of virtual reality and related technologies;
  • Understand special purpose hardware such as motion capture and virtual environment equipment.

Total hours: 40

Lectures: 4 hours

  1. Induction on motion capture
  2. Induction on haptic/force feedback devices and stereoscopic displays

Laboratory work: 36 hours

  1. 12 hours assisted (1 hour per week)
  2. 24 hours unassisted

Specialist lab equipment is available for each group at all times (haptic devices, display devices) or through booking (motion capture lab).


Coursework