CS 3600 ã Fall 2002

Dr. Cunningham

Project 2: Model and display a simple science problem

In this first project, you are to create and display a science-focused graphic model that need use only simple geometry. This will require you to manage the mechanics of an OpenGL program and to think about how to represent a science problem and understand its meaning visually. Specifically, you are to do the following steps:

1. Identify a problem in a science area that can be represented by a simple set of geometry,

2. Describe that problem and the geometry that represents it, and outline a visual presentation or exploration that will help someone understand the problem,

3. Design and implement a graphics program using OpenGL that carries out the visual presentation or exploration,

4. Explain how the visual presentation helps explain or understand the science problem.

It will be useful if your presentation includes some kind of simple animation, though this is not required. You should expect to use the sample code from the first project to help with your coding.

It is fair to discuss the science and the problem with anyone, student or faculty or scientist, or to use any text or reference books you wish for ideas, but the OpenGL work should be original. We can talk about some possible science problems in class, or I can discuss some possibilities with you individually outside class.

Your project submission:

1. email me the source at rsc@cs.csustan.edu so I can compile it on my PowerBook with the standard OS-X C/C++ compiler. Note that the class resources linked from the home page now includes a make file for OS-X to help you check your projects in the lab.

2. email me your writeup that identifies the science problem you are addressing and describes the visual presentation you are creating to explore it, and that summarizes what you were able to understand about the problem from the visual display you create.

3. be prepared to demo your program in case there is any question of its operation.

Due date:

Email submissions must be received by Tuesday, October 8, by midnight