Course Instructor: Prof. Karen Panetta, karen@eecs.tufts.edu

Room 236 Halligan Hall.

In this course, we will learn state-of-the-art tools and modeling algorithms that allow us to create 2 dimensional and 3-D animations. Examples of animations for technical communications will be shown from a variety of engineering and science disciplines. Students will have hands on experience in every aspect of animation and graphic development, including manipulation of scanned images, storyboarding and CD-ROM production. Students will be responsible for two major animation projects. Students will leave this course will a portfolio of their work and the collaborative team effort.

Introduction to animation and terminology

Example videos from NASA and Oak Ridge National Labs.

Introduction to laboratory equipment and the NT operating system.

Image manipulation using filters and scanning: Introduction to Adobe Photoshop.

Homework: Reading from text, Photomontage project and 2-D Logo. Begin to think about a technical animation topic for individual project.

Animation tools: Macromedia Director

Introduce the concepts in assembling an animation project.

Introduction into 3-D text models using STRATA Pro

Homework: Reading from text, Flying Logos

3-D modeling and rendering using STRATA Pro

Homework: 3-D scene creation. Storyboard assignments for Group Project.

Advanced Photoshop topics. Special effects

Assignments: Individual projects: Animated presentation of a technical topic of student’s choice. Begin 3-D Animated "Virtual Tour" group project.

Outputting computer generated animation to CD-ROM and video using EditDV.

Develop the Class portfolio.
Introduction to SOFTIMAGE 3D.

Advanced Graphics software and special effects using Studio-Vision Pro.

Projects Due: Present the class works to the EE/CS department.

Grading: There are no exams in this class. Individual homework, projects and the group project will determine the student’s grade. For the group project, teams will organize themselves like a professional production team (See Chapter 3 of Vaughan book). The team will partition the project so each individual is responsible for specific tasks. For instance, one person models the engineering building; others work on sections of the main campus etc. An outline of the team and responsibilities will be submitted. When reviewing the final project, each person will be graded according to the tasks they contributed too.

LAB/Classroom: Motion Lab next to the MAC lab in Halligan Hall. Only students registered in the course will receive key card access to the room. All material in the temporary directories are deleted 24 hours after each class. All material should be saved to the server machine. It is suggested that students bring a zip disk to class to keep a back up of their work. There are 10 machines for use in the lab. The instructor machine is not available for student use.