Aims

To provide students with the understanding of physics based 3D simulation.
To allow the students to make practical use of AI techniques for automated elements of 3D simulations.
To encourage students to explore recent advances in 3D simulation technologies.

Outline Of Syllabus

1) Equations and their Solutions - Understand how a set of equations may be solved and sometimes combined to derive simulation.
2) Newtonian Physics - How to create a series of solutions in software that allow simple forces to be represented in a virtual world.
3) Springs - How to create efficient software solutions to creating springs that may be applied to create a variety of simulation effects.
4) Fluid Dynamics - The use of equations to create a simulation of a liquid while understanding the importance of constraints.
5) Collision Detection and Response - The use of software to create simulations that allow virtual objects to interact.
6) Particles, Effects and Sound - Be able to apply a computationally cheap solution in software to create significant effects within a virtual world.
7) Path finding - The use of path finding to create realistic movement and how to efficiently create such a solution in software.
8) Choice and States - The use of state machines and parameterisation to create non-user controlled characters in a simulation.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Techniques and theory are presented in lectures. Supervised practical classes in a PC cluster room provide experience of the design and development of artificial intelligence algorithms and the implementation of the laws of physical motion. Further practical work and background reading takes place during the private study hours. The coursework will assess the students’ knowledge and skills developed in the practical classes through the design, implementation and evaluation of a system that incorporates artificial intelligence algorithms and the laws of physics in a simple computer game.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination demonstrates that students understand the underlying theory and standard methods, and can apply them. The coursework ensures the students understand and can engineer solutions that provide a complete simulation with animated solid artefacts.

N.B. This module has both “Exam Assessment” and “Other Assessment” (e.g. coursework). If the total mark for either assessment falls below 35%, the maximum mark returned for the module will normally be 35%.