Colloquia

The Art and Science of Computer Graphics

Donald House
Department of Visualization, Texas A&M University

Date
JEC 3117 - 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Refreshments at 3:30 p.m.

Abstract:

The roots of 3D Computer Graphics lie deep in the visual arts, psychology, computer science, physics and mathematics. Donald House will explore how these mature disciplines animate this new kid on the block, and are impelling it to become an academic and professional discipline on its own. Work from the highly interdisciplinary graduate programs in Visualization at Texas A&M University will explore the theme. Illustrations will include experimental animated films, as well as research projects in real-time wave simulation and computer directed drawing from 3D models.

Bio:

Dr. House is a Professor of Visualization Sciences in the Department of Architecture and the Visualization Laboratory at Texas A&M University. From 1992 to 2002 Dr. House coordinated graduate studies at the Viz Lab. During this period he focused largely on developing the curriuculm in Visualization Sciences, a multi-disciplinary course of study that explores all aspects of electronic image making, from the technical to the artistic. In his research, Dr House has explored many aspects of the fields of computer graphics and visual perception. His current research thrust is investigating "human in the loop" methods for the perceptual optimization of visualizations. He is best known for his work in the area of physically based modeling, championing interacting-particle approaches to the simulation of cloth and drapery and other flexible materials. He and David Breen recently compiled the book Cloth Modeling and Animation. In the past year he completed work with meterology and planetarium faculty, and some very excellent graduate students on producing an educational planetarium show, Enlightning Lightning! Early in his academic career, House was known as an authority on brain mechanisms for depth vision in anuran amphibians (frogs and toads). He has since confined these abberant tendencies to developing a 3D graphics system called Jabka, whose name in Russian is roughly translated as toady.

Hosted by: Barb Cutler (x3274)

Administrative support: Shannon Carrothers (x6354)

For more information:

Visualization Science at Texas A&M University

Last updated: September 7, 2005