VizProto (3D Visualization and Rapid Prototyping)

Arizona State University
Spring Semester, 2008

Instructors:  Dan Collins, assisted by Arius Elvikis.
Course numbers:  ART 345 #29358 and ART 598 #21940 (Herberger College of the Arts)
Class meetings: T/Th 1:40 - 4:30
Location:  PRISM Lab, Brickyard (7th St. and Mill Avenue, Tempe) 3rd Floor, Room 361, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-8609
Credits:  3 hours
Offices / Phones: Collins:  TWRA105B (5-8311) and Brickyard 352 (5-9364)
Office Hours:  Collins: by appt. 
e-mail addresses:  Collins: dan.collins@asu.edu; Elvikis: arius@asu.edu
Webpage:  Web page for this class including this page can be found at http://vizproto.prism.asu.edu/classes/sp08/vizprotoS_08syllabus.html
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Description

This studio / seminar will introduce the concepts of computer visualization, modeling, and rapid prototyping in an interdisciplinary manner. Students will be challenged to model and prototype objects of their own design using 3D computer modeling techniques and rapid prototyping. Theoretical and historical lecture/discussion will be supplemented with visiting artists/engineers/scholars and field trips.

Objectives of the course

1. Introduction to data acquisition, computer visualization/modeling, and form realization techniques;

2. Introduction of the history and theory of modeling and prototyping to provide a context--and possible alternative--to current practice;

3. Experience in working as part of a collaborative team comprised of artists/scientists;

4. Overview of current research done in Industry (both in the arts and sciences) employing data acquisition techniques of various kinds, visualization, 3D modeling and/or rapid prototyping.

Prerequisites (Minimum requirements): 

Interest in 3D, general computer experience, and willingness to learn. A commitment to the course. Background in computerized 3D solid modeling helpful.

Text(s)

recommended:

--Digital Design Media (DDM in Calendar) by William J. Mitchell, Malcolm McCullough (Contributor). Paperback 2nd edition (December 1997) John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 0471286664. The book will be available in the RESERVE section of the Hayden Library it is recommended that you purchase a copy (used) online. Used copies can be found on Amazon.com for as low as $20. Full retail is $70.

For the complete TEXT of Digital Design Media in .pdf format for free, right click here and "save target as..."  (No images)

--Abstracting Craft by Malcolm McCullough, 1998, ISBN 0-262-63189-X, $17.50 (paper). Available in hard copy through the through the MIT Press website (click on title above). See also electronic version available via ASU library at http://www.netlibrary.com/ (do title search for "Abstracting Craft").

Other recommended texts:

--Digital Ground by Malcolm McCullough, 2005. (paper).

--Computer-Aided Manufacture in Architecture by Nick Callicott, 2001. ISBN 0-7506-4647-0, Used $42.70 through Amazon. Architectural Press

--2D Artwork and 3D Modeling for Game Artists by David Franson, 2003. Publication: Rocklin, Calif. See also electronic version available via ASU library at http://www.netlibrary.com/ (do title search for "2D Artwork").

Other blogs and URLs of interest:

Blog on Rapid Prototyping: http://www.designnews.com/blog/700000270.html

Blog on Art from Code: http://www.generatorx.no/tag/rapid-prototyping

Grading

Grades will be based on a combination of factors: success in working as part of an interdisciplinary team; quality/quantity of objects produced; demonstration of competence with "benchmark" technical projects; participation in class discussion; completeness and clarity of personal class website; final project.

Breakdown of grade is as follows:

• Class participation (reading, discussion, attendance)--10%
• Three "benchmark" technical exercises--15%
• Three "team investigation" presentations--30%
• Personal website for class--10%
• Final project--35% (including required display in Matthews Center or other venue TBA).

Jan. 15	First day of class. Introductions. Expectations of the class.
Feb. 14	Submission of personal semester project outline.
Feb. 19	1st Team Investigation:  Web presentation on Data Capture techniques
Feb. 26	Progress review for personal semester project.
Mar. 6	2nd Team Investigation:  Web presentation on Visualization/Modeling techniques
Mar. 10 - 14	Spring Break
Mar. 28/30	Last day to withdraw from course (in person/online)
April 8	3rd Team Investigation:  Web presentation on Form Realization techniques
April 22 - 24	Individual project critiques
April 29	Last Day of Class. Student Exhibition and Public Reception (this in lieu of Final Exam)

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Calendar (tentative):

While the course follows a logical sequence, the order of readings and activities will be determined in part by events, the character of in-class discussion, and the availability of guest speakers / lab access.  We reserve the right to change the activities outlined below to respond to unforeseen circumstances.

January
15	First day of class.  Introductions.  Discussion of individual versus team approach. [DDM: chapters 1 - 5]. Intro to HTML; Creation of individual webpages based on templates (Collins). See also Web Writing.
17	Overview of the PRISM concept and the lab. [DDM: chapters 6 - 9]; 3D laser scanning (Collins, Elvikis)
22	3D Laser Scanning/Data Capture lecture. (Collins) 3D Laser Scanning Demo, BRICKYARD and COD (Collins, Elvikis).
24	3D laser scanning of personal objects. Raindrop Geomagic tutorials (online in Room 361)
29	Preparing 3D files for rapid prototyping (Collins); 3D Laser Scanning/Data Capture, Brickyard, con'd (AE / DC)
31	3D Microscopic data capture.  Scanning probe and Confocal microscopy: Keck Bioimaging Laboratory Field Trip.
February
5	Brainstorm session and team assignment for presentation #1 on 3D Data acquisition
7	On going 3D data capture and rapid prototyping.
12	Open Lab. On going 3D data capture and rapid prototyping.
14	Submission of personal semester project outline.
19	Team Investigation #1:  Web presentation on 3D Data Acquisition techniques (min. 3 page synopsis with visual examples and references to be submitted concurrently-- HTML ready)
21	Visualization and modeling: Visualizing 3D--history/theory (DLC) On going 3D data capture and rapid prototyping.
26	Team assignments for paper/project presentation #2 on Visualization/Modeling techniques.
28	Team workday. [DDM: Chaps. 10 - 11]; 3D solid modeling software demos (Elvikis, Collins).
March
4	Progress report on personal project. Open Lab / Team assignment workday. Benchmark on laser scanning completed.
6	Team Investigation #2:  Web presentation on Visualization/Modeling techniques (min. 3 page synopsis with visual examples and references to be submitted concurently)
10 - 14	Spring break (No Class)
18	Form Realization: In class: Overview of automated manufacturing. Mack Industries, DTM video and others; CNC milling at Collins Studio; Team assignments for paper/project presentation on Form Realization/3D output. [DDM: Chapter 18]
20	Form Realization (con'd):  Field trip to PADT for overview of SLA, SLS, FDM [DDM:Chapters 15 - 17]
25	Team assignments for paper/project presentation #3 on Form Realizationtechniques.
27	Open Lab
28/30	Last Day to withdraw from class (in person/online)
April
1	Open Lab
3	Open Lab. Visualization/modeling benchmark completed.
8	Team Investigation #3:  Paper/project presentation on Form Realization techniques (min. 3 page synopsis with visual examples and references to be submitted concurently). [DDM: Chapters 12 - 14]
10	Planning for VizProto exhibition (to run May 3 - May 13); Open Lab; [DDM: Chapters 19 - 20]
15	Open Lab
17	Open Lab. Model prep for RP benchmark complete.
22	Individual project critiques. Final presentation (via HTML) of semester project (15 minutes each).
24	Individual project critiques, con'd. Final presentation (via HTML) of semester project (15 minutes each).
29	Last Day of Class. Public Exhibition Opening. (No written exam).