Curves and surfaces for computer aided geometric design: a practical guide
Curves and surfaces for computer aided geometric design: a practical guide
Computer graphics (2nd ed. in C): principles and practice
Computer graphics (2nd ed. in C): principles and practice
Interactive tools in the graphics classroom
Proceedings of the 16th annual joint conference on Innovation and technology in computer science education
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We are investigating the use of Java applets as an instructional aid in a Computer Graphics course. The properties and behaviors of parametric cubic curves are difficult to explain using static media and the mathematics involved often results in student anxiety and disinterest. In an attempt to help the students gain a meaningful understanding of these important concepts, we are developing a series of applets illustrating key concepts. We hope to find the applets effective in a variety of ways; as a demonstration tool during lecture, as an interactive hand-on experimentation tool for the individual student, as well as a key component in a web-based learning environment.Currently we are illustrating various aspects of Bezier Curves, but plan to extend the set of applets to include other parametric curves and perhaps surfaces. Interactive applets allow students to observe curve behavior as control points are moved and to observe the bounding convex hull property. Such applets are easy to write and commonly found on the web. We are attempting a more intensive learning experience by illustrating the relationship between blending functions (the Bernstein Polynomials) and the curve shape. The de Castlejau approach to finding a point on the curve and general curve subdivision are also illustrated. We furthermore attempt to explain different types of continuity at the juncture of two curves by allowing the student to experiment with curves under various continuity constraints.