Matlab toolbox for a first computer graphics course for engineers

Abstract

This paper describes a new Matlab toolbox designed for teaching a first Computer Graphics course for Engineering students. The aim of the toolbox is to provide the students with a tool for a comprehensive overview on the fundamentals of Computer Graphics in terms of basic algorithms and techniques. Firstly, the paper discusses the design of such a course taking into account its contents, goals, duration and other constraints. Then, the toolbox architecture is described. Finally the application of this toolbox to educational issues is discussed through some illustrative examples. The system has been successfully used by the authors during the last three years at the University of Cantabria. The main conclusions from this experience are also reported. © Springer-Verlag 2004.