Course detail

Computer Modelling and Visualisation I

FSI-YPMAcad. year: 2026/2027

The course is about 3D NURBS modeling and SubD modelling and their use in creating digital models. Students will learn how to create 3D models using NURBS curves and surfaces, with an emphasis on free creation and fidelity. Students will be able to prepare their 3D models for 3D printing and visualization using visualization tools as well as standalone applications and learn the necessary procedures.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Daniel Koutný, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Entry knowledge

Basic knowledge of working with a PC in Windows is assumed. Experience with computer 3D graphics is a plus.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Classified course-unit credit requirements: attendance in lessons, meeting deadlines of assigned projects, practical test verifying the knowledge of working with the software and ability of creative work. Final evaluation consists of evaluation of individual projects, tasks and a test. In total it will be possible to acquire 100 points. Resulting classification will be defined by the ECTS scale. If some of the projects are awarded less than half of the maximum pts., final evaluation of the course is "failed". According to the article No. 13 of Study and Examination Rules of Brno University of Technology ECTS evaluation degree scale is used. . If some of the projects are awarded less than 50 pts., final evaluation of the course is "failed". The course is evaluated with the following grades: ECTS EVALUATION DEGREES / PTS. RATING / NUMERIC RATING: A / 100 - 90 / 1 / Excellent; B /89 - 80 / 1,5 / Very good; C / 79 - 70 / 2 / Good; D / 69 - 60 / Satisfactory; E / 59 - 50 / Sufficient; F / 49 - 0 / 4 / Failed.
Compulsory attendance at seminars. Education runs according to the week schedule. The way of compensation of missed seminars is specified by the tutor.

Aims

Students will gain an overview of current 3D modeling tools and their practical applications, experience with 3D NURBS and SubD modeling and the subsequent use of models created in these tools for further processing—visualization and rapid prototyping. Students will gain experience in creating virtual 3D models based on sketches from their studio term projects. Students work on their semester projects in different stages with full support of computer technologies.

The student acquires:
- To gain practical experience in creating for creating 3D NURBS and SubD models.
- Acquire a basic understanding of the method of modeling complex designs, creating surfaces from curves and combining surfaces into volumes, working with layers and combining parts into a complex object.
- Getting acquainted with all functions of the program for realization of own designs and ideas and for presentation of semestral tasks with other visualization applications.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Cinema 4D / BodyPaint 3D Program Documentation. Cinema 4D / BodyPaint 3D Program Documentation [online]. 2017. Dostupné z: https://help.maxon.net/#1000
Keyshot 7 Manual. Keyshot 7 Manual [online]. 2017. Dostupné z: https://luxion.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/K7M/pages/37949651/Overview
Rhinoceros Help. Rhinoceros Help [online]. Robert McNeel & Associates, 2015. Dostupné z: http://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/5/help/en-us/index.htm
VRay for Rhino Manual. VRay for Rhino Manual [online]. 2016. Dostupné z: https://www.vray.com/vray_for_rhino/manual/
3ds Max Help. 3ds Max Help [online]. Autodesk, 2013. Dostupné z: http://docs.autodesk.com/3DSMAX/16/ENU/3ds-Max-Help/

Recommended reading

CALMETTES, Julien Martínez. Best of 3D: virtual product design. Barcelona: Monsa, c2005. ISBN 84-964-2915-6.
SIMMONS, Jason. Kompletní příručka pro designéry: virtual product design. V Praze: Slovart, 2009. ISBN 978-807-3911-515.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-PDS-P Bachelor's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme B-VKP-P Bachelor's 1 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
  • Programme DES_B Bachelor's 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    3 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Computer-assisted exercise

39 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Daniel Koutný, Ph.D.

Syllabus

- Introduction to 3D modeling tools, classification of software according to purpose, user interface, general basic settings.
- Coordinate system, methods of entering coordinates, object properties, layers, basics of object creation, tools for object visibility, construction history.
- Creating and editing basic curve objects and tools for modifying them.
- Functions for creating surfaces and tools for modifying them, principles of working with solids.
- Tools for advanced object transformations, envelope transformations, surface unfolding, projection.
- Principles of SubD and NURBS model topology.
- Tools for generating drawing documentation, dimensioning, hatching, printing.
- Exporting and transferring models between software tools, preparing models for rapid prototyping, preparing models for rendering.
- Basics of 3D visualization: camera settings, composition, scene lighting, PBR, and procedural materials.
- Individual project.