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Benny Lo
This course is an ideal introduction into creating virtual environments in Android. This course is unique as it covers a range of tools and techniques to create immersive 3D environments, giving you a rounded skill set in this growing field. By the end of this course, you will really be able to bring your VR ideas to life!
The first part of the course covers animation, lighting and reflection. We then move onto textures and handling multiple 3D objects. Finally, we'll look at housing all of this within a binocular view to create a VR experience.
Read more
This course is an ideal introduction into creating virtual environments in Android. This course is unique as it covers a range of tools and techniques to create immersive 3D environments, giving you a rounded skill set in this growing field. By the end of this course, you will really be able to bring your VR ideas to life!
The first part of the course covers animation, lighting and reflection. We then move onto textures and handling multiple 3D objects. Finally, we'll look at housing all of this within a binocular view to create a VR experience.
Read more
This course is an ideal introduction into creating virtual environments in Android. This course is unique as it covers a range of tools and techniques to create immersive 3D environments, giving you a rounded skill set in this growing field. By the end of this course, you will really be able to bring your VR ideas to life!
The first part of the course covers animation, lighting and reflection. We then move onto textures and handling multiple 3D objects. Finally, we'll look at housing all of this within a binocular view to create a VR experience.
There are practical exercises throughout the course to apply your understanding, and there is a summative project which can form part of your professional portfolio.
This course assumes a knowledge of Android programming and OpenGL. I recommend completing my two Coursera courses on these topics, as these are the perfect primer.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/he7q0b/3d
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What's inside
Syllabus
Animation, Touch Control and Lighting
In this first module, we're going to look at some core functions which we can use within Android to create 3D objects and scenes. We'll begin by looking at how we can add animation to 3D objects and make these interactive using touch control. We'll then look at using lighting and reflection to make our 3D objects look more realistic.
Read more
Syllabus
Animation, Touch Control and Lighting
In this first module, we're going to look at some core functions which we can use within Android to create 3D objects and scenes. We'll begin by looking at how we can add animation to 3D objects and make these interactive using touch control. We'll then look at using lighting and reflection to make our 3D objects look more realistic.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a good foundation in VR concepts and development, including animation, lighting, textures, and environment creation
Designed for learners with existing knowledge of Android programming and OpenGL
Led by an experienced instructor, Benny Lo
Covers practical aspects through exercises and a summative project
Offers hands-on experience in creating VR apps using binocular view
Provides a comprehensive introduction to VR development for Android
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Reviews summary
3d graphics and vr in android
According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to creating 3D graphics and VR environments in Android. Many students found the content, particularly the focus on sensors and building a VR app, to be interesting and practical. While the course provides a good overview of key concepts like animation, lighting, textures, and blending, some learners felt that certain topics could benefit from more in-depth explanation or additional examples. The course assumes a strong foundation in Android and OpenGL, and reviewers confirm that this prerequisite knowledge is essential for success. Overall, it is seen as a valuable starting point for developers looking to dive into mobile VR.
Covers core 3D graphics and VR basics.
"The course does a good job covering the fundamentals like lighting, textures, and basic animation."
"I gained a solid understanding of how sensors can be used for VR movement."
"The modules on blending and multiple objects were particularly useful."
"It provides a good overview of the necessary steps to create a simple VR scene in Android."
Focuses on applying concepts to build a VR app.
"I loved the final project where I got to build a real VR app; it really ties everything together."
"The practical exercises throughout the course were very helpful in applying what I learned."
"The hands-on approach, especially with the sensors and binocular view, is a major strength."
"I appreciate that the course leads up to creating a full VR app; it makes the learning feel very practical."
Some coding examples have bugs or are unclear.
"Debugging the sample code took up a significant amount of time."
"I encountered some issues with the provided code snippets; they didn't always work out of the box."
"Some examples felt a bit outdated or didn't follow best practices."
"Clearer and more robust code examples would greatly improve the learning experience."
Some topics lack detailed explanation.
"While the topics covered are good, I wished some areas had more in-depth lectures or examples."
"Could use more advanced techniques or optimization tips for performance."
"I had to look up additional resources to fully grasp certain concepts, especially regarding the rendering pipeline."
"The explanation of the frame buffer felt a bit rushed."
Assumes solid knowledge of Android and OpenGL.
"As the course description states, a solid background in Android and OpenGL is absolutely crucial."
"If you don't know OpenGL well, you will struggle with the coding assignments."
"This course is not for beginners; make sure you meet the prerequisites."
"Prior experience with 3D graphics concepts helped me follow along much better."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR with these
activities:
Review Android Programming
Show steps
Refresh your memory on Android programming concepts to ensure a smooth transition into this course.
Show steps
-
Review the basics of Android app development.
-
Practice creating simple Android apps.
Refresh Java Coding
Show steps
Reinforce your Java coding skills before starting the course to ensure a strong foundation.
Browse courses on
Java
Show steps
-
Review basic Java syntax and data types.
-
Practice writing simple Java programs.
-
Solve coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
Follow OpenGL Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of OpenGL by following online tutorials and practicing with sample code.
Browse courses on
OpenGL
Show steps
-
Find online tutorials that cover OpenGL basics.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step to create simple 3D objects.
-
Experiment with different OpenGL functions and parameters.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Collaborate with peers by joining a study group to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and provide support.
Browse courses on
virtual reality
Show steps
-
Find a study group that aligns with your learning goals.
-
Attend study sessions regularly.
Practice Animation and Lighting
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of animation and lighting by completing practice drills and exercises.
Browse courses on
Animation
Show steps
-
Create scenarios that involve moving objects and lighting changes.
-
Experiment with different animation techniques and lighting effects.
Build a Virtual Environment Prototype
Show steps
Apply your skills by creating a prototype of a virtual environment that incorporates animation, textures, and interaction.
Show steps
-
Design the layout and structure of your virtual environment.
-
Implement object placement, movement, and interactions.
-
Add textures and lighting to enhance realism.
Contribute to an Open-Source VR Project
Show steps
Expand your knowledge by contributing to an open-source VR project, gaining practical experience and insights.
Browse courses on
virtual reality
Show steps
-
Identify an open-source VR project that interests you.
-
Find a way to contribute, such as reporting bugs or writing documentation.
Develop a VR Application
Show steps
Showcase your skills by creating a fully functional VR application that combines animation, textures, and interaction.
Browse courses on
virtual reality
Show steps
-
Conceptualize your VR application's purpose and features.
-
Design and implement the user interface and interactions.
-
Optimize your application for performance and stability.
Review Android Programming
Show steps
Refresh your memory on Android programming concepts to ensure a smooth transition into this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the basics of Android app development.
- Practice creating simple Android apps.
Refresh Java Coding
Show steps
Reinforce your Java coding skills before starting the course to ensure a strong foundation.
Browse courses on
Java
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic Java syntax and data types.
- Practice writing simple Java programs.
- Solve coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
Follow OpenGL Tutorials
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of OpenGL by following online tutorials and practicing with sample code.
Browse courses on
OpenGL
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online tutorials that cover OpenGL basics.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step to create simple 3D objects.
- Experiment with different OpenGL functions and parameters.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Collaborate with peers by joining a study group to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and provide support.
Browse courses on
virtual reality
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group that aligns with your learning goals.
- Attend study sessions regularly.
Practice Animation and Lighting
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of animation and lighting by completing practice drills and exercises.
Browse courses on
Animation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create scenarios that involve moving objects and lighting changes.
- Experiment with different animation techniques and lighting effects.
Build a Virtual Environment Prototype
Show steps
Apply your skills by creating a prototype of a virtual environment that incorporates animation, textures, and interaction.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Design the layout and structure of your virtual environment.
- Implement object placement, movement, and interactions.
- Add textures and lighting to enhance realism.
Contribute to an Open-Source VR Project
Show steps
Expand your knowledge by contributing to an open-source VR project, gaining practical experience and insights.
Browse courses on
virtual reality
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify an open-source VR project that interests you.
- Find a way to contribute, such as reporting bugs or writing documentation.
Develop a VR Application
Show steps
Showcase your skills by creating a fully functional VR application that combines animation, textures, and interaction.
Browse courses on
virtual reality
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Conceptualize your VR application's purpose and features.
- Design and implement the user interface and interactions.
- Optimize your application for performance and stability.
Career center
Learners who complete 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Virtual Reality (VR) Developer
Virtual Reality (VR) Developer
Virtual Reality (VR) Developers use their knowledge of 3D modeling, animation, and programming to create virtual reality experiences. This course would be very helpful for those in this role, as it will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for VR Developers.
Technical Artist
Technical Artist
Technical Artists use their knowledge of both art and technology to create 3D models, textures, and animations for use in video games, movies, and other media. This course would be very helpful for those in this role, as it will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Technical Artists.
3D Modeler
3D Modeler
3D Modelers use their knowledge of 3D modeling software to create 3D models for use in a variety of applications, such as video games, movies, and architecture. This course would be very helpful for those in this role, as it will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for 3D Modelers.
Augmented Reality (AR) Developer
Augmented Reality (AR) Developer
Augmented Reality (AR) Developers use their knowledge of 3D modeling, animation, and programming to create augmented reality experiences. This course would be very helpful for those in this role, as it will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for AR Developers.
Special Effects Artist and Animator
Special Effects Artist and Animator
Special Effects Artists and Animators create visual effects for movies, television shows, and video games. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create realistic and visually appealing effects. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Special Effects Artists and Animators.
Multimedia Artist and Animator
Multimedia Artist and Animator
Multimedia Artists and Animators create visual content for a variety of media, including video games, movies, and television shows. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create realistic and engaging content. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Multimedia Artists and Animators.
Mobile Application Developer
Mobile Application Developer
Mobile Application Developers design, develop, and maintain mobile applications. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create interactive and visually appealing mobile apps. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Mobile Application Developers.
Video Game Designer
Video Game Designer
Video Game Designers create the overall concept, design, and gameplay for video games. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create the game's environment and characters. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Video Game Designers.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web Developers design and develop websites. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create interactive and engaging web content. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Web Developers.
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designer
Interaction Designers design the user interface and user experience of products and services. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create prototypes and mockups of user interfaces. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Interaction Designers.
User Experience (UX) Designer
User Experience (UX) Designer
User Experience (UX) Designers design the overall user experience of products and services. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create prototypes and mockups of user interfaces. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for UX Designers.
Product Designer
Product Designer
Product Designers create the overall design of products, including their appearance, functionality, and user experience. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create prototypes and mockups of products. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Product Designers.
Software Developer
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course would be helpful for those in this role, who often use 3D modeling and animation software to create interactive and visually appealing applications. The course will teach students the fundamentals of 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Software Developers.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafter
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafter
A Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter uses computer software to create detailed technical drawings. A 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR course would be appropriate for those in this role to enhance their visualization and spatial reasoning skills. Using programs such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, professionals in this role may use their understanding of 3D modeling to create virtual models of buildings, landscapes, and other structures.
Front-End Developer
Front-End Developer
Front End Developers are responsible for the design and implementation of the user interface of a website or web application. This course may be useful for those in this role, as it will teach students how to create interactive and engaging 3D content for the web. The course will cover topics such as 3D modeling, animation, and lighting, which are essential skills for Front End Developers.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/he7q0b/3d
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR.
Provides a comprehensive overview of 3D graphics for game developers. It covers all of the essential topics, including 3D modeling, animation, and lighting.
Save
Provides a collection of recipes for using OpenGL Shading Language. It covers a wide range of topics, including creating shaders for different effects, using textures, and using lighting.
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer graphics using OpenGL. It covers all of the essential topics, including 3D transformations, projections, and lighting.
Save
Provides a mathematical introduction to 3D computer graphics and OpenGL. It covers the mathematics behind 3D transformations, projections, and lighting, and it provides a detailed overview of the OpenGL API.
Provides a practical guide to creating VR projects using Unity 2020. It covers all of the essential topics, including setting up a VR project, creating VR content, and deploying VR apps.
Provides a comprehensive overview of virtual reality and augmented reality. It covers the history of VR/AR, the different types of VR/AR devices, and the applications of VR/AR in various fields.
Save
Provides a collection of recipes for using sensors in Android devices. It covers a wide range of topics, including using the accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/he7q0b/3d
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Effort
4 weeks of study, around 6 hours per week. The final project will take around 10 hours to complete.
Level
Advanced
Via
Coursera
Institution
Imperial College London
Instructor
Benny Lo
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Advanced App Development in Android. It's comprised of four courses:
- Introduction to Android graphics
- 3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR (viewing)
- Advanced App Development in Android Capstone
- Android Graphics with OpenGL ES
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