Information about the CS326A programming project:

 

Ideally, each project should be done by a team of two students, each bringing different skills, e.g., 3-D graphics and application problem. But single-student and three-student projects are acceptable.

 

The project consists of designing, implementing, and experimenting with a motion planner to solve an “interesting” problem. These are some possible topics, but you may come up with your own. For most topics, I attach a relevant paper (usually one that will be studied in class).

 

  1. Navigate intuitively in a complex virtual environment [paper1] [paper2] [paper3]
  2. Plan motion of multi-legged robot (e.g., quadruped) in irregular natural environment: selection of foot placements + generation of motion between foot placements [hardcopy of paper distributed in class]
  3. Plan inspection motion of complex structures [paper]
  4. Search for an evading target and escape an observer [paper]
  5. Plan the motion of a small groups of characters [paper1] [paper2]
  6. Verification of building code (access for wheelchairs, fire/emergency exits, …) [paper]

 

You will eventually demonstrate the implemented software graphically on multiple examples. Those teams who are unsure of their abilities to demonstrate 3-D simulators should opt for a project with 2-D graphics only. All above projects may give more interesting demos with 3-D graphics, but projects 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done with 2-D graphics only. Project 1 requires 3-D graphics. Projects 4 and 5 will loose little with just 2-D graphics.

 

Timetable:

 

- April 11: Form teams and pre-select a project topic. Email me proposal with brief description

 

- April 14-18: Meet with me to refine project

 

- May 2, 16: Email me progress reports (a few lines each). Tell me asap if you meet difficult problems that you can’t solve.

 

- June 2-6, 9: Present projects: demos, and poster. A presentation will last about 30-45 min. You will describe the project to me (using the poster), show demos, and discuss limitations. I will ask questions. Other students (and other people) may attend.