An interdisciplinary computer graphics and image processing laboratory is being developed by the Departments of Computer Science, and Physics and Applied Optics. Laboratory facilities permit undergraduate students to investigate the effects of hidden surface removal, color, shading, and lighting on computer graphics images. Students also study edge detection algorithms, image reconstruction, and holographic interferometry. Animation sequences are generated in the laboratory in real time or frame by frame and stored on videotape. The equipment allows students to undertake senior projects that investigate graphical display methods for scientific and engineering data. The laboratory supports a new, team-taught interdisciplinary course in medical image processing. As part of the course, students learn about graphical display methods for medical data. This significantly enhances the preparation of Rose-Hulman students participating in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at the NSF sponsored Engineering Research Center at Duke University, where graphical display methods for cardiovascular data are being studied. Computer science and applied optics students interact with each other in the laboratory, consulting on each other's projects as well as doing joint, interdisciplinary projects. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue undergraduate research in computer graphics and image processing with the laboratory equipment, and to publish the results of their work.
