College of Engineering and Applied Science

The Computer Graphics Laboratory at UC Denver was established in 1999 as an interdisciplinary research lab. It is dedicated to the development of interactive computer graphics and scientific visualization techniques. Current research topics include physically-based modeling, animation and interaction in virtual environments with an emphasis on medical and bioinformatics applications.

The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art graphics equipment including the latest GPU-powered workstations, stereoscopic 3D glasses, high-resolution digital video cameras, capturing and encoding devices and multimedia software.

This lab's research activities are unique at UC Denver, and they are recognized by international science and engineering communities. Previous funding agencies include NSF, NIH, Alzheimer's Association, Microsoft, SGI and CASI. The lab has published many peer-reviewed papers, which can be downloaded from the lab Web site.

Based on the research activities, lab director Dr. Min Choi has received the Research and Creative Activities Award from UC Denver, an NSF Career Award from the National Science Foundation and Best Paper awards from international conferences. He has served on NSF and NIH grant review panels, and he has been invited to international conferences as chairs and plenary speakers, program committees and editorial boards on numerous occasions.

Current research topics in the Computer Graphics Lab include physically-based modeling, animation and interaction in virtual environments for medical and bioinformatics applications.

One of our latest projects, "Virtual Reality Assessment of Visuospatial Disorientation in Alzheimer's," was supported by the Alzheimer's Association. 

The complete list of previous and current research projects funded by NSF, NIH, SGI, Microsoft, CASI and CIT can be found on the lab's Website.

The director of the Computer Graphics Laboratory is Min-Hyung Choi, PhD, associate professor of computer science and engineering.

Office: North Classroom, room 2404-C3
E-mail: min.choi@ucdenver.edu
Phone: 303-556-8425
Fax: 303-556-8369

University of Colorado Denver
Campus Box 109
PO Box 173364
Denver, CO 80217

Prof. Choi received his MS and PhD from University of Iowa in 1996 and 1999 respectively. He joined the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Colorado Denver in 1999.

His research interests are in computer graphics, scientific visualization and human computer interaction with an emphasis on physically-based modeling and simulation for medical and bioinformatics applications.

Currently he is the director of Computer Graphics and Virtual Environments Laboratory and an associate of the Center for Computational Biology. He is a core program faculty of UC Denver Bioinformatics and also an affiliated associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at University of Colorado at Boulder.

In 2003, he received the NSF CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation, and he received the 2006 Excellence in Research and Creative Activities Award from the University of Colorado Denver.

He also actively participates in student mentoring and advising through the university's Annual Research and Creative Activities Symposium.

CSCI 4565/5565 Introduction to Computer Graphics

To develop understanding of and gain experience with the basic techniques of interactive computer graphics. There will be substantial emphasis on 3D graphics and on developing proficiency in OpenGL graphics programming.

CSCI 5585 Advanced Computer Graphics

In-depth study of active research topics in computer graphics. Topics include advanced rendering (radiosity, global illumination, BRDF, etc.) and geometric modeling (advanced curved surface modeling, level of detail, sub-division surfaces, etc.).

CSCI 5801 Computer Animation

State-of-the-art techniques for computer animation with an emphasis on the 3D graphics and physically-based simulation. Topics include fundamental 3D graphics, modeling, kinematics, rigging and dynamics.

CSCI 4920 Computer Game Design and Programming

This course will focus on a practical, example-driven approach to learning the unique art of 3D game development. Topics will include graphics game engines, textures, shader programming, GPU, modeling, sound effect and techniques for user interface.