3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR

Overview

Class Central Tips

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.

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.

Textures, Multiple Objects and Blending

In this module, we're going to look at making scenes and objects even more realistic. We'll begin by learning how to apply textures to objects. We'll then look at creating multiple 3D objects and how to combine these using transparency and blending.

Creating a virtual environment

In this module, we'll build on the topics we've covered so far to create interactive virtual environments. We'll begin by looking at what sensors are available on Android phones and how we can use them. We'll then look at the frame buffer and the effects we can produce with it. Finally, we'll look at implementing the VR binocular view.