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Session 2178

The Database Imperative in Computer Graphics Projects

Ronald J. Glotzbach Purdue University

Abstract Applications of ideas and projects in Computer Graphics Technology have developed more and more into requiring a database to drive some or all of it on the back-end. Is an imperative developing where universities are more in need of producing students with database development or administration capabilities? This paper focuses on engineering projects with database involvement, attempting to determine the level of knowledge students should have and in what areas. Web-development projects in particular typically require at least one database on the server. In addition, many multimedia and manufacturing projects require databases, anything from Product Data Management systems on a company intranet to collaborative multimedia in a classroom. What requisite knowledge does a student need to competently work with a database that comprises only a portion of a larger project? Which database management system(s) should a student learn and does one provide an advantage over the others?

Introduction Applications of ideas and projects in Computer Graphics Technology have developed more into requiring a database to drive some or all of it on a server. The Web has grown past the days of static HTML pages and into an age of dynamics4. Designing the user interface was a typical job when web sites were static. Only being able to produce the user interface is no longer enough; now the typical web developer is tasked with that and the creation of dynamic content, which is typically driven by a database residing on the server. Other areas also have the same database imperative, such as multimedia and manufacturing applications. These areas have grown to see personal portfolios, interactive games, collaborative data projects and data management systems where it is not uncommon to have a database back-end.

With these ideas and projects in mind, a Computer Graphics Technology student’s requisite knowledge of databases and database management systems should be strong in three primary areas: theory, design, and application. This paper will discuss each of these as they apply to Computer Graphics projects.

Theory When focusing on database-related subjects, students should have a strong background in theory, design, and application. A lacking in one of these areas would be a detriment to the student’s education. To some extent, the three build upon one another. It is necessary to know the theory of database architecture before starting to design a database3. Likewise, proper design concepts need to be taught and then applied so that students are prepared for real-world applications.

“Proceedings of the 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2003, American Society for Engineering Education”

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Glotzbach, R. (2003, June), The Database Imperative In Computer Graphics Projects Paper presented at 2003 Annual Conference, Nashville, Tennessee. 10.18260/1-2--12043