3D model viewer
Example program idea: an interactive tool for loading and viewing 3D models, to demonstrate OpenGL integration.
The program would parse a PLY file (filename given on the command line), and render it in 3D. (Note: the gl-utils egg comes with a built-in PLY loader.) For simplicity, ignore textures and materials, just render as flat-shaded gray polygons. Use three-point lighting that moves with the camera. User can control the camera with the mouse (turntable controls):
- Click and drag left and right orbits around the vertical axis.
- Click and drag up and down lowers or raises the camera, but the camera tilts to stay pointed at the center of the model.
- Mouse wheel, right click and drag, or ctrl+left click and drag dollies in and out.
Provide a few low-poly (<5000 triangles), freely-licensed models in the program directory. Maybe Suzanne the Blender monkey head, the Utah teapot, and the Stanford bunny, if they are freely licensed. Otherwise find some low-poly Creative Commons licensed 3D models.