David Halbstein Headshot

David Halbstein

Associate Professor

School of Design
College of Art and Design

585-475-3982
Office Location

David Halbstein

Associate Professor

School of Design
College of Art and Design

Education

BA, MA, William Patterson University

585-475-3982

Areas of Expertise

Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Riddle, Scott, et al. "Retopoligizing MRI and Diffusion Tensor Tractography Datasets for Real Time Interactivity." Journal of Biocommunications 39. 1 (2013) Print.
Full Length Book
Foster, Shaun and David Halbstein. Integrating 3D Modeling, Photogrammetry and Design. ISBN 978-1-4471-6328-2 ed. : Springer Publishing Company, 2013. Print.
Published Conference Proceedings
Halbstein, David and Susan Lakin. "The Collaborative Composite Image at RIT: The MAG Project Article No. 87." Proceedings of the SIGGRAPH Asia 2013 Symposium. New York, NY: Mobile Graphics and Interactive Applications, 2013. Print.
Halbstein, David and Susan Lakin. "The Collaborative Composite Image at RIT: The MAG Project Article No. 8." Proceedings of the SIGGRAPH 2013 Symposium. Ed. ISBN 978-1-4053-2341-3. New york, NY: Mobile Graphics and Interactive Applications, 2013. Print.
Halbstein, David and Shaun Foster. "Screencasting Strategies: Heuristics for Using Video Content in 3D Computer Graphics Technological and Aesthetic Education Article No. 14." Proceedings of the SIGGRAPH 2013. Ed. ISBN 978-1-4503-2343-7. New York, NY: ACM Studio Talks, 2013. Print.

Currently Teaching

DDDD-202
3 Credits
Students learn to utilize render layers and to create effects using software that makes it possible to incorporate multiple layers of image and audio into a single project. Issues related to integrating images created using different renders is covered. Emphasis is placed on incorporating various elements into a cohesive whole matching lighting and perspective.
DDDD-207
3 Credits
The course will focus on advanced techniques in lighting, materials, and rendering. Students will light objects and spaces. Students will use shading networks to incorporate groups of two-dimensional and three-dimensional textures into realistic and non-photorealistic materials. Students will learn to use texture maps instead of detail in models to increase interaction speeds. Textures are used to prototype simple models into complex scenes before completion of final geometry. Normal maps and displacement textures are used to create detail in model UVs. Use of the node-based system to control many aspects of the 3D environment is covered. Use of textures to simulate non-dynamic lights and shadows is introduced. Planning for the economical use of textures and for the replacement of models with texture maps in level of detail (LOD) situations will be addressed as well. Students will learn to design effective render layers and explore the strengths and weaknesses of various renderers to make effective judgments about which renderer to use in a given situation.
DDDD-208
3 Credits
Lessons introduced in lecture will be applied during figure drawing sessions. These lessons describe a proportion system developed by Robert Beverly Hale to define the human skeleton. After studying the skeleton, the course focuses on all major muscle groups and their influence on the human form.
DDDD-209
3 Credits
In this course students learn to develop design documents, timelines, budgets, marketing plans, and supporting material for potential projects. A project of their own design is then fully implemented and presented at the end of the term.
DDDD-400
3 Credits
The course focuses on the creation of the capstone project for the completion of the 3D Digital Design degree. This course will guide students through their individual three-dimensional digital design project from the planning stage, through completion and to presentation. Students will refine and complete their projects as well as prepare their capstone pieces for competitions. Completed projects will be presented in a senior capstone exhibition.
DDDD-403
3 Credits
The course focuses on the completion of a major three-dimensional digital design project from the planning stage, through completion and presentation. Based on the feedback received in the critique at the end of the previous sections of Senior Capstone I, students will refine and complete their project and prepare to submit their work to competitions and integrate it into their portfolio. Finished projects are presented in a Senior Capstone show.
DDDD-517
3 Credits
The course focuses on implementing, advanced, newly developing ideas in three-dimensional computer graphics. The specific topic varies and is determined by the instructor. A specific course outline is provided each time the course is taught. Potential topics include the creation of interactive installations, game asset design, digital performances, cyber fashion, network art, locative media, scientific visualization, information visualization, event design, projection design, or any new area in digital design. This course has a subtopic and may be repeated with different subtopics; subtopics cannot be repeated.
DDDD-521
3 Credits
This course will cover the design of characters and then the creation of them using three-dimensional software, inverse kinematics, parent and rigid binding, bones, and deformers. Students will design characters using techniques like interpretant matrices, model sheets, sketches, and maquettes followed by development of actual characters in software. Characters are designed for incorporation into motion graphics, games, real time applications, performance, or visualization.
DDDD-599
1 - 6 Credits
3D Digital Design Independent Study will provide students with the ability to study in a specialized area with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty advisor will propose a course of study. 3D Digital Design independent study students must obtain permission of an instructor and complete the Independent Study Permission Form to enroll.
VCDE-799
1 - 4 Credits
Visual Communication Design Independent Study will allow students to obtain instruction in specialized areas of interest to enhance their individual course of study. Working with a faculty adviser, students will propose a focused curriculum related to their academic and/or future career interests. Visual Communication Design Independent Study students must obtain permission of an instructor to enroll.**NOTE: Student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA **

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