The rules behind - tutorial on generative modeling: Tutorial presented at Symposium on Geometry Processing, 9-11 July in Cardiff

This tutorial introduces the concepts and techniques of generative modeling. It starts with some introductory examples in the first learning unit to motivate the main idea: to describe a shape using an algorithm. After the explanation of technical terms, the second unit focuses on technical details of algorithm descriptions, programming languages, grammars and compiler construction, which play an important role in generative modeling. The purely geometric aspects are covered by the third learning unit. It comprehends the concepts of geometric building blocks and advanced modeling operations. Notes on semantic modeling aspects i.e. the meaning of a shape complete this unit and introduce the inverse problem. What is the perfect generative description for a real object? The answer to this question is discussed in the fourth learning unit while its application is shown (among other applications of generative and inverse-generative modeling) in the fifth unit. The discussion of open research questions concludes this tutorial. The assumed background knowledge of the audience comprehends basics of computer science (including algorithm design and the principles of programming languages) as well as a general knowledge of computer graphics. The tutorial takes approximately 120min. and enables the attendees to take an active part in future research on generative modeling.