3D Computer Graphics (3rd Edition) (3d Computer Graphics)

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 592 pages
• Published by: Addison Wesley
• Edition: 3rd Edition December 16, 1999
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0201398559
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0201398557
• Book Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 1.3 inches
• Weighs: 2.7 pounds

Product Review
The third edition of Alan Watt's 3D Computer Graphics, a bible of computer graphics, includes a CD-ROM full of examples and updated information on graphics and rendering algorithms. The book discusses many of the techniques that have evolved in the seven years since the previous edition was published.

3D Computer Graphics is a textbook, and it's designed for serious programmers creating graphics applications (not end users). Over the course of 16 sections, Watt introduces the concepts and implementation of computer imaging, from "Mathematical basics of Computer Graphics" to "Representation and Rendering" and ending with "Image-Based Rendering and Photo-Modeling." The last section, devoted to computer animation, includes methods for linked structures, collision detection, and particle animation (to name a few).

Although the topics are sometimes hard to grasp, Mr. Watt writes clearly and concisely, making generous use of diagrams to help convey the principles described in the text.

The accompanying CD-ROM includes over a dozen studies of computer graphics techniques and rendering algorithms. Presented in HTML, the exhaustive studies, each with a matrix of thumbnails, demonstrates the varied achievable results. One minor complaint here: although the thumbnails can be clicked to view a much greater image, the greater versions come in .tif format, which few (if any) Web browsers can view. Users will need another application to view them. Having the large image in .jpg format would have enabled the reader to view it in the already-open Web browser.

3D Computer Graphics is ideally suited to graphics programmers and researchers working to create new medical imaging devices; geological research systems; virtual structural testing systems for aircraft, cars, and spacecraft; or effects and photorealistic Hollywood animation. --Mike Caputo

Book Info
Acts as a complete resource for anyone interested in 3D modelling, providing detailed coverage of both realistic and nonrealistic images. Deals with the processes involved in converting a mathematical or geometric description of an object (a computer graphics model) into a visualization (2D) that simulates the appearance of a real object.

Reader Reviews
The other reviews are right that this is not a beginner's book. However, it is a terrific book for those that are familiar with the basics of graphics and want to learn a very modern view of modeling and rendering. There are a few rough spots, but overall the book is well-written, nicely illustrated, and extremely up-to-date. Also, the author really seems to understand the material in both rendering and modeling. That alone makes the book a real treat. Comment | | (Report this)