3D Computer Graphics (3rd Edition)

This is a third edition of a book that deals with the processes involved in converting a mathematical or geometric description of an object (a computer graphics model) into a visualisation (a 2D projection) that simulates the appearance of a real object. Algorithms in computer graphics mostly function in a 3D domain and the creations in this space are then mapped into a 2D display or image plane at a late stage in the overall process. Traditionally computer graphics has created pictures by starting with a very detailed geometric description, subjecting this to a series of transformations that orient a viewer and objects in 3D space, then imitating reality by making the objects look solid and real - a process known as rendering. Nowadays this is proving insufficient for the new demands of moving computer imagery and virtual reality and much research is being carried out into how to model complex objects, where the nature and shape of the object changes dynamically and into capturing the richness of the world without having to model every detail explicitly. Such efforts are resulting in diverse synthesis methods and modelling methods. This book will act as a complete resource for anyone interested in 3D modelling, providing detailed coverage of both realistic and nonrealistic images. This book will enable you to master the fundamentals of 3D computer graphics. As well as incorporating recent advances across all of computer graphics it contains new chapters on • Advanced radiosity • Animation • Pre-calculation techniques and includes a CD containing a 400 image study.