Learning Computer Graphics: From 3D Models to Animated Movies on Your PC [With CDROM]

By Rajesh Pai, Govil-Pai, Shalini Govil-Pai

Book Overview

- Modeling - creating objects in three-dimensional space. - Animation - assigning a time-varying geometry and behavior to the modeled object. - Rendering - creating a photorealistic image of the modeled object. - Image Manipulation - enhancing rendered images to produce desired special effects. This book is organized to give the reader a clear and concise over- view of the above basic principles in computer graphics. New concepts introduced in a chapter are illustrated by hands-on projects using the software provided. The chapters are organized as described below: Chapter 1 providesanoverviewofcomputergraphics (CG) andhow it has evolved. It includes an introduction to computer graphics ter- minology and definitions. Chapter 2 describes what modeling means in CG. The concept of wire frame models is elucidated. Basic models (sphere, cube, cylinder, cone, polygon) are covered and an insight into polygonal representa- tions of other complex objects is also provided. The projects included in this chapter involve use of modeling concepts leamed in the chapter. Chapter 3 discusses animation in detail. Principles of frame ani- mation and real time animation are explained. The reader is given the opportunity to animate the modeled objects from Chapter 2. Chapter 4 covers rendering of the wire frame objects created in Chapter 2. The fundamentals oflighting, shading, and texture mapping are discussed. The objects created in Chapter 2 are rendered by the user and the complete animation is seen in a rendered form.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0387948988
• ISBN13: 9780387948980
• Release Date: December 1998
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

I found myself quickly learning the basics of CG

This book is for everyone who wants to learn about Computer Graphics(CG). It teaches the basics of CG through a series of lively projects. You are immediately creating CG - not just reading about CG. Learning Computer Graphics covers 2D and 3D modeling, animation, rendering (shading and texturing), and postproduction (including special effects). I found myself quickly learning the basics of each section and then experimenting with the tool box. All the software you need is included with the book. This book is what 5 stars is all about!

Excellent book for beginners to learn computer animation

I have always been fascinated by animation movies such as Toy Story, and the computer graphics effect created in movies such as Jurassic park. I have always thought that the software would be extremely complicated to write. This book explains the basics of computer graphics in a very simple form. It is an excellent book for all novices in this field such as myself. I have begun to view the animation films in a new light since I read this book. I would recoommend it highly for any new learner or for a beginner class text book.

A good book for beginners to graphics

I found this to be a really neat book for anyone wanting an exposure to graphics. It gives a high level view of the subject without getting into too much of the math details that tend to bog other books. A comprehensive bibliography points the reader in the direction of further learning. The organization of the book with chapters focussing on modelling, animation and rendering take the users on a tour of graphics without losing sight of the "big picture." Although I did not try the accompanying CD, I am sure trying it with the suggested projects that are interspersed throughtout the book would have made the exposure to graphics all that more entertaining and rewarding.