Curves and Surfaces for Computer Graphics

Computer graphics is important in many areas including engineering design, architecture, education, and computer art and animation. This book examines a wide array of current methods used in creating real-looking objects in the computer, one of the main aims of computer graphics.

Key features:

- Good foundational mathematical introduction to curves and surfaces; no advanced math required

- Topics organized by different interpolation/approximation techniques, each technique providing useful information about curves and surfaces

- Exposition motivated by numerous examples and exercises sprinkled throughout, aiding the reader

- Includes a gallery of color images, Mathematica code listings, and sections on curves and surfaces by refinement and on sweep surfaces

- Web site maintained and updated by the author, providing readers with errata and auxiliary material

This engaging text is geared to a broad and general readership of computer science/architecture engineers using computer graphics to design objects, programmers for computer gamemakers, applied mathematicians, and students majoring in computer graphics and its applications. It may be used in a classroom setting or as a general reference.

• Animation
• Interpolation
• Mathematica
• architecture
• computer
• computer graphics
• computer science

From the reviews of the first edition:

"The book gives an introduction to curve and surface representation and modelling techniques that are used in the related fields of geometric modelling, computer aided geometric design (CAGD), and computer graphics. It mainly introduces newcomers to these domains as well as those interested in the mathematical background of graphics applications. It is written in a mathematically very accessible style … . Historical remarks, citations from the literature adapted to the context as well as numerous examples contribute to a pleasant and readable style." (Gudrun Albrecht, Mathematical Reviews, 2006 i)

"This book is concerned with the computation of surfaces. … The book also deals with curves … . after reading and understanding a topic, the reader should be able to design and implement the concepts discussed. … The notions are clearly introduced and are ... illustrated by figures and examples. … The book has many examples, which are important for a better understanding of the presented concepts … . Many exercises are sprinkled throughout the text. " (Marian Ioan Munteanu, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1083, 2006)

• Department of Computer Science, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, USA

  David Salomon

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