Implicit definition and description of geometric objects and surfaces plays a critical role in the appearance and manipulation of computer graphics. In addition, the mathematical definition of shapes, using an implicit form, has pivotal applications for geometric modeling, visualization and animation. Until recently, the parametric form has been by far the most popular geometric representation used in computer graphics and computer-aided design. Whereas parametric objects and the techniques associated with them have been exhaustively developed, the implicit form has been used as a complementary geometric representation, mainly in the restricted context of specific applications. However, recent developments in graphics are changing this situation, and the community is beginning to draw its attention to implicit objects. This is reflected in the current research of aspects related to this subject. Employing a coherent conceptual framework, Implicit Objects in Computer Graphics addresses the role of implicitly defined objects in the following parts: mathematical foundations of geometric models, implicit formulations for the specification of shapes, implicit primitives, techniques for constructing and manipulating implicit objects, modeling, rendering and animating implicit objects.

Implicit surfaces offer special effects animators, graphic designers, CAD engineers, graphics students, and hobbyists a new range of capabilities for the modeling of complex geometric objects. In contrast to traditional parametric surfaces, implicit surfaces can easily describe smooth, intricate, and articulatable shapes. These powerful yet easily understood surfaces are finding use in a growing number of graphics applications. This comprehensive introduction develops the fundamental concepts and techniques of implicit surface modeling, rendering, and animating in terms accessible to anyone with a basic background in computer graphics. + provides a thorough overview of implicit surfaces with a focus on their applications in graphics + explains the best methods for designing, representing, and visualizing implicit surfaces + surveys the latest research With contributions from seven graphics authorities, this innovative guide establishes implicit surfaces as a powerful and practical tool for animation and rendering.

Mathematical optimization is used in nearly all computer graphics applications, from computer vision to animation. This book teaches readers the core set of techniques that every computer graphics professional should understand in order to envision and expand the boundaries of what is possible in their work. Study of this authoritative reference will help readers develop a very powerful tool- the ability to create and decipher mathematical models that can better realize solutions to even the toughest problems confronting computer graphics community today. - Distills down a vast and complex world of information on optimization into one short, self-contained volume especially for computer graphics - Helps CG professionals identify the best technique for solving particular problems quickly, by categorizing the most effective algorithms by application - Keeps readers current by supplementing the focus on key, classic methods with special end-of-chapter sections on cutting-edge developments

The Computer Graphics Interface provides a concise discussion of computer graphics interface (CGI) standards. The title is comprised of seven chapters that cover the concepts of the CGI standard. Figures and examples are also included. The first chapter provides a general overview of CGI; this chapter covers graphics standards, functional specifications, and syntactic interfaces. Next, the book discusses the basic concepts of CGI, such as inquiry, profiles, and registration. The third chapter covers the CGI concepts and functions, while the fourth chapter deals with the concept of graphic objects. Chapter 5 discusses segments, while Chapter 6 tackles raster devices. The last chapter covers mechanism for manipulating graphic objects through the use of input/output devices. The text will be of great use to both novice and expert computer graphics artist, particularly those who are involved in designing user interface.

Implicit objects have gained increasing importance in geometric modeling, visualisation, animation, and computer graphics, because their geometric properties provide a good alternative to traditional parametric objects. This book presents the mathematics, computational methods and data structures, as well as the algorithms needed to render implicit curves and surfaces, and shows how implicit objects can easily describe smooth, intricate, and articulatable shapes, and hence why they are being increasingly used in graphical applications. Divided into two parts, the first introduces the mathematics of implicit curves and surfaces, as well as the data structures suited to store their sampled or discrete approximations, and the second deals with different computational methods for sampling implicit curves and surfaces, with particular reference to how these are applied to functions in 2D and 3D spaces.

Warping and morphing permeate the realm of computer graphics. This classic book defines the field: it presents a unifying view of warping and morphing, combining a conceptual framework with a consolidated view of the state of the art. Coverage includes deformations of various graphical objects such as plane curves, images, surfaces, and volumes. The authors developed a full-featured warping and morphing system, Morphos, where several types of graphical objects and computation techniques coexist. Morphos is included on the companion CD-ROM. This book and CD-ROM offer the most comprehensive professional reference available on warping and morphing techniques. Together they are the complete source for both researchers whose main interests are in the mathematical and conceptual foundations and computer graphics professionals who need to incorporate more warping and morphing techniques into their applications. Features: *The latest warping and morphing techniques and examples *An entire chapter on image-based rendering techniques and how they relate to warping and morphing *Companion CD-ROM containing source code and documentation for the Morphos system *Links to www.visgraf.impa.br/morph/, which provides an online bibliography and pointers to other regularly updated morphing websites

Heterogeneous object modelling is a new and quickly developing research area. This book is one of the first attempts to systematically cover the most relevant themes and problems of this new and challenging subject area. It is a collection of invited papers and papers co-authored by the editors. Each chapter presents either new research results or a survey on the following topics: Formal models and abstractions of heterogeneous objects including geometric, topological, discrete and continuous models, operations forming special algebras and conversions between different model types. Data structures and algorithms for representing, modifying and computing with heterogeneous objects. Computational techniques for the design, reconstruction, optimization, analysis and simulation of heterogeneous objects that incorporate information on shape, material and physical behavior using a common framework. Applications of heterogeneous object modelling in engineering and scientific areas, including geophysical, biomedical, artistic and multi-material fabrication applications.

Computer Graphics from Scratch demystifies the algorithms used in modern graphics software and guides beginners through building photorealistic 3D renders. Computer graphics programming books are often math-heavy and intimidating for newcomers. Not this one. Computer Graphics from Scratch takes a simpler approach by keeping the math to a minimum and focusing on only one aspect of computer graphics, 3D rendering. You’ll build two complete, fully functional renderers: a raytracer, which simulates rays of light as they bounce off objects, and a rasterizer, which converts 3D models into 2D pixels. As you progress you’ll learn how to create realistic reflections and shadows, and how to render a scene from any point of view. Pseudocode examples throughout make it easy to write your renderers in any language, and links to live JavaScript demos of each algorithm invite you to explore further on your own. Learn how to: Use perspective projection to draw 3D objects on a 2D plane Simulate the way rays of light interact with surfaces Add mirror-like reflections and cast shadows to objects Render a scene from any camera position using clipping planes Use flat, Gouraud, and Phong shading to mimic real surface lighting Paint texture details onto basic shapes to create realistic-looking objects Whether you’re an aspiring graphics engineer or a novice programmer curious about how graphics algorithms work, Gabriel Gambetta’s simple, clear explanations will quickly put computer graphics concepts and rendering techniques within your reach. All you need is basic coding knowledge and high school math. Computer Graphics from Scratch will cover the rest.

This supplement to the Encyclopedia of Computer Science and Technology looks at subjects ranging from algorithmic learning theory to statistical language modelling.