Foundations of 3D Computer Graphics

Computer graphics technology is an amazing success story. Today, all of our PCs arecapable of producing high-quality computer-generated images, mostly in the form of video games andvirtual-life environments; every summer blockbuster movie includes jaw-dropping computer generatedspecial effects. This book explains the fundamental concepts of 3D computer graphics. It introducesthe basic algorithmic technology needed to produce 3D computer graphics, and covers such topics asunderstanding and manipulating 3D geometric transformations, camera transformations, theimage-rendering process, and materials and texture mapping. It also touches on advanced topicsincluding color representations, light simulation, dealing with geometric representations, andproducing animated computer graphics.

The book takes special care to develop anoriginal exposition that is accessible and concise but also offers a clear explanation of the moredifficult and subtle mathematical issues. The topics are organized around a modern shader-basedversion of OpenGL, a widely used computer graphics application programming interface that provides areal-time "rasterization-based" rendering environment. Each chapter concludes withexercises. The book is suitable for a rigorous one-semester introductory course in computer graphicsfor upper-level undergraduates or as a professional reference. Readers should be moderatelycompetent programmers and have had some experience with linear algebra. After mastering the materialpresented, they will be on the path to expertise in an exciting and challenging field.

Steven J. Gortler is Robert I. Goldman Professor of Computer Science at Harvard University.