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Fundamentals of Three-Dimensional Computer Graphics by Alan Watt Recommended

ISBN: 0-201-15442-0       Publisher: Addison-Wesley       Pages: 428pp       Price: £22-95.

Categories:   graphics

Reviewed by Lyn Holman in C Vu 4-3 (Mar 1992)

This book covers a lot of ground and progresses from 'simple' 3-d manipulation, through reflection and ray- tracing and on to parametric representation of 3-d objects. This is followed by ray tracing and advanced ray tracing techniques. The book then covers radiosity and within this, shadows, texture and the item's environment. The next section deals with mathematical functions as a basis for modelling; this is followed by anti- aliasing techniques. From here the author moves on to various approaches for animation and rounds of the book with a chapter on colour and computer graphics. There are several appendices: some of which contain code or data, and others which go into further detail of some of the concepts introduced in the book.

Each chapter is headed by a synopsis of its contents and followed by a section containing projects, notes and suggestions (bear in mind the author is based at Sheffield University). The projects suggested seem to be both sensible and attainable by anyone tackling them.

The book is well illustrated within the text, with lots of examples illustrating the current topic under discussion. There is also a colour section illustrating what can be achieved using various methods. The relevant maths are introduced as and when appropriate and the reader is expected to be familiar with the techniques used. The book would be useful however, even without a full understanding of the maths used and presented therein.

This is not a book to sit down and read from cover to cover, but is a volume to be referred to as and when necessary. I found the style easy to deal with and the contents very informative and would recommend this book to anyone wishing to appraise themselves of the various techniques available for computer graphics.