LEARNING COMPUTER GRAPHICS. - From 3D models to animated movies on your PC, includes CD-Rom

For anyone interested in learning how to create their own computer graphics-from 3D models to animations with special effects-this book and the accompanying software describe and demonstrate and the basics and fundamentals of modern computer graphics (CG). After an overview of computer graphics, the following chapters, complete with discussions and exercises, are devoted to modeling of 3D objects with polygons and wireframes; animation of modeled objects; and rendering of photorealistic images from the modeled objects, including lighting, shading, and texture mapping. After modeling, animating, and rendering, the reader can add special effects; such as warping, bending, or morphing, as described in the chapter on image manipulation and postproduction. The book concludes with a look into the future of computer graphics, and an overview of CG applications in various fields. Key features: • The CD-ROM software includes a complete 3D graphics application with a user-friendly graphical interface, which can be used to perform all the exercises in the book. • The many diagrams, pictures, and exercises make learning about computer graphics fun and easy. With only a PC, this book, and the included software, any reader can work through the projects and learn all the basics of computer graphics-it is a complete, stand-alone, learn-by-doing approach. This book can be used as a text or supplement for an introductory course in CG. The only prerequisite is that the student have access to a PC. It also provides an excellent introduction to CG for professionals in different fields who would like to learn more or teach themselves fundamentals of computer graphics. It also serves as a useful reference for computer artists and animators, who use CG software and would like a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes of the CG application programs.