Principles of Computer Graphics: Theory and Practice Using OpenGL and Maya

Computer graphics games and animations have been popular for over a decade, and personal computers have now evolved to support real-time, realistic-looking interactive games. OpenGL, a technology standard to develop CG applications, has had incredible momentum in both the professional and consumer markets. Once the domain of production houses, OpenGL has grown to be the standard for graphics programming on all platforms, personal computers, and workstations. Now more than ever, people are eager to learn about what it takes to make such productions, and how they can be a part of them.

Current literature focuses more on the technology (OpenGL, DirectX, etc.) and their application programming interfaces (APIs) rather than on the principles of computer graphics. The aim of Principles of Computer Graphics: Theory and Practice Using OpenGL and Maya^® is to give readers an understanding of the principles of computer graphics, which is key to dealing with any technology API. Hands-on examples developed in OpenGL illustrate the key concepts, and by the end of the book, readers will be able to develop their own professional quality games through the same approach used in production houses.

Computer graphics continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, fueled by modern uses in health, biotechnology, business, and entertainment (feature films and the gaming industry). It is important for those in the business to have a solid grounding in―and holistic view of―the fundamentals of this exciting discipline.

Providing an integrated balance of underlying theory and real-life practicality, Principles of Computer Graphics is a uniquely comprehensive introduction to the concepts, core principles, and methodologies employed in the graphics endeavor. Concepts are defined and explained in an easy-to-understand manner, and the reader learns progressively― from basic algorithmic components to elaborate and stunning visual displays. The text uses C (a standard programming language) and OpenGL (a standard graphics library) to teach illustratively, and it introduces the powerful 3D capability of Maya. Readers need only a basic education in math and programming.

Topics and Features:

-Provides a full introduction to computer graphics concepts, principles, methods, and applications

-Concentrates on core principles, thereby allowing readers to readily utilize any graphics API upon completion

-Reinforces its theme with heavy use of examples, exercises, and figures and images

-Discusses the processes, tricks, and techniques used at professional production houses

-Uses a step-by-step, teach-by-example approach, whereby readers end up creating their own game and movie (much like real graphics production houses)

-Supplies a full treatment of all key elements of graphics study and the results and products derived from it

This all-encompassing and well-organized textbook/reference is ideally suited to both students and professionals interested in developing or honing their skills in computer graphics. Its clarity of approach and wealth of examples andlearning aids will also be helpful for vocational training courses or self study, and will empower readers to further study of graphics.

Shalini Govil-Pai has used her imaging and animation expertise to develop virtual reality games and military training simulators. She was technical director on the films, Toy Story and A Bug’s Life, and is a co-author of Learning Computer Graphics.