Vector Analysis for Computer Graphics

This book is a complete introduction to vector analysis, especially within the context of computer graphics. The author shows why vectors are useful and how it is possible to develop analytical skills in manipulating vector algebra. Even though vector analysis is a relatively recent development in the history of mathematics, it has become a powerful and central tool in describing and solving a wide range of geometric problems. The book is divided into eleven chapters covering the mathematical foundations of vector algebra and its application to, among others, lines, planes, intersections, rotating vectors, and vector differentiation.

Professor John Vince began working in computer graphics at Middlesex Polytechnic in 1968. His research activities centered on computer animation software and resulted in the PICASO and PRISM animation systems. Whilst at Middlesex, he designed the UK’s first MSc course in Computer Graphics and developed a popular program of short courses in computer animation for television designers. In 1986 he joined Rediffusion Simulation as a Research Consultant and worked on the development of real-time computer systems for commercial flight simulators. In 1992 he was appointed Chief Scientist of Thomson Training Simulation Ltd. In 1995 he was appointed Professor of Digital Media at the National Centre for Computer Animation at Bournemouth University and in 1999 he was made Head of Academic Group for Computer Animation. He was awarded a DSc by Brunel University in recognition of his work in computer graphics. He has written and edited over 45 books on computer graphics, computer animation, computer science and virtual reality, including the following Springer titles:

• Mathematics for Computer Graphics, 5^th edition (2017)

• Calculus for Computer Graphics, 2^nd edition (2019)

• Imaginary Mathematics for Computer Science, (2018)

• Foundation Mathematics for Computer Science, 2^nd edition (2015)

• Matrix Transforms for Computer Games and Animation (2012)

• Expanding the Frontiers of Visual Analytics and Visualization (2012)

• Quaternions for Computer Graphics (2011)

• Rotation Transforms for Computer Graphics (2011)

• Geometric Algebra for Computer Graphics (2008)