Open Geometry: OpenGL + Advanced Geometry [Paperback]

Georg Glaeser (Author), Hellmuth Stachel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 21, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0387985999 | ISBN-13: 978-0387985992 | Edition: 1999

At once a programming course that emphasises object-oriented thinking as well as a well-documented, versatile, and robust geometry library. All of the relevant geometry is covered in depth to provide a good understanding of the background to this topic. Many of the most common intersection problems and measuring tasks are covered, with the authors discussing the creation of arbitrary geometric objects and the use of Boolean operations to create more general solid objects. As a result, all those looking for an in-depth introduction to graphics programming will find this a solid, hands-on text.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

***SCHLAGZEILE***

Product Details

• Paperback: 389 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1999 edition (December 21, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387985999
• ISBN-13: 978-0387985992
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,734,116 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #63 in Books > Computers & Technology > Programming > Graphics & Multimedia > OpenGL

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Topics Yes, but OGL isn't a focal point, January 17, 2000

By 

John G. Ferguson "undoingemptyvoid" (Downingtown, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Open Geometry: OpenGL + Advanced Geometry (Paperback)

I am not here to complain that the book doesn't teach you about OpenGL, that's what Moo's Red Book does, very very well.

I am not pleased with this book since I could only put myself through dealing with the first 1/4 and then I peeked ahead to see if it would give me what I want.

DO NOT get this book if you:

[1] Want a concise, self-contained book on Graphics math: try ISBN: 083113111X by Mortenson who actually focuses on MATH.

[2] Want a book that shows you how to work your code in with OGL, to help OGL do things faster (say like doing your own lighting or culling). I wish I could find such a text, alas you must go cast your net into the see of data called the internet, there's tons of samples and links. Also, general papers like Kenneth Hoff's are a great place to bend your mind.

[3] If you want to avoid spelunking YAAW (Yet Another API Wraper) don't get this book, you get to see OpenGeometry all over, OGL is an also ran.

[4] Good C++? How about correct C++? The comment on how C++ handles arrays of pointers is frighteningly wrong. In addition the code looks like something from an MSJ article on using MFC. This is a direct affect of using such a class library in such a fashion.

[5] He could have used GLUT and made those of us who like the Open aspect of OpenGL happier.

Otherwise, it may be true that this book is one of the few to cover certain topics, however I'll try other roads first.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Bookware - be aware before you buy, February 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Open Geometry: OpenGL + Advanced Geometry (Paperback)

The book is actually a manual for the authors' geometry library, which is provided in full as source. The example programs are excellent.

Unfortunately I bought the book with the intention of using it as a reference for implementing such features as CSG and kinematics. The book itself is not a particularly good text on the subjects, partly due to the weak English used, and partly due to the majority of the book being devoted to describing the use of the library. The two subjects I was looking for were among the better described in the book.

If you're looking for a completely written "bookware" geometry library you'll probably be completely happy. However, be aware the if you're looking to implement the effects described yourself, the best way to learn is by reading the source (which there is plenty of).

There are plenty of good graphics programming sites with better explanations than here on the web for free. However there are few libraries as complete. The book's price is also reasonable, considering the ammount charged by some bookware authors.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Advanced Geometry for Instant Usage, May 1, 2000

By 

Ron Bakker (Groningen, The Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Open Geometry: OpenGL + Advanced Geometry (Paperback)

This book is for people who need to learn about advanced geometry, and are not scared to look at some code in the process (not all is explained in detail in the book). The book describes data structures and methods used in the code (which you receive on the accompanying CDROM) to create and manipulate complex geometrical objects. This book is not about OpenGL programming, though the code uses it to display the results.

WARNING: The authors started programming the library in PASCAL. They used the p2c translator to create the C code for some 'older' parts of the code. Also the older parts are written in GERMAN. This is what I find the only flaw in this book, because it makes it harder to read it in some cases.

I'm looking forward to version 2.0 of this book which is probably released somewhere in spring 2001.