The Way Computer Graphics Works [Paperback]

Olin Lathrop (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471130400 | ISBN-13: 978-0471130406 | Publication Date: February 19, 1997 | Edition: 1

"This book fills a major need for a solid introduction to computer graphics for the reader who is curious about the how and why. Lathrop explains involved concepts in ways that anyone who is computer-savvy can understand." -Mary Whitton Former Chair, SIGGRAPH

"The quality of Lathrop's narrative is extraordinarily good...the illustrations well conceived and well executed...and the style very comfortable to read." -Carl Machover Machover Associates

Based on Olin Lathrop's popular national seminars, this lavishly illustrated guide demystifies computer graphics for artists, designers, and businesspeople. Writing in a frank, funny, down-to-earth style, Lathrop covers everything from how computer graphics are different from fine art and photographs, to modeling, pixels, and the principles of animation. And he does it without resorting to mind-numbing equations and impenetrable technical jargon.

A quick, painless way to learn everything you need to know about basic computer graphics theory, techniques, and technologies

Over 150 full-color illustrations

Coverage of state-of-the-art graphics technology, including fractals, animation, compositing, and compression

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In this introduction to computer graphics, Olin Lathrop teaches readers about such complex graphics issues as color spaces, displays, graphics primitives, and 3D vectors and transforms. The explanations are just right for beginning and intermediate computer users, and full-color images help clarify each discussion. A chapter on modeling includes an introduction to fractals and particle systems, and chapters on scene creation and rendering include discussions of directional and ambient light and of Z-buffer rendering, ray tracing, and radiosity.

Lathrop covers such animation elements as key frames to inverse kinematics, and instructs about file-format issues such as lossless and lossy compression. A "Glindex" at the back of the book, which is a combined glossary and index, is a useful quick reference to new terms. Overall, Lathrop has managed to provide a technically accurate and comprehensible overview. It's worth a look if you want to know more about the technology behind computer graphics, whether you're an aspiring artist, programmer, or hobbyist.

From the Publisher

There are plenty of people out there such as scientists, marketing professionals, desktop publishers, and designers, who want to know the basics of computer graphics without having to learn the complexities of it. This richly illustrated book will provide readers with the basic concepts behind what computer graphics are used for, in a way that the non-technical person can understand. Author Olin Lathrop, founder of Cognivision, bases this book on a seminar he conducts for newcomers to the field. He explains all concepts in a patient, humorous, and non-mathematical way, bringing state-of-the-art computer graphics techniques to an understandable level.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 201 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (February 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471130400
• ISBN-13: 978-0471130406
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,034,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.