Transformations and Projections in Computer Graphics (eBook)

This book introduces perspective, and discusses the mathematics of perspective in a detailed, yet accessible style. It also reviews nonlinear projections, including the fisheye, panorama, and map projections frequently used to enhance digital images. Topics and features include a complete and self-contained presentation of concepts, principles, and methods; a 12-page colour section, and numerous figures. This essential resource for computer professionals both within and outside the field of Computer Graphics is also suitable for graduates and advanced undergraduates in Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design. Key ideas are introduced, examined and illustrated by figures and examples, and reinforced through solved exercises.

---

It is probably a coincidence that the three main terms discussed in this book, namely transformations, projections,and perspective, are ambiguous. Here is what the dict- nary has to say about these terms. Transformation (a) The act or an instance of transforming. (b) The state of being transformed. A marked change, as in appearance or character, usually for the better. Mathematical transformation. (a) Replacing a variable in an expression by its value. (b) Mapping a mathematical space onto another or onto itself. In geometry. Moving, rotating, re?ecting, or otherwise systematically deforming a geometric ?gure (discussed in this book). In linguistics. (a) A rule to convert a syntactic form into another. (b) A sentence or sentential form derived by such a rule; a transform. In genetics. (a) The change undergone by a cell upon infection by a cancer-causing virus. (b) The alteration of a bacterial cell caused by the transfer of DNA from another bacterial cell, especially a pathogen. Projection The act of projecting or the condition of being projected. (a) An object or part thereof that extends outward. (b) Spiky projections on top of a fence. (c) A projection of land along the coast. A prediction or an estimate of a future situation, based on current data or trends. (a) The process of projecting a recorded image onto a viewing surface. (b) An image so projected.