Today, many scientists in different disciplines realize the power of graphics, but are also bewildered by the numerous graphics tools. More often than not, they choose the improper software tools and end up with unsatisfactory results. This book introduces and categorizes the most commonly used graphics tools and their applications. The purpose is not to provide an exhausting list of tools and their explicit functions, but rather to provide scientific researchers with different means and application areas in computer graphics, so as to help them efficiently use visualization, modeling, simulation, and virtual reality to complement their research needs. This guide includes coverage of the most widely used commercial software, freeware and open-source software.

Inhalt

PART I, A Shortcut to Computer Graphics Principles: * Objects and Models * Transformation and Viewing * Color and Lighting * Blending and Texture Mapping * Advanced Topics ** PART II, Computer Graphics Software Tools: * Low-Level Graphics Libraries * Visualization * Modeling and Rendering * Animation and Simulation * Virtual Reality * Web3D Tools and Networked Environment * 3-D File Formats * APPENDIX: List & description of Graphics Software Tools