Overview
Maps the history of the techniques behind science fiction movies, complex and rich computer games, and TV commercials capable of making cars, gas pumps and biscuits behave like human beings
Traces the development of powerful computers, graphics processors, displays, great software and tools—all elements of the 3D models behind modern computer graphics
Takes you from the development of basic geometry and perspective art through to gigantic visualization rooms and down to tablets for presentations undistinguishable from real life
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Table of contents (9 chapters)
Keywords
About this book
If you have ever looked at a fantastic adventure or science fiction movie, or an amazingly complex and rich computer game, or a TV commercial where cars or gas pumps or biscuits behaved liked people and wondered, “How do they do that?”, then you’ve experienced the magic of 3D worlds generated by a computer.
3D in computers began as a way to represent automotive designs and illustrate the construction of molecules. 3D graphics use evolved to visualizations of simulated data and artistic representations of imaginary worlds.
In order to overcome the processing limitations of the computer, graphics had to exploit the characteristics of the eye and brain, and develop visual tricks to simulate realism. The goal is to create graphics images that will overcome the visual cues that cause disbelief and tell the viewer this is not real.
Thousands of people over thousands of years have developed the building blocks and made the discoveries in mathematics and science to make such 3D magic possible, and The History of Visual Magic in Computers is dedicated to all of them and tells a little of their story.
It traces the earliest understanding of 3D and then foundational mathematics to explain and construct 3D; from mechanical computers up to today’s tablets. Several of the amazing computer graphics algorithms and tricks came of periods where eruptions of new ideas and techniques seem to occur all at once. Applications emerged as the fundamentals of how to draw lines and create realistic images were better understood, leading to hardware 3D controllers that drive the display all the way to stereovision and virtual reality.
Reviews
From the reviews:
“This specialized book is useful to those interested in a detailed historical account of the various technologies that contributed to the development of realistic 3-D computer graphics. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and above.” (C. Tappert, Choice, Vol. 51 (8), April, 2014)
“It is dedicated to ‘the thousands of people over thousands of years who have developed the building blocks and made the discoveries in mathematics and science to make such 3D magic possible.’ … The brilliant timing of The History of Visual Magic in Computer … provides a new magical dimension on the time span to the topic, both fascinating information and indispensable references … . A must see for those who want to keep up with evolutionary graphics!!” (ComputeScotland.com, August, 2013)
“Peddie, a renowned industry analyst and lecturer at the forefront of the computer graphics industry, has chronicled the developments that have led to these wonderful images. They are all based on 3D geometry, and he begins the story with the first major 3D implementations-the pyramids-and ends with the implementation we know today … . Written in a narrative style with ample references for those interested in digging deeper. … This book is a historical and visual treat with some amazing images.” (cgw.com, June, 2013)
The renowned industry analyst and lecturer who has been at the forefront of the computer graphics industry has chronicled the developments that have led to these wonderful images. He begins the story with the first major 3D implementations – the pyramids – and ends with tablets, 3D movies, and mobile games. The book is a treat and has some amazing images in it.
– Andy Marken, Marken Communications
Authors and Affiliations
About the author
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: The History of Visual Magic in Computers
Book Subtitle: How Beautiful Images are Made in CAD, 3D, VR and AR
Authors: Jon Peddie
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4932-3
Publisher: Springer London
eBook Packages: Computer Science, Computer Science (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer-Verlag London 2013
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-4471-4931-6Published: 24 July 2013
eBook ISBN: 978-1-4471-4932-3Published: 13 June 2013
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XLI, 448
Number of Illustrations: 143 b/w illustrations, 226 illustrations in colour
Topics: Computer Graphics, Graphic Design, Popular Science, general, Computer-Aided Engineering (CAD, CAE) and Design, Multimedia Information Systems, Engineering Design
Industry Sectors: IT & Software