Principles of Three-dimensional Computer Animation Modeling, Rendering, and Animating with 3D Computer Graphics

If you work with or wish to use 3D computer animation, or want to gain a thorough and systematic understanding of computer animation - even if you have no prior knowledge of computers, computer graphics, mathematics, or programming - Principles of Three-Dimensional Computer Animation is for you. It explains, in terms laymen can understand, the general principles that underlie all 3D computer animation systems, without recourse to mathematical equations or programming code. This book is not a software manual. It does not deal with the specific implementation of the principles of three-dimensional computer animation by any one software package. Rather, it provides a thorough understanding of the basic concepts and techniques - modeling, rendering, animating, and recording to film and video - on which computer animation is based. With this knowledge in hand, you can quickly learn the operation of specific software packages. In addition to the fundamentals, the book covers advanced animation techniques and compositing and special effects, all of them found in commercially available software packages. Whether you are a beginning student of computer graphics or a professional involved in projects that involve 3D computer animation, you will find the information you need presented in a clear and readable style, illustrated with hundreds of drawings, diagrams, and renderings.