Many great visual effects can be achieved in computer graphics for which a fundamental understanding of the underlying mathematical concepts — and a knowledge of how they can be implemented in a particular programming language — is essential. Computer Graphics for Java Programmers is a good place to start for those with a little experience of Java who wish to create and manipulate 2D and 3D graphical objects. Two-dimensional subjects discussed include logical coordinates, triangulation of polygons and both Bézier and B-spline curve fitting. There is also a chapter about transformations, culminating in a useful Java class for 3D rotations about an arbitrary axis. The perspective representation of 3D solid objects is discussed in detail, including efficient algorithms for hidden-face and hidden-line elimination. These and many other algorithms are accompanied by complete, ready-to-run Java programs which can be downloaded from the accompanying website. "Frank Gehry has used computer graphics on several buildings, most notably the new Guggenheim Museum at Bilbao, to create new visual languages and control the design and the cost of production. Starting design with sketches and models, he then used computer graphics to translate the curved fractal forms into exact dimensions which can be used by contractors. This means wastage of steel and stone can be kept to a minimum and the new, curved architecture can be almost the same cost as a repetitive, right angled building.

Furthermore, visual refinements and sculptural qualities are reproduced with the fidelity that
Gehry seeks. The computer is beginning to show its potential for facilitating creative architecture
at the highest level." Charles Jencks, Writer

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