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Image Synthesis

Theory and Practice

Part of the book series: Computer Science Workbench (WORKBENCH)

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Table of contents (17 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XV
  2. Modeling primitives

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 1-11
  3. Transformations, cameras, and colors

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 12-27
  4. Free-form curves and surfaces

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 28-52
  5. Solid modeling

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 53-83
  6. Visible surface algorithms

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 84-107
  7. Illumination, shading, and transparency models

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 108-122
  8. Complex light-source and illumination models

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 123-140
  9. Antialiasing and motion blur

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 141-155
  10. Shadows

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 156-171
  11. Ray-tracing

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 172-197
  12. Optimization techniques for ray-tracing

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 198-220
  13. Texture

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 221-246
  14. Fractals and stochastic models

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 247-269
  15. Fuzzy and soft objects

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 270-291
  16. Natural phenomena

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 292-323
  17. Combination and composite images for complex 3D scenes

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 324-330
  18. MIRALab image synthesis software

    • Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann, Daniel Thalmann
    Pages 331-363
  19. Back Matter

    Pages 365-400

About this book

Image Synthesis: Theory and Practice is the first book completely dedicated to the numerous techniques of image synthesis. Both theoretical and practical aspects are treated in detail. Numerous impressive computer-generated images are used to explain the most advanced techniques in image synthesis. The book contains a detailed description of the most fundamental algorithms; other less important algorithms are summarized or simply listed. This volume is also a unique handbook of mathematical formulae for image synthesis. The four first chapters of the book survey the basic techniques of computer graphics which play an important role in the design of an image: geometric models, image and viewing transformations, curves and surfaces and solid modeling techniques. In the next chapters, each major topic in image synthesis is presented. The first important problem is the detection and processing of visible surfaces, then two chapters are dedicated to the central problem of light and illumination. As aliasing is a major problem in image rendering, the fundamental antialiasing and motion blur techniques are explained. The most common shadow algorithms are then presented as well as techniques for producing soft shadows and penumbrae. In the last few years, image rendering has been strongly influenced by ray tracing techniques. For this reason, two chapters are dedicated to this important approach. Then a chapter is completely dedicated to fractals from the formal Mandelbrot theory to the recursive subdivision approaches. Natural phenomena present a particularly difficult challenge in image synthesis. For this reason, a large portion of the book is devoted to latest methods to simulate these phenomena: particle systems, scalar fields, volume density scattering models. Various techniques are also described for representing terrains, mountains, water, waves, sky, clouds, fog, fire, trees, and grass. Several techniques for combining images are also explained: adaptive rendering, montage and composite methods. The last chapter presents in detail the MIRALab image synthesis software.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Hautes Etudes Commerciales, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada

    Nadia Magnenat-Thalmann

  • Département d’Informatique et de Recherche Opérationnelle, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada

    Daniel Thalmann

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access