Markus Gross

Hanspeter Pfister

The polygon-mesh approach to 3D modeling was a huge advance, but today its limitations are clear. Longer render times for increasingly complex images effectively cap image complexity, or else stretch budgets and schedules to the breaking point. Comprised of contributions from leaders in the development and application of this technology, Point-Based Graphics examines it from all angles, beginning with the way in which the latest photographic and scanning devices have enabled modeling based on true geometry, rather than appearance. From there, it’s on to the methods themselves. Even though point-based graphics is in its infancy, practitioners have already established many effective, economical techniques for achieving all the major effects associated with traditional 3D Modeling and rendering. You’ll learn to apply these techniques, and you’ll also learn how to create your own. The final chapter demonstrates how to do this using Pointshop3D, an open-source tool for developing new point-based algorithms. The first book on a major development in computer graphics by the pioneers in the field Shows how 3D images can be manipulated as easily as 2D images are with Photoshop

Point-Based Graphics

Rick Parent

David Gould

Mark V. Pauly

Matthias Müller

Mark R. Wilkins

Chris Kazmier

Alberto Menache

David S. Ebert

Charles John Lumsden

Richard Keiser

F. Kenton Musgrave

Darwyn Peachey

Ken Perlin

Jason Sharpe

Martin Wicke

Nicholas Woolridge

Steve Worley

A compilation of key chapters from the top MK computer animation books available today - in the areas of motion capture, facial features, solid spaces, fluids, gases, biology, point-based graphics, and Maya. The chapters provide CG Animators with an excellent sampling of essential techniques that every 3D artist needs to create stunning and versatile images. Animators will be able to master myriad modeling, rendering, and texturing procedures with advice from MK's best and brightest authors. Divided into five parts (Introduction to Computer Animation and Technical Background, Motion Capture Techniques, Animating Substances, Alternate Methods, and Animating with MEL for MAYA), each one focusing on specific substances, tools, topics, and languages, this is a MUST-HAVE book for artists interested in proficiency with the top technology available today! Whether you're a programmer developing new animation functionality or an animator trying to get the most out of your current animation software, Computer Animation Complete: will help you work more efficiently and achieve better results. For programmers, this book provides a solid theoretical orientation and extensive practical instruction information you can put to work in any development or customization project. For animators, it provides crystal-clear guidance on determining which of your concepts can be realized using commercially available products, which demand custom programming, and what development strategies are likely to bring you the greatest success. Expert instruction from a variety of pace-setting computer graphics researchers. Provides in-depth coverage of established and emerging animation algorithms. For readers who lack a strong scientific background, introduces the necessary concepts from mathematics, biology, and physics. A variety of individual languages and substances are addressed, but addressed separately - enhancing your grasp of the field as a whole while providing you with the ability to identify and implement solutions by category.

All-in-One: Learn Motion Capture, Characteristic, Point-Based, and Maya Winning Techniques

Computer Animation Complete

Hanspeter Pfister

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