Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0521640105 ISBN 13: 9780521640107

Casa editrice: Cambridge University Press, 1998

This is the newly revised and expanded edition of the popular introduction to the design and implementation of geometry algorithms arising in areas such as computer graphics, robotics, and engineering design. The second edition contains material on several new topics, such as randomized algorithms for polygon triangulation, planar point location, 3D convex hull construction, intersection algorithms for ray-segment and ray-triangle, and point-in-polyhedron. A new "Sources" chapter points to supplemental literature for readers needing more information on any topic. A novel aspect is the inclusion of working C code for many of the algorithms, with discussion of practical implementation issues. The self-contained treatment presumes only an elementary knowledge of mathematics, but reaches topics on the frontier of current research, making it a useful reference for practitioners at all levels. The code in this new edition is significantly improved from the first edition, and four new routines are included. Java versions for this new edition are also available. All code is accessible from the book's Web site (http://cs.smith.edu/~orourke/) or by anonymous ftp.

Book Description:

This is the newly revised and expanded edition of the most suitable textbook for introducing undergraduate students in computer science and mathematics to the design of geometry algorithms. Such algorithms lie at the core of a variety of practical areas, including 3D game program design, geographical information systems, manufacturing design, and robotics. The self-contained treatment presumes only an elementary knowledge of mathematics, but reaches topics on the frontier of current research. Thus, though it is designed for a course at the advanced undergraduate level, it can be used for graduate courses as well. Numerous exercises are provided at the end of every section; a partial solutions manual is available.A novel aspect of the book is the inclusion of working computer programs for many of the algorithms. Students will enjoy the interplay between practical programming issues and the latest theoretical developments; many student projects can be built on the provided code.

Review:

"This is an applied approach to fundamental concepts in computational geometry and should be read by every serious practitioner....From a pedagogical point of view, this book is an excellent choice for both undergraduate classes (perhaps with more emphasis on the implementations) and graduate classes (considering a number of the exercises) because of the extensive exercises that review, explore details, and encourage further reading." Computing Reviews

"Conveys the feeling that computational geometry is interesting, exciting, important, and very active." SIGACT News

"Anyone who wants to know what this field is all about should read this book!...a pleasure to read, as questions that arise naturally in the reader's mind are answered, in almost all cases, in the following paragraph. The style strikes an ideal balance between rigor and informality. Mr. O'Rourke must be a wonderful teacher and I envy his students." Siam Review

"...the book is an excellent basis for a course on computational geometry; many interesting exercises and hints for further reading give suitable guidance for teachers and for students." Mathematical Reviews