Computer graphics is important in many areas including engineering design, architecture, education, and computer art and animation. This book examines a wide array of current methods used in creating real-looking objects in the computer, one of the main aims of computer graphics.

Key features:

* Good foundational mathematical introduction to curves and surfaces; no advanced math required

* Topics organized by different interpolation/approximation techniques, each technique providing useful information about curves and surfaces

* Exposition motivated by numerous examples and exercises sprinkled throughout, aiding the reader

* Includes a gallery of color images, Mathematica code listings, and sections on curves & surfaces by refinement and on sweep surfaces

* Web site maintained and updated by the author, providing readers with errata and auxiliary material

This engaging text is geared to a broad and general readership of computer science/architecture engineers using computer graphics to design objects, programmers for computer gamemakers, applied mathematicians, and students majoring in computer graphics and its applications. It may be used in a classroom setting or as a general reference.