The theme of this conference, “Visual Computing--Integrating Computer Graphics with Computer Vision,” sets the stage for a broad range of research papers that have been organized into 15 chapters. These chapters deal with computer vision and model-based coding (six papers), virtual reality (five papers), simulated nature (three papers), volume rendering (five papers), isosurfaces (three papers), rendering (four papers), computer-aided geometric design (three papers), interpolation and fitting (three papers), sweep methods (three papers), hidden surface and hidden curve algorithms (two papers), raster technologies (two papers), rule-based and constraint-based coding (four papers), animation (three papers), dynamic and kinematic modeling (four papers), and tools and environments (six papers). Of the 56 technical papers in the volume, almost half report on work done in Japan; they give a rare, detailed view of ongoing Japanese work in these areas and its focus.

The volume begins with an invited position paper by Shozo Iwasaki, senior executive vice president of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, describing his vision of the evolution of the field and its impact on society. This unusual  paper  carefully examines likely technological advances, strategic directions of development, and social impact. Other key papers introduce research areas and synthesize technical developments. For example, Rosenfeld describes the role of geometric models in recent research in computer vision. Fuchs et al. report on the status and developments of research into virtual environments. Kaufman introduces the fundamental concepts of volume visualization, including an extended bibliography of key papers.

The volume documents cutting-edge work in the field and presents the many technical interconnections that expand its scope and integrate its subdisciplines. It is must reading for everyone working in this field.