Computing Reviews
Today's Issue Hot Topics Search Browse Recommended My Account Log In
Review Help
Search
The dictionary of computer graphics technology and applications
Latham R., Springer-Verlag New York, Inc., New York, NY, 1991. Type: Book (9780387975405)
Date Reviewed: Feb 1 1992

In addition to the traditional dictionary task of providing definitions, this book provides a wordlist at the end for use in checking spellings, and a guide to the pronunciation of some of the less obvious terms. Among the entries are explanations of abbreviations widely used in computer graphics. Finally, the book has a brief bibliography.

The book claims to be aimed at both novices and graphics professionals. Most of the definitions amount to only two or three lines of text, which is sometimes limiting. For example, although both “NURBS” and “Superquadrics” are explained as being types of surfaces, no mathematical equations are presented, which will lessen the usefulness of these definitions for the specialist. On the other hand, the terse definitions can require novices to look up several further terms used within a definition. Within the limitation of their brevity, however, most of the definitions seem well-thought-out and clear.

The entries range over a wide variety of topics, sometimes wider than the term “graphics” would suggest, including terms from typesetting, image processing, hardware  design,  and economics as well as a range of more general computing terminology. Many trade names and companies are also given entries. Surprisingly, the book lacks entries for “transformation” and “user coordinates.” Curiously, while “specular reflection” is defined, “diffuse reflection” is not. At a deeper level, B-spline curves are defined as having the advantages of local control and continuity, but unfortunately neither of these terms is defined. Nevertheless, the set of entries seems reasonably complete, at least as far as the main concepts of the subject go.

For a dictionary of graphics, this work uses surprisingly few illustrations to help get concepts across; in not a few cases, a definition could have been greatly improved by an appropriate diagram. Also, some of the more general entries could have been usefully replaced by some of the deeper ideas of the subject, particularly on the mathematical side. The included definition of C3 (military command, control, and communications) hardly counts as graphics terminology, while definitions for C0, C1, and C2 continuity are missing.

On the whole, I can recommend this book as being better than the previous dictionaries of computer graphics that I have come across: indeed, it is really the first one I have seen that is worthy of consideration for purchase. Nonetheless, lengthier definitions, or rather explanations, of the concepts would have been helpful; as the book stands, it is only a slim volume.

Reviewer:  Ralph Martin Review #: CR115142
Bookmark and Share
 
Reference (A.2 )
 
 
General (I.3.0 )
 
Would you recommend this review?
yes
no
Other reviews under "Reference": Date
Computer professional’s dictionary
Wyatt A., Osborne/McGraw-Hill, Berkeley, CA, 1990. Type: Book (9780078817052)
May 1 1991
The computer glossary
Freedman A., Amacom, New York, NY, 1991. Type: Book (9780814477496)
Nov 1 1991
PC applications for business
Werner D., Warrner T., Harper&Row Publishers, Inc., New York, NY, 1991. Type: Book (9780673462565)
Dec 1 1991
more...

E-Mail This Printer-Friendly
Send Your Comments
Contact Us
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.   Copyright 1999-2024 ThinkLoud®
Terms of Use
| Privacy Policy