3D Mesh Processing and Character Animation: With Examples Using OpenGL, OpenMesh and Assimp

3D Mesh Processing and Character Animation is a textbook that provides in-depth coverage of topics important in three-dimensional modelling, surface design, and real-time character animation. It introduces two powerful libraries, OpenMesh and Assimp, and demonstrates their usefulness through implementations of algorithms in mesh processing and character animation. It is written for students at an advanced undergraduate or postgraduate level who are interested in the study and development of graphics algorithms for three-dimensional mesh modeling and analysis and animations of rigged character models.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 201 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive textbook delves into the intricate realms of 3D Mesh Processing and Character Animation, providing a detailed exploration of essential topics crucial in three-dimensional modelling, surface design, and real-time character animation. It offers an in-depth examination of data structures and widely employed methods in geometry processing, keyframe and inverse kinematics animations, and shader-based mesh object processing. Furthermore, the book introduces two powerful and versatile libraries, OpenMesh and Assimp, showcasing their practical applications through implementations of a diverse array of algorithms in mesh processing and character animation. Designed for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students with a passion for studying and developing graphics algorithms for three-dimensional mesh modelling and analysis, as well as animations of rigged character models, this textbook offers a wealth of knowledge and insights.

The book's chapters are organized into four sections, each dedicated to a specific aspect of 3D Mesh Processing and Character Animation. The first section focuses on mesh data structures, exploring the essential concepts and algorithms for processing adjacency queries, simplifying and subdividing meshes, and implementing mesh parameterization methods. This section also delves into 3D mesh morphing, skeletal animation, motion capture data integration, scene graphs, quaternions, inverse kinematics algorithms, and OpenGL-4 tessellation.

The second section delves into geometry processing and terrain rendering, covering topics such as mesh simplification, subdivision algorithms, surface modelling techniques, and rendering algorithms for realistic visual effects. This section also introduces shader-based processing of mesh objects, enabling the application of custom shaders to enhance the visual appearance and behaviour of 3D models.

The third section explores the realm of character animation, covering keyframe and inverse kinematics animations, as well as techniques for blending and interpolating between keyframes to achieve smooth and natural motion. This section also discusses the use of motion capture data to animate character models accurately and realistically.

The final section of the textbook focuses on two powerful libraries, OpenMesh and Assimp, which are widely used in 3D mesh processing and character animation. The book provides detailed explanations of these libraries' functionalities, including their data structures, algorithms, and applications. It also showcases examples of how these libraries can be integrated into 3D applications to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of mesh processing and character animation tasks.

Throughout the textbook, comprehensive illustrations and examples are provided to reinforce the theoretical concepts and demonstrate the practical applications of the discussed topics. The book is written in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to students with a background in computer graphics and programming. It also includes a comprehensive bibliography and references for further reading, allowing students to explore the latest research and developments in the field.

In conclusion, 3D Mesh Processing and Character Animation is a comprehensive textbook that provides a thorough understanding of the essential topics in 3D mesh modelling, surface design, and character animation. It offers an in-depth exploration of data structures, popular methods, and powerful libraries, enabling students to develop advanced graphics algorithms for these fields. With its comprehensive coverage, practical examples, and accessible writing style, this textbook is an invaluable resource for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and professionals in the field of computer graphics and animation.

Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030813567
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022