Real-time rendering is an important subject in computer graphics. This book focuses on the interactive visualization of 3D scenes by using the EnvyMyCar (NVMC) game to explain the fundamental concepts of 3D computer graphics.

The book has 11 chapters. Chapter 1, “What Computer Graphics Is,” gives an introduction. Chapter 2 covers basic programming using the Web Graphics Library (WebGL) and introduces the NVMC framework, which will be used throughout the book. Boundary-based and volume-based 3D model representations are discussed in chapter 3. Chapter 4 illustrates the process of turning a 3D scene into a picture on a screen, which includes discussion of the model view and projection transformations in matrix forms. Chapter 5 talks about the process of turning the vertices into pixels, which covers rasterization, hidden surface removal, clipping, and culling. Chapter 6 describes lighting and shading. Chapter 7 focuses on texture. Chapter 8 explores shadows. Chapter 9 covers imaged-based impostors. Chapter 10 discusses advanced techniques, including image processing, particle systems, and so on. The last chapter (11) discusses global illumination, which includes ray tracing and multi-pass algorithms.

The book introduces basic algorithmic technologies for 3D computer graphics based on the NVMC examples. All of the WebGL sample code can be found on the book’s website (http://www.envymycarbook.com/). The techniques are presented clearly, though basic knowledge of calculus and JavaScript is required.

Nevertheless, readers should note the book’s weakness. Chapter 2’s examples have some matrix forms in the source sample code, which are about the transformations of model view and projections. Beginners will not understand what they are until they are covered in chapter 4, and use of the NVMC framework may or may not help beginners learn WebGL. Overall, I think intermediate-level computer graphics readers will find this book helpful.

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