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Title:
The Computer Image
Author:
Alan Watt&Fabio Policarpo
ISBN:
0 201 42298 0
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
Pages:
750pp+CD
Price:
£??
Reviewer:
Francis Glassborow
Subject:
graphics; multimedia
Appeared in:
11-1
It is sometimes difficult to realise that the very concept of a
computer image is little more than twenty years old. Yet it has had a
dramatic effect on our lives in a multitude of different ways. If we are to
understand the world we will live in during the next couple of decades we
need some understanding of what is happening to electronic imagery. Let me
give a single example, why can we pack so much more into the same bandwidth
by using digital techniques rather than analogue ones? Turn your thoughts
back ten years and think about the ideas of videophones. Even as recently
as that, most were thinking in terms of conventional analogue transmissions.
You need very sophisticated transmission systems to send live two-way
analogue video signals. The development of digital technologies has
rewritten the rule book. Computer technology and computer imagery have been
the major factors in this change.
This book can be read (studied) at several different levels. A quick browse
may scare math phobes away but they would miss something worth while. It is
entirely possible to read this book, skipping all the maths, and still get
good value for your investment of time and money. On the other hand the
mathematically inclined can focus on this aspect and consider how to
implement the mathematics as computer code.
This book is the most comprehensive overview of the subject that I have yet
seen. At the same time it has considerable theoretical depth. Were I still
a teacher of maths I would want this book available to my pupils because it
is this sort of book that fires young minds and motivates them to study
mathematics as well as many other concepts. To the question 'why do I have
to study maths?' one answer is simply 'so you can get full benefit from
books such as this one.'
This is not a book for those in pursuit of instant gratification - fast
thoughts to go with fast food - but for those who are willing to take time
to digest what they read.