Understanding Geometric Algebra

This book introduces geometric algebra with an emphasis on the background mathematics of Hamilton, Grassmann, and Clifford. Unlike similar texts, this one first gives separate descriptions of the various algebras and then explains how they are combined to define the field of geometric algebra. With useful historical notes and exercises, it gives

Understanding Geometric Algebra: Hamilton, Grassmann, and Clifford for Computer Vision and Graphics introduces geometric algebra with an emphasis on the background mathematics of Hamilton, Grassmann, and Clifford. It shows how to describe and compute geometry for 3D modeling applications in computer graphics and computer vision.

Unlike similar texts, this book first gives separate descriptions of the various algebras and then explains how they are combined to define the field of geometric algebra. It starts with 3D Euclidean geometry along with discussions as to how the descriptions of geometry could be altered if using a non-orthogonal (oblique) coordinate system. The text focuses on Hamilton's quaternion algebra, Grassmann's outer product algebra, and Clifford algebra that underlies the mathematical structure of geometric algebra. It also presents points and lines in 3D as objects in 4D in the projective geometry framework; explores conformal geometry in 5D, which is the main ingredient of geometric algebra; and delves into the mathematical analysis of camera imaging geometry involving circles and spheres.

With useful historical notes and exercises, this book gives readers insight into the mathematical theories behind complicated geometric computations. It helps readers understand the foundation of today's geometric algebra.

"Several software tools are available for executing geometric algebra, but the purpose of the book is to bring about a deeper insight and interest in the theory on which these tools are based."Zentralblatt MATH 1319

Autorentext

Kenichi Kanatani is a professor emeritus at Okayama University. A fellow of IEICE and IEEE, Dr. Kanatani is the author of numerous books on computer vision and applied mathematics. He is also a board member of several journals and conferences.

Inhalt

Introduction. 3D Euclidean Geometry. Oblique Coordinate Systems. Hamilton's Quaternion Algebra. Grassmann's Outer Product Algebra. Geometric Product and Clifford Algebra. Homogeneous Space and Grassmann-Cayley Algebra. Conformal Space and Conformal Geometry: Geometric Algebra. Camera Imaging and Conformal Transformations. Answers. Bibliography. Index.