Synopses & Reviews
'Here is the first modern introduction to geometric probability, also known as integral geometry, presented at an elementary level, requiring little more than first-year graduate mathematics. Klein and Rota present the theory of intrinsic volumes due to Hadwiger, McMullen, Santaló and others, along with a complete and elementary proof of Hadwiger\'s characterization theorem of invariant measures in Euclidean n-space. They develop the theory of the Euler characteristic from an integral-geometric point of view. The authors then prove the fundamental theorem of integral geometry, namely, the kinematic formula. Finally, the analogies between invariant measures on polyconvex sets and measures on order ideals of finite partially ordered sets are investigated. The relationship between convex geometry and enumerative combinatorics motivates much of the presentation. Every chapter concludes with a list of unsolved problems.'
Review
"Elementary methods and exceptionally clear exposition bring a once seemingly advanced subject within the ken of a wide audience of mathematics students. Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduate and graduate students." Choice"The exposition is marvellous: clear and precise... The powerful theory of valuations, intrinsic volumes and invariant measures built by Hadwiger, Groemer, McMullen and others is an impressive development. The beautiful exposition would make this volume worthwhile even if Klain and Rota hadn't 'something new' to say." Bulletin of the AMS"The text is very elegant...This book is a very tantalizing one in that there is a definite sense that much of the subject is mature, even the combinatorial analogies." Mathematical Reviews
Synopsis
The purpose of this book is to present the basic ideas of geometrical probability, also known as integral geometry, in their natural framework. In this way, the relationship between the subject and enumerative combinatorics is more transparent, and the analogies can be more productively understood, yielding insights into Hecke algebras, Schubert varieties and the quantum world, as viewed by mathematicians. Geometers and combinatorialists will find this a most stimulating and fruitful story.
Synopsis
Here is the first modern introduction to geometric probability, also known as integral geometry, presented at an elementary level, requiring little more than first-year graduate mathematics. Klein and Rota present the theory of intrinsic volumes due to Hadwiger, McMullen, Santaló and others, along with a complete and elementary proof of Hadwiger's characterization theorem of invariant measures in Euclidean n-space. They develop the theory of the Euler characteristic from an integral-geometric point of view. The authors then prove the fundamental theorem of integral geometry, namely, the kinematic formula. Finally, the analogies between invariant measures on polyconvex sets and measures on order ideals of finite partially ordered sets are investigated. The relationship between convex geometry and enumerative combinatorics motivates much of the presentation. Every chapter concludes with a list of unsolved problems.
Synopsis
The basic ideas of geometrical probability and the theory of shape are here presented in their natural framework. In this way, the relationship between the subject and enumerative combinatorics is more transparent, and the analogies can be more productively understood. Geometers and combinatorialists will find this a most stimulating and fruitful story.
Synopsis
Elementary geometry in n-dimensional Euclidean space is a subject that, under the stimulus of computational geometry, is regaining its former position. This is the first textbook that addresses some fundamental problems of Euclidean geometry that have been solved over the last half-century. The authors, who have made significant contributions to the subject, have taken pains to keep the exposition elementary, making the relationship between it and combinatorics transparent. It should be required reading of anyone in mathematics or computer science who deals with the visual display of information.
Table of Contents
Introduction; 1. The Buffon needle problem; 2. Valuation and integral; 3. A discrete lattice; 4. The intrinsic volumes for parallelotopes; 5. The lattice of polyconvex sets; 6. Invariant measures on Grassmannians; 7. The intrinsic volumes for polyconvex sets; 8. A characterization theorem for volume; 9. Hadwiger's characterization theorem; 10. Kinematic formulas for polyconvex sets; 11. Polyconvex sets in the sphere; References; Index of symbols; Index.