REFSMMAT

REFSMMAT (also written REFS/MMAT) is an abbreviation commonly used in the field of computer graphics and, particularly, in 3D modeling and animation. It stands for "References Matrix Multiply and Transform." The term describes a type of matrix transformation operation applied to objects or models within a scene.

Typically, a REFSMMAT is used to combine multiple transformations into a single matrix. This consolidated matrix is then applied to the object's vertices to achieve the final desired transformation. The component transformations that are often combined include:

• Translation: Moving the object's position in 3D space.
• Rotation: Rotating the object around a specified axis.
• Scaling: Changing the size of the object.
• Shearing: Distorting the shape of the object.

The order of operations within the matrix multiplication is crucial. Applying transformations in different orders will typically result in different final positions and orientations for the object. REFSMMAT represents a way to specify and consistently apply a complex sequence of transformations.

The use of a REFSMMAT allows for efficient transformation calculations, as the combined matrix can be calculated once and then applied to multiple vertices or polygons. It also simplifies managing complex transformation hierarchies within a 3D scene, as the transformation of a child object can be defined relative to the REFSMMAT of its parent. The final transformation of the child is determined by concatenating the parent's REFSMMAT with its own relative transformations.

While the term "REFSMMAT" itself might not be a formal mathematical term, its usage is well-established within certain communities and software packages, especially those related to legacy or specific 3D graphics pipelines. It represents a practical implementation of linear algebra concepts for manipulating objects in 3D space.