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Book Description

The OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL) is a programming language used for customizing parts of the OpenGL graphics pipeline that were formerly fixed-function, and are executed directly on the GPU. It provides programmers with unprecedented flexibility for implementing effects and optimizations utilizing the power of modern GPUs. With version 4.0, the language has been further refined to provide programmers with greater flexibility, and additional features have been added such as an entirely new stage called the tessellation shader.

The OpenGL Shading Language 4.0 Cookbook provides easy-to-follow examples that first walk you through the theory and background behind each technique then go on to provide and explain the GLSL and OpenGL code needed to implement it. Beginning level through to advanced techniques are presented including topics such as texturing, screen-space techniques, lighting, shading, tessellation shaders, geometry shaders, and shadows.

The OpenGL Shading Language 4.0 Cookbook is a practical guide that takes you from the basics of programming with GLSL 4.0 and OpenGL 4.0, through basic lighting and shading techniques, to more advanced techniques and effects. It presents techniques for producing basic lighting and shading effects; examples that demonstrate how to make use of textures for a wide variety of effects and as part of other techniques; examples of screen-space techniques, shadowing, tessellation and geometry shaders, noise, and animation.

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Book Description

The latest version of this perennial favorite, in-depth, reference-tutorial

This top-selling book has been updated by AutoCAD guru and author Ellen Finkelstein to provide you with the very latest coverage of both AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012. It begins with a Quick Start tutorial, so you start creating right away. From there, the book covers so much in-depth material on AutoCAD that it is said that even Autodesk employees keep this comprehensive book at their desks. A DVD is included that features before-and-after drawings of all the tutorials and plenty of great examples from AutoCAD professionals.

• Explains in depth both AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012
• Written by Ellen Finkelstein, a long-time AutoCAD instructor and very popular author of many editions of the AutoCAD Bible
• Starts with a tutorial on AutoCAD 2012 that covers the basics of creating drawings, using commands, and specifying coordinates
• Builds on early chapters to cover more complex 2D and 3D drawing techniquesDiscusses advanced topics such as customization and programming AutoCAD using AutoLISP and VBA
• Features a DVD with before-and-after drawings for each tutorial, and more

If you’re eager to create 2D and 3D technical drawings with AutoCAD 2012, the AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT2012 Bible is what you need!

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Book Description

The exciting new book on the exciting new Blender 2.5!

If you want to design 3D animation, here’s your chance to jump in with both feet, free software, and a friendly guide at your side! Blender For Dummies, 2^nd Edition is the perfect introduction to the popular, open-source, Blender 3D animation software, specifically the revolutionary new Blender 2.5. Find out what all the buzz is about with this easy-access guide. Even if you’re just beginning, you’ll learn all the Blender 2.5 ropes, get the latest tips, and soon start creating 3D animation that dazzles.

• Walks you through what you need to know to start creating eye-catching 3D animations with Blender 2.5, the latest update to the top open-source 3D animation program
• Shows you how to get the very most out of Blender 2.5′s new multi-window unblocking interface, new event system, and other exciting new features
• Covers how to create 3D objects with meshes, curves, surfaces, and 3D text; add color, texture, shades, reflections and transparency; set your objects in motion with animations and rigging; render your objects and animations; and create scenes with lighting and cameras

If you want to start creating your own 3D animations with Blender, Blender For Dummies, 2^nd Edition is where you need to start!

From the Back Cover
Here’s something to get animated about — free 3D animation software and this fun and easy guide! Download Now »

Book Description

Essential guide to learning Autodesk Inventor and Inventor LTThe new Essentials books from Sybex are beautiful, task-based, full-color Autodesk Official Training Guides that help you get up to speed on Autodesk topics quickly and easily. Inventor Essentials thoroughly covers core features and functions of Autodesk’s industry-leading 3D mechanical design software, teaching you what you need to become quickly productive with the software.

By following the book’s clear explanations, practical tutorials, and step-by-step exercises, you’ll cover all the bases. Topics include drawing, modeling parts, creating assemblies, working with plastic and sheet metal parts, automating processes with iLogic, and much more. Whether you’re an aspiring manufacturing designer or just brushing up on the basics, this is the essential grounding you need in Autodesk Inventor.

• Covers Autodesk Inventor 2012 and Inventor 2012 LT fundamentals, so you become quickly productive with the software
• Uses straightforward explanations and real-world, hands-on exercises and tutorials to teach the software’s core features and functions
• Helps you develop the skills you’ll need throughout a typical workflow, whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced user brushing up on the basics
• Prepares you for the Autodesk Inventor Certified Associate and Professional exams and is also an Autodesk Official Training Guide

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Book Description

Blender 2.5 Hotshot will show you how powerful and capable Blender 3D is when you exploit its full potential. Move beyond basic tasks in Blender 3d and dive into more challenging territory. Ditch simple boring characters in favor of creating more detailed, visually rich, and polished results.

We will start by covering all the steps involved in producing a complete image from scratch by working on a scene of a starship; then we’ll go into working with blueprints by creating an aircraft scene and a car model. Next you will use the video editor by creating a professional looking demo-reel followed by the game engine to create an interactive first person architectural walkthrough.

Since each chapter is a complete project you’ll also learn to create very nice materials, including multi-layered textures and the usage of color ramps to achieve special effects. On the lighting part you’ll be learning various tricks to control how each light behaves and affects the scene, along with some basic setups for common situations. On the modeling part you’ll be working both on mechanical and organic objects, learning some key concepts along the way.

Compositing is widely used to take normal renders to the next level and add some nice special effects like glare. You will even have the opportunity to write some Python code for the game engine. Finally, you’ll work on creating a snail using some advanced texturing tricks and compositing it into real footage.

Create very cool scenes from scratch and learn basic concepts and good techniques along the way. Download Now »

Book Description

Beginning 3D Game Development with Unity is perfect for those who would like to come to grips with programming Unity. You may be an artist who has learned 3D tools such as 3ds Max, Maya, or Cinema 4D, or you may come from 2D tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator. On the other hand, you may just want to familiarize yourself with programming games and the latest ideas in game production.

This book introduces key game production concepts in an artist-friendly way, and rapidly teaches the basic scripting skills you’ll need with Unity. It goes on to show how you, as an independent game artist, can create casual interactive adventure games in the style of Telltale’s Tales of Monkey Island, while also giving you a firm foundation in game logic and design.

• The first part of the book explains the logic involved in game interaction, and soon has you creating game assets through simple examples that you can build upon and gradually expand.
• In the second part, you’ll build the foundations of a point-and-click style first-person adventure game—including reusable state management scripts, load/save functionality, a robust inventory system, and a bonus feature: a dynamically configured maze and mini-map.
• With the help of the provided 2D and 3D content, you’ll learn to evaluate and deal with challenges in bite-sized pieces as the project progresses, gaining valuable problem-solving skills in interactive design.

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