The Official Guide to Advanced Character Modeling in SOFTIMAGE's XSI

Author: Steve, KahwatiISBN: 1598633562Pages: 0Subject: Electronic PublishingPublisher: Course TechnologyInfo from Publisher:

If you want to learn the proper techniques in creating 3D characters using modeling techniques, then this is the guide you've been searching for Learn how to incorporate artistic style, technical skill, and proper form into every character model as you work through the comprehensive tutorials, reference sections, video reference and html guides. This is a must-have book for professionals seeking to advance their XSI skills. one of the most complete and functional animation packages used worldwide.

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Light Shadow Space: Architectural Rendering with Cinema 4D

The visualization of light in space, its effect on model cubature and scenery, is one of the great challenges in architectural rendering. This is a decisive reason for the use of 3D tools – both for architecture offices and students. This volume features a number of exercises that enable the reader to learn how to light architecture models correctly. Complete virtual 3D scenarios are included that allow for the step-by-step construction of a lighting set up with the help of Cinema 4D® software that creates a realistic spatial impression. The tutorials are complemented by a chapter on the use of Cinema 4D®, importing CAD models and light sources as well as shadow types, which have been revised and expanded in the 9.5 and 10 version.

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Cinema 4D: The Artist's Project Sourcebook, 2nd Edition

Make the creative leap to 3D. Realize your artistic vision with this treasure chest of instructional projects. Get the essential concepts and techniques without drowning in the technical complexities. This new edition is an artist?s sourcebook for the visionary in you that wants to master 3D?and have fun in the process. It serves as a complete guide for the creative use of CINEMA 4D R10 and all of its modules. This new edition features an engaging full-color presentation of short, playful projects show you how to put this powerful toolset to work. You will master R10?s improved workflow, scene management, enhanced animation timeline and searchable object manager, as well as its: * MOCCA 3 system, including Joints, Skin Objects, the Weight Tool, the Morph Tool, Visual Selector and Clothilde * MoGraph module for motion graphics, type manipulation and the animation of multiple forms * Bodypaint 3D for applying 2D drawing and painting skills to 3D models * Advanced modeling tools such as the Brush tool * Interface with third-party applications including Z-Brush, and Adobe?s Creative Suite You also get inventive quick starts for other modules including Hair, Sketch and Toon, Advanced Render, Dynamics and Thinking Particles. The companion DVD is bursting to the brim with project source files, extra projects, tutorial movies, guest artist tutorials, inspirational galleries and unique C4D Teacher Files (C4D scenes with embedded step-by-step instruction).

Paperback, 368 pages, publication date: MAY-2007ISBN-13: 978-0-240-80953-3ISBN-10: 0-240-80953-XImprint: FOCAL PRESS

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CINEMA 4D 10 Workshop

Model, animate and render with a practical command of all the essential functions and tools in CINEMA 4D 10. Detailed tutorials, suitable for novices and experienced users alike, demonstrate how to navigate the redesigned UI and orient you to the workflow. Next, the author guides you through the creation of a more complex project in which you model, create, apply textures, light, and render a final showcase image of a sports car. Finally, you will model, texture and prepare a comic character for animation using the new powerslider, timeline and the revised MOCCA module.

Build on your command of the essentials with an introduction to the new layer system as well as these advanced skills:
* Light, texture, and shade with CINEMAs material system, BodyPaint 3D, and the integrated shaders
* Build complex mechanical and organic models using NURBS and polygon tools
* Compose 3D content into photos
* Render with advanced techniques such as Multi Pass rendering, HDRI lighting and radiosity
* Simplify animation setups using XPresso constrains
* Work with specialized tools such as HAIR, Clothilde or SKY for special effects

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Cinema 4D 10 Handbook (Graphics Series)

Despite its ease of use Maxon's Cinema 4D is an incredibly powerful and diverse package. The Cinema 4D X Handbook teaches how to harness this power and flexibility through a project-based approach that allows users to create impressive projects as they learn C4D's array of tools and functions. This is a completely updated edition of this popular guide to the ins-and-outs of C4D that provides new C4D users with a complete introduction to the powerful and affordable C4D program, while teaching the fundamental principles of 3D. The book is best for beginners. It explores the most powerful and frequently used aspects of the program and explains how best to use them. Through intensive tutorials, users will learn ideas and techniques not covered in the manuals, and they'll learn about the theory behind why things work the way they do. The book is also for users of earlier versions of C4D who need to get up to speed with the new features. For those just learning Cinema 4D and new to 3D graphics, this book provides the one resource they'll need to get up and running!

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Bounce, Tumble, and Splash!: Simulating the Physical World with Blender 3D

Learn all about Blender, the premier open-source 3D software, in Bounce, Tumble, and Splash!: Simulating the Physical World with Blender 3D. You will find step-by-step instructions for using Blender’s complex features and full-color visual examples with detailed descriptions of the processes. If you’re an advanced Blender user, you will appreciate the sophisticated coverage of Blender’s fluid simulation system, a review Blender’s latest features, and a guide to the Bullet physics engine, which handles a variety of physics simulations such as rigid body dynamics and rag doll physics.



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Introducing AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009

If you're involved in any way with the design andmanufacturing industry, you've probably had to workwith AutoCAD drawings. But not everyone needs to bean expert at AutoCAD - many users really need toknow only a few of its vast array of tools. Ifyou're someone who doesn't need to or want to be anAutoCAD power user but wants to be able to useAutoCAD proficiently, this book is for you.Introducing AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009 coversthe basic drawing and editing tools that most userswill need to produce quality AutoCAD drawings.You won't find information about every last feature.Instead, this book presents AutoCAD's essentialfeatures through a combination of tutorials andreference material to give you a concise, easy-to-usecompanion for your work with AutoCAD. It's designedso that you can quickly learn the tools you need...when you need them.The new edition of this hands-on guide helps usersof all skill levels learn the basics of AutoCAD 2009and AutoCAD LT® 2009 easily and efficiently.Bestselling AutoCAD author and expert George Omuraoffers clear explanations, a task-based approach, andpages of real-world examples and exercises to makethis thorough book more valuable and useful than ever.Whether you're new to AutoCAD or just looking for aquick refresher, you'll find the fast, focused.
introduction to AutoCAD you need to get quickly up to speed.
- Explore the all-new interface in AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009
- Navigate the new Ribbon panel to access the tools you need
- Master the basics of drawing and editing with precision
- Add and edit notes and dimensions
- Learn the fundamentals of 2D drawings and 3D models
- Understand layers, blocks, groups, and external references
- Find areas and distances quickly
- Easily extract hidden data

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AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009: No Experience Required

Learning AutoCAD, like learning any complex computer program, requires a significant commitment of time and attention and, to some extent, a tolerance for repetition. AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009: No Experience Required is a simple, yet engaging tutorial that takes readers through an entire project, designing a simple cabin from start to finish, while helping them become familiar with AutoCAD tools and techniques. As you work your way through the book, you'll familiarize yourself with the AutoCAD interface and basic commands, develop efficient drawing strategies, learn how to work with AutoCAD's major features, get comfortable with the 3D modeling tools and methods for applying materials, and ultimately, build a set of drawings that document your progress through the project that can be used later as reference material if you need to refresh a specific skill.

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ZBrush Character Creation: Advanced Digital Sculpting

ZBrush Character Creation: Advanced Digital Sculpting (c) by Sybex The type of the release is: eBook In the PDF format with ISBN: 047024996X and Pub Date: June 03, 2008 The size of the release is: 10 disks x 2.88mb And released on: 08/02/2008

ZBrush's popularity is exploding giving more CG artists the power to create stunning digital art with a distinctively fine art feel. ZBrush Character Creation: Advanced Digital Sculpting is the must-have guide to creating highly detailed, lush, organic models using the revolutionary ZBrush software. Digital sculptor Scott Spencer guides you through the full array of ZBrush tools, including brushes, textures and detailing. With a focus on both the artistry and the technical know-how, you'll learn how to apply traditional sculpting and painting techniques to 3D art while uncovering the "why" behind the "how" for each step. You'll gain inspiration and insight from the beautiful full-color illustrations and professional tips from experienced ZBrush artists included in the book. And, above all, you'll have a solid understanding of how applying time-honored artistic methods to your workflow can turn ordinary digital art into breathtaking digital masterpieces.

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Essential CG Lighting Techniques with 3ds Max

Certified by Autodesk, Darren Brooker's new edition teaches the production techniques behind real-world work. The tutorials take you from the fundamentals of lighting, right through to advanced techniques. Everything you need to learn the art of CG lighting in one easy-to-use volume Free trial software and detailed tutorials take you through every step of the CG lighting process Learn the art and science of lighting CG environments the Autodesk-certified way

ISBN: 024052117X, Author: Darren Brooker, Publisher: Focal Press, Pages: 416, Publication Date: 2008-11-10

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Introducing AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009

If you're involved in any way with the design and manufacturing industry, you've probably had to work with AutoCAD drawings. But not everyone needs to be an expert at AutoCAD - many users really need to know only a few of its vast array of tools. If you're someone who doesn't need to or want to be an AutoCAD power user but wants to be able to use AutoCAD proficiently, this book is for you. Introducing AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009 covers the basic drawing and editing tools that most users will need to produce quality AutoCAD drawings. You won't find information about every last feature. Instead, this book presents AutoCAD's essential features through a combination of tutorials and reference material to give you a concise, easy-to-use companion for your work with AutoCAD. It's designed so that you can quickly learn the tools you need…when you need them.

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Blender 3D Architecture Buildings and Scenery - Packt Publishing

This book will show you how to create realistic architectural models in Blender. Blender is an open-source 3D animation program released as free software. It can be used for modeling, texturing, skinning, animating, and so on. It runs on all the important operating systems (including Windows, Mac, and Linux).

You can create natural scenery, landscapes, plants, various weather conditions, environmental factors, building materials such as wood, metal, brick, and more. You will also learn how to add people to different scenes as well as other objects to an already existing photograph or a video making it easier to increase its realism.

You will see how to use the final models to create simpler scenes for use in 3D games, where real-time rendering is necessary. You will also see how to use them to create the sets for animated movies.

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LightWave 3D Advanced Modeling: Project Viper

LightWave 3D Advanced Modeling, Project Viper is sure to be a best seller just like our Vehicle modeling series. This video from Kevin Phillips contains more than 6 hours of training on modeling that will improve your workflow and show you easy ways to model advanced objects. Kevin walks you though modeling a Battlestar Galactica Viper showing you various tools or methods that he uses as he creates ship, details, and complex objects. Kevin's methods will show you faster more efficient methods of modeling. Whether your a beginner or an intermediate modeler, this video has something for everyone.

The Essential Blender: The Official Guide to Blender

No Starch Press releases The Essential Blender: The official guide to Blender, the powerful, cross-platform, and free 3D design and animation tool.
No Starch Press has a long-standing relationship with the Blender Foundation, the non-profit organization behind the Blender software. The Essential Blender (No Starch Press, Oct 2007, $44.95, ISBN 978-1-59327-166-4) is the most recent product of that cooperation. "I've always been amazed by the Blender community's base of knowledge and desire to teach," said No Starch Press Publisher Bill Pollock. "They wowed us with their Blender 2.3 Guide and they've done it again with The Essential Blender. This is without a doubt the comprehensive and definitive guide to using the latest version of Blender."Blender is a free and open source 3D design and animation tool that is a real alternative to commercially available 3D design software. A cross-platform software package with millions of downloads annually, Blender is now one of the world's most popular 3D design tools. And although Blender is free, it's serious software--intended for design professionals and others motivated to become 3D artists. That also means that Blender can be just a bit more complex than your basic image editor.
As with prior Blender Foundation publications, amateurs and professionals alike will find that The Essential Blender provides them with the hands-on knowledge they need to help integrate Blender into their work and begin to master its powerful creation tools. Those new to 3D design will find an introductory chapter with relevant terminology and concepts. Then, following a tour of Blender's 3D modeling, animation, and rendering capabilities, readers will learn how best to use Blender for:
- Object manipulation and animation
- Mesh and sculpt modeling and shape animation
- Materials and texturing (including UV unwrapping)
- Lighting and rendering
- Particle animation
- Character rigging and animation
- Node-based composition
The Essential Blender is the product of the combined expertise of key members of the Blender community, including Blender's founder Ton Roosendaal, coupled with the experience of editor Roland Hess. The information in The Essential Blender is sure to help readers at all levels unlock their artistic potential and get the most out of this seriously powerful--and fun--software.

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Maya Visual Effects: The Innovator's Guide

If you need to create stunning effects on a tight deadline for finicky clients and demanding art directors, this book is for you. Go from Post-it Notes to positively dazzling with the unique insights and practical advice in this innovative guide from a working professional Maya artist. Need to create plasmatic energy by lunch? Animate a field of sprouting daisies before tomorrow’s meeting? Fashion a force field by Friday? With Maya’s flexible toolset and the unique tutorials in this book, you’ll learn how to solve real-world problems, improvise, and finish your professional assignments on time and with flair.

- Animate a zombie hand transformation, UFO glow, and streaking energy with textures
- Make a tentacle shake and slither using expressions and joints
- Use Paint Effects to create twitching nerves and bacterial hair
- Split crystals with Rigid Body Dynamics
- Animate a collapsing rope bridge using Maya Hair
- Master particle instancing and collision effects
- Get a handle on scripting with MEL

Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting

The art of texturing and lighting is a crucial aspect of any movie, game, or other animation project. Now you can learn the secrets of professional animators, mine powerful and often hidden features in Maya, and achieve amazing results with the detailed information you'll find in Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting.
Written by an industry veteran whose texturing and lighting has been featured in such films as Mortal Kombat, Antz, Shrek, and many others, this in-depth book focuses on advanced techniques used in real-world production environments. You'll find out how to add complexity to your work with custom shaders, high-level texture mapping, a full understanding of lighting concepts, and an unparalleled exploration of Maya's Hypershade window. The book takes a detailed look at rendering in Maya, including everything from batch rendering to global illumination workflow and HDRI techniques. In gorgeous full color and full of tips, techniques, and workflow ideas straight from the studio, this valuable guide doesn't just teach, it shows you how to achieve the same dazzling and rapid results as the pros.
The enclosed CD features exclusive content, including two bonus chapters, Maya scene files, custom shading networks, textures, the Maya Personal Learning Edition, and files for the practical tutorials, which were designed from an industry perspective and refined in the classroom.

- Understand lighting theory, history, application, and technique.
- Painlessly raytrace with Maya Software and mental ray.
- Get the most out of Maya shadows and post-process effects.
- Master Global Illumination, Final Gather, mental ray shaders, HDRI, and normal mapping.

Mastering AutoCAD Architecture 2008

This concise manual goes beyond a simple rundown of tools and commands to examine and explain the process of creating professional-quality building design projects using the newest release of AutoCAD Architecture (formally Autodesk Architectural Desktop). Content focuses squarely on the rationale and practicality of the software through life-tested, practical lessons that emphasize the "why" as well as the "how" in order to help professionals complete their projects successfully. Text and lessons combine to deliver a clear sense of the value of the tools introduced as well each tool's potential. The result is a fully up-to-date resource that shortens the learning curve and builds confidence and comfort in using the software as a tool to create architecture.

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SOFTIMAGE | XSI 5: The Official Guide

Softimage XSI Revealed provides a thorough introduction to XSI for the serious 3D animation student. SoftimageXSI offers an awesome rendering system. This book shows readers how they can take advantage of it. It teaches beginning students everything they need to know to render out exceptional frames. It also provides comprehensive information about textures--how they are projected onto models, and how to use them to modulate bump, transparency, reflectivity and other surface properties. Readers will explore lighting and will use caustics, global illumination, and final gathering to add realism and subtle beauty to scenes. They will also learn how the pros use motion blur and field rendering to put the finished touches on animation for TV and film. From using the RenderTree to create a believable metal material, to complex effects using output shaders, this book is a must for all students serious about understanding the formidable rendering power of SoftimageXSI.

Learning Autodesk Maya 2008

Develop out of this world modeling and animation skills with Learning Autodesk Maya 2008 I The Modeling & Animation Handbook. Follow clear, step-by-step tutorials to understand the modeling and animation stages of production using artwork from the LAIKA short film Moongirl. Learn to build models with a variety of surface types and then make them move with a wide range of animation techniques directly from the makers of Autodesk Maya. You'll learn to make sound decisions from the beginning, to save yourself unnecessary challenges further down the pipeline. You'll learn how to model with polygons, NURBS and Subdivision Surfaces; understand skeletons and joint orientation; work with inverse kinematics, skin your characters; animate a complete scene including props, constraints, and characters; and much more. The bonus DVD includes free models from Turbo Squid, Autodesk Maya reference guides, and scene files to help you breathe life into your creations.

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ShaderX3: Advanced Rendering with DirectX and OpenGL (Shaderx Series)

Welcome to the latest volume of ShaderX! This all-new collection is packed with insightful new techniques, innovative approaches to common problems, and practical tools and tricks that will help you in all areas of shader programming. All of the articles evolved from the work and experiences of industry pros, and all of the sections were edited by shader programming experts. With the rapid advances in DirectX, OpenGL, and graphics cards, vertex and pixel shaders are becoming more widely used in high-end graphics and game development. The challenges of mastering these techniques can be daunting for new programmers, but with this comprehensive collection of ready-to-use techniques, they'll get up to speed quickly. And for the more experienced programmers, they'll find insights and tricks that will improve their efficiency and prevent redundancy. If you are involved in shader programming, this is a must-have reference for your collection.

About the AuthorWolfgang is a Senior Graphics Programmer in the core technology group at Rockstar San Diego. He is the editor of the ShaderX book series and the author of Programming Vertex and Pixel Shaders. Wolfgang is a frequent speaker at conferences throughout the world and publishes articles in a variety of journals and on several websites. He is also a speaker at the Game Developer's Conference in March 2007, and is a Microsoft DirectX MVP.

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Introducing ZBrush

Learn to sculpt detailed, lush, organic models with the hottest tool on the 3D market - ZBrush - and this step-by-step guide. Introducing ZBrush is the ideal initiation to this revolutionary software. Starting with the basics, it builds from the ground up, combining straightforward text with practical examples that make it fun to learn ZBrush's core tools and concepts. Professional animator and ZBrush artist Eric Keller walks you through the hands-on tutorials and teaches you the skills you need to create hyper-realistic digital models like a pro. From creating illustrations in 2.5 dimensions to sculpting with digital clay, you'll master ZBrush's powerful tools for creating fantastic images and 3D models for use in animation programs like 3ds Max and Maya. Whether your new to the ZBrush interface or a CG veteran looking for the latest techniques, Introducing ZBrush will help you fulfill your artistic potential by giving you the power to create stunning digital art with a distinctively fine art feel.

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Essential CG Lighting Techniques with 3ds Max

This book and DVD package, co-branded with Autodesk, presents the concepts and techniques you need to create convincing CG lighting effects with 3ds Max; a vital skill for any 3D artist creating models, characters and CG environments. The stunning color illustrations throughout the book illustrate just what you can achieve, and the tutorial lessons will help you to do so.

Every ounce of theory is backed up with practical tutorials, using the free demo versions of 3ds Max and Combustion supplied on the companion DVD. The tutorials take you from the fundamentals of lighting, right through to advanced techniques. This new edition features new sections on radiosity techniques, rendering with mental ray, and compositing.

* A one-stop master class in CG lighting with 3ds Max co-published with Autodesk
* Discover both the art and the science of lighting CG models and environments
* Companion DVD includes tutorial files and bonus demo software to help you take your skills further

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Building Interactive Worlds in 3D: Virtual Sets and Pre-visualization for Games, Film & the Web

In Building Interactive Worlds in 3D readers will find turnkey tutorials that detail all the steps required to build simulations and interactions, utilize virtual cameras, virtual actors (with self-determined behaviors), and real-time physics including gravity, collision, and topography. With the free software demos included, 3D artists and developers can learn to build a fully functioning prototype. The book is dynamic enough to give both those with a programming background as well as those who are just getting their feet wet challenging and engaging tutorials in virtual set design, using Virtools. Other software discussed is: Lightwave, and Maya. The book is constructed so that, depending on your project and design needs, you can read the text or interviews independently and/or use the book as reference for individual tutorials on a project-by-project basis. Each tutorial is followed by a short interview with a 3D graphics professional in order to provide insight and additional advice on particular interactive 3D techniques?from user, designer, artist, and producer perspectives.

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Deconstructing the Elements with 3ds Max, Second Edition

Get the most realistic effects from 3ds Max without having to spend more on plug-ins!Boost your effects skill-set with this 3ds Max workshop. Tutorial lessons give you hands-on experience in creating realistic fire, earth, air and water effects. Updated to demonstrate production techniques suitable for any version of 3ds Max, this new edition is co-published by Autodesk Media and Entertainment, and includes new tutorials on entering the Earth's atmosphere, glaciers, lava eruptions and a Badlands landscape.Inspirational color images cover every page of the book as the author shares his professional techniques and workflow processes.

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3ds Max 9 Essentials: Autodesk Media and Entertainment Courseware

Bring 3D film effects to the big screen. Generate realistic characters for a top-selling game. Create rich and complex design visualization. Autodesk® 3ds Max® 9 lets you maximize your productivity and tackle challenging animation projects. And this book, developed by Autodesk insiders, lets you master the essential tools and techniques.

Learn how to use 3ds Max 9 confidently in a production environment. Each chapter of this book has a series of theory lessons and one lab. The theory lessons introduce you to the functional areas of 3ds Max and explain these features with short simple examples. The lab demonstrates a practical application of the theory. Combined, each chapter delivers a sound understanding of the functions, features and principles behind 3ds Max 9, and shows you how to apply this knowledge to real-world situations.

* A hands-on introduction to 3ds Max 9 from the Autodesk development team
* Tutorials and exercises designed for flexibility and ease of use
* Companion CD with tutorial media including support models, materials, textures, and
animations

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Maya Secrets of the Pros, 2nd Edition

Featuring completely original material from a new team of Maya know-it-alls, this second edition of an award-winning book is sure to inform and inspire even the most seasoned Maya user. In this distinctive Maya Press title, a cadre of professionals led by two acclaimed Maya pros, reveal the precious secrets they’ve learned using Maya on high-profile CG projects such as The Matrix, Shrek 2, and X-Men.

In nine unique and compelling chapters, you’ll get detailed and sophisticated instruction on how to:

-Enhance fluidity and realism by generating complex motion with Maya Cloth
-Apply non-photorealistic rendering styles that mimic the look of comic books and impressionist paintings
-Emulate real-world camera motion, from dolly-and-pan movement to varying levels of camera shake
-Produce natural lighting effects using global illumination and image based lighting
-Ensure smooth and accurate transfer of character data from modeling to rigging to animation to lighting
-Control IK chains, deformers, and surfaces with Maya Hair's dynamic curves
-Use dynamics effectively to create flexible objects and add secondary effects to enhance your animation
-Use Maya’s built-in noise function to produce powerful effects similar to those used in “The Matrix” trilogy
-Create a human face from a conceptual sketch using subdivision surfaces

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Expert CAD Management: The Complete Guide

An Indispensable Resource Packed with Practical, Real-World Advice
Get the strategies you need for successful CAD management in this one-of-a-kind resource. You'll learn the basics—such as how to assign tasks, set budgets, and formulate ROI—and delve into more complex issues. How does one prioritize? How are standards best formulated, written, and introduced? Is the goal to do projects faster or cheaper—or both? What are the common myths of CAD management and how can you debunk them? Full of savvy insights, techniques, strategies, and examples from the field, this practical book will broaden your technical, business, and management skills both in and out of the world of CAD.
* Assess the capabilities of your people and resources
* Formulate, write, and communicate in-house and vendor standards
* Establish a budget, find cost savings, and determine ROI
* Manage intellectual property, file security, and document control
* Get involved with network and IT planning
* Sell your ideas to management and end users

You'll also find configuration tips for specific engineering environments such as manufacturing, AEC, and civil engineering, as well as for specific software applications including AutoCAD®, SolidWorks®, and more.

"You're sure to find helpful techniques within this book to make your CAD management role more effective and productive." —Lynn Allen, Autodesk Technical Evangelist and Cadalyst columnist

"Robert Green draws on many years of real-world experience as a CAD manager and consultant to deliver recommendations that work for any size and type of organization. He's the top resource for CAD managers looking to increase performance and efficiency." —Sara Ferris, technology writer and editor, former editor of Cadalyst

"With over 20 years of experience, Robert Green is an accomplished expert who understands the issues and pressures revolving around CAD management. He has developed a strategy that is clear, concise, and direct in solving those issues." —Matt Murphy, speaker, trainer, and author, ACADventures

"In order to be effective as a CAD Manager, you must stay current and knowledgeable, and Robert Green has the subject covered for you." —Shaan Hurley, Worldwide MyFeedback Programs Manager, Autodesk, Inc.

"His timely tools and ideas have consistently placed him as one of the highest rated instructors and consultants in the Autodesk community, and now, we get a recap of those tools and ideas presented in a book. FINALLY!! Fantastic!!" —Dan Dolan, President, CADLearning by 4D Technologies

"Robert Green has a great combination of philosophy, real life experience, and raw data that can give you the insight and advantage over your competition." —Yoshi Honda, President, Pacific CADD Services, Inc

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Tips and Tricks For Using AutoCAD 2009

Learn how our industry-specific software helps you analyze the real-world performance of your designs. All before you build a thing. Plus, get the chance to ask our experts the questions that directly affect your business and your projects. It's all possible with Autodesk 2009 software and all at Autodesk Live.

Lynn Allen, Cadalyst columnist and worldwide Autodesk Technical Evangelist, speaks to more than 30,000 users each year. For the past fifteen years she has written a monthly column in Cadalyst magazine called "Circles and Lines" and is the voice behind Cadalyst's "Tips and Tricks Tuesdays".

Lynn started using AutoCAD software with Release 1.4, over 20 years ago, and got her start by teaching at the corporate and collegiate level for 12 years. A sought-after public speaker with a unique comedic style, Lynn has served as the Autodesk University emcee for ten years and is always one of the highest rated speakers. Her latest book is entitled AutoCAD Professional Tips and Techniques.

AutoDesk 2008 ISBN 9780470120491 English 32 pages PDF 5.04 MB

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Better Game Characters by Design: A Psychological Approach

Games are poised for a major evolution, driven by growth in technical sophistication and audience reach. Characters that create powerful social and emotional connections with players throughout the game-play itself (not just in cut scenes) will be essential to next-generation games. However, the principles of sophisticated character design and interaction are not widely understood within the game development community. Further complicating the situation are powerful gender and cultural issues that can influence perception of characters. Katherine Isbister has spent the last 10 years examining what makes interactions with computer characters useful and engaging to different audiences.

This work has revealed that the key to good design is leveraging player psychology: understanding what's memorable, exciting, and useful to a person about real-life social interactions, and applying those insights to character design. Game designers who create great characters often make use of these psychological principles without realizing it. Better Game Characters by Design gives game design professionals and other interactive media designers a framework for understanding how social roles and perceptions affect players' reactions to characters, helping produce stronger designs and better results.

* Includes extensive illustrations, game examples, interviews with game designers, and clips from popular games on the DVD to illustrate concepts and best practices

* Uses a non-technical approach appropriate for artists and designers as well as developers

* Introduces and explains key concepts from psychology and social science, including cultural and gender specific roles and perceptions, and includes design exercises to explore ideas further

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Realistic Architectural Visualization with 3ds Max and mental ray

Bring new realism to your visualizations with a command of the 3ds Max toolset. Three step-by-step tutorials demonstrate exterior and interior, day and night lighting scenes. You learn the nuts and bolts of importing models from CAD programs, lighting, applying mr shaders and materials, and optimizing your renders. Mental ray is made simple with an accessible description of its tools.
* Color reproductions illustrate a wide array of subtle techniques.
* mental ray is made easy with accesible demonstations.

From the Back Cover
Bring new realism to your visualizations with a command of the mental ray toolset in 3ds Max. mental ray is made simple with an accessible description of its tools and workflows. You can learn the nuts and bolts of applying materials, lighting, and optimizing your renders.Step-by-step tutorials lavishly illustrate the processes and techniques required to produce renderings of existing models. Interior and exterior projects demonstrate how to:

*Prepare materials for interior and exterior scenes in light-free enviornments for efficient rendering
* Light a daytime interior scene including indirect illumination, color bleeding, and mr lights
* Light a nighttime interior scene including light decay, lume shaders, exposure controls, and rendering light tests
* Light an exterior scene in daylight with mr Sun and mr Sky objects
* Create a hazy exterior setting with mr Physical Sky and an applied bitmap
* Efficiently work a complex scene to reserve time consuming complete renders for the end
Valuable appendices provide direction on trasnferring CAD files from AutoCAD and Revit to 3ds Max, creating caustics and flash effects, HDRI, Render passes and Bucket rendering, common errors and the process of creating the high resolution image as seen on the front cover.

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Introduction to AutoCAD 2008: 2D and 3D Design

Taking the reader step-by-step through the features of AutoCAD, Alf Yarwood provides a practical, structured course of work matched to the latest release of this software. After introducing first principles and the creation of 2D technical drawings, he goes on to demonstrate the construction of 3D solid and surface model drawings and rendering in the second part. All the new features of the 2008 software release are taken into account, in particular the new workspace for 2D drafting, faster rendering, new rendering methods, more materials, and improved lighting methods. The 2D chapters are also suitable for those learning how to use AutoCAD LT 2008.

Introduction to AutoCAD 2008 includes:
Hundreds of full-colour drawings and screen shots illustrating the stages within the design process

Worked examples and exercises throughout the text, linking the use of AutoCAD to real-world engineering practice

Start of chapter learning outcome summaries and end of chapter revision notes and exercises to check the readers' understanding

Suitable for all new users of AutoCAD, this book is particularly applicable to introductory level undergraduate courses and vocational courses in engineering and construction. Further Education students in the UK will find this an ideal textbook to cater for the relevant CAD units of BTEC National and BTEC Higher National Engineering schemes from Edexcel, and the City & Guilds 4353 and 2303 qualifications.
* Written by a member of the Autodesk Developer Network
* Hundreds of full-colour drawings and screen shots illustrating the stages within the design process
* Accompanying website with worked solutions and AutoCAD drawing files of stages and results for the exercises in the book, as well as further exercises and multiple-choice questions with answers.

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LightWave 3D 8 Cartoon Character Creation, Volume 1: Modeling & Texturing

Character design, modeling, and texturing are the fundamental building blocks of character animation. LightWave 3D [8] Cartoon Character Creation Volume 1: Modeling & Texturing includes both general theory and comprehensive tutorials for every aspect of modeling and texturing 3D characters. Learn how, why, and when to use the most efficient techniques so you can have fun creating your own fantastic 3D characters.
Find out how to configure LightWave 3D for character creation, and learn the necessary steps of the character concept, design, and planning stages.

Discover multiple methods for modeling characters and clothing using subdivision patches.

Understand the techniques for creating complex UV mapping.

Learn about surface attributes and surfacing characters.

Enhance the appearance of your characters through the use of gradients and procedural textures.

Explore a variety of techniques for creating image maps and applying them to your characters.

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3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development

3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development by Fletcher DunnPublisher: Wordware Publishing, Inc. (June 25, 2002) ISBN-10: 1556229119 PDF 11,7 Mb 476 pages

Covers fundamental 3D math concepts that are especially useful for computer game developers and programmers. Illustrates how to put the techniques into practice, and exercises at the end of each chapter help reinforce the concepts.

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AutoCAD: Secrets Every User Should Know

Whether you're designing houses, landscapes, or machines, there are AutoCAD tricks-of-the-trade that even seasoned users don't know—tips that can improve your skills, understanding, and productivity. This practical, in-depth book reveals those secrets. You'll find smart ideas on customization, applying graphics standards, managing symbol libraries, leveraging 3D, and more. It even includes an insider's look at features that are used in the field but often ignored in other books, such as DOS functions, scripts, and AutoLISP® programming. The final chapter, AutoCAD Puzzlers, challenges readers to solve real problems from real AutoCAD users.

Explore real-world solutions and best practices. Is it faster to produce an accurate drawing or an inaccurate one? Find out why you should take technical graphics standards seriously and how to make AutoCAD apply them

Harness information rarely found in other books, such as how to rapidly change thousands of drawings using scripts and batch files, how to use the Visual LISP® editor to produce and debug AutoLISP programs, and more

Take full advantage of AutoCAD's interface to improve your productivity

Enjoy bonus extras, including the AutoLISP programs, other code used in the book, and a review of key features by release

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Maya Professional Tips and Techniques

Maya Professional Tips and TechniquesSybex Pages: 221 2007-03-06 Sales Rank: 19893 ISBN / ASIN: 0470107405 EAN: 9780470107409 12Mb

Get More Out of Maya in Less Time Work better and faster in Maya with the quick-hit tips and techniques in this practical book. Designed for busy Maya users, this guide offers dozens of how-tos, workarounds, and shortcuts culled from years of experience in a fast-paced, deadline-driven production pipeline. You'll discover tricks and timesavers on texturing particles, customizing Paint Effects brushes, modeling polygon faces, creating facial rigs with wire deformers, and much more-while useful, full-color illustrations reinforce the concepts. From modeling, animating, and rigging to texturing and lighting, this book will help you streamline workflow and improve your skills.
* Create simple to complex MEL windows
* Master NURBS modeling tricks
* Clean up imported polygons
* Animate realistic camera moves
* Build easy leg and spine controllers
* Combine simple textures for complex results
* Apply naturalistic and HDR lighting techniques
* Import ZBrush displacement and normal maps
* Prep your animation for video or 35mm film

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Master Lighting Guide

Time-tested lighting strategies that will improve the quality of a portrait are detailed in this book for beginning photographers. Terminology used by industry pros is explained, the equipment needed to create professional results is outlined, and the unique role that each element of the lighting setup plays in the studio is explored. Photographers learn how color, direction, form, and contrast affect the final portrait. The concise text, photo examples, and lighting diagrams enable photographers to easily achieve traditional lighting styles that have been the basis of good portraiture since the advent of the art.

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LightWave v9 Essential

LightWave v9 Essential by Steve WarnerISBN 1598220241, 992 pages, August 25, 2007 - 54 Mb

Essential LightWave v9 offers an unparalleled guide to LightWave 3D. Written to help users quickly take control of the software, this book is filled with easy-to-understand explanations, time-saving tips and tricks, and detailed tutorials on nearly every aspect of the software, including the new features in LightWave v9.2!

Key features of this book:
- Learn to model, light, surface animate, and render within the first seven chapters!
- Master the LightWave v9 Node Editor for advanced surfacing, texturing, and deformations.
- Learn to model with polygons, Catmull-Clark/Subpatch SubDs, and splines.
- Uncover the secrets of distortion-free UV mapping and high-quality texturing.
- Learn to seamlessly composite 3D objects with real-world images.
- Create professional-quality character animation using FK, IK, and IK Booster.
- Enhance your animations with expressions, particle effects, and dynamics.
- Set up a render farm to rip through complex rendering tasks.

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Mobile 3D Graphics: with OpenGL ES and M3G

Graphics and game developers must learn to program for mobility. This book will teach you how.
"This book - written by some of the key technical experts…provides a comprehensive but practical and easily understood introduction for any software engineer seeking to delight the consumer with rich 3D interactive experiences on their phone. Like the OpenGL ES and M3G standards it covers, this book is destined to become an enduring standard for many years to come."
- Lincoln Wallen, CTO, Electronic Arts, Mobile
This book is an escalator, which takes the field to new levels. This is especially true because the text ensures that the topic is easily accessible to everyone with some background in computer science…The foundations of this book are clear, and the authors are extremely knowledgeable about the subject.
- Tomas Akenine-Möller, bestselling author and Professor of Computer Science at Lund University"
This book is an excellent introduction to M3G. The authors are all experienced M3G users and developers, and they do a great job of conveying that experience, as well as plenty of practical advice that has been proven in the field."
- Sean Ellis, Consultant Graphics Engineer, ARM Ltd
The exploding popularity of mobile computing is undeniable. From cell phones to portable gaming systems, the global demand for multifunctional mobile devices is driving amazing hardware and software developments. 3D graphics are becoming an integral part of these ubiquitous devices, and as a result, Mobile 3D Graphics is arguably the most rapidly advancing area of the computer graphics discipline.
Mobile 3D Graphics is about writing real-time 3D graphics applications for mobile devices. The programming interfaces explained and demonstrated in this must-have reference enable dynamic 3D media on cell phones, GPS systems, portable gaming consoles and media players.
The text begins by providing thorough coverage of background essentials, then presents detailed hands-on examples, including extensive working code in both of the dominant mobile APIs, OpenGL ES and M3G.
C/C++ and Java Developers, graphic artists, students, and enthusiasts would do well to have a programmable mobile phone on hand to try out the techniques described in this book.
The authors, industry experts who helped to develop the OpenGL ES and M3G standards, distill their years of accumulated knowledge within these pages, offering their insights into everything from sound mobile design principles and constraints, to efficient rendering, mixing 2D and 3D, lighting, texture mapping, skinning and morphing.
Along the way, readers will benefit from the hundreds of included tips, tricks and caveats.
*Written by key industry experts who helped develop the standards of the field
*Hands-on code examples are presented throughout the book, and are also offered on the companion website
*Provides examples in the two most popular programing interfaces, OpenGL ES and M3G

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The Maya and Teotihuacan: Reinterpreting Early Classic Interaction

Since the 1930s, archaeologists have uncovered startling evidence of interaction between the Early Classic Maya and the great empire of Teotihuacan in Central Mexico. Yet the exact nature of the relationship between these two ancient Mesoamerican civilizations remains to be fully deciphered. Many scholars have assumed that Teotihuacan colonized the Maya region and dominated the political or economic systems of certain key centers—perhaps even giving rise to state-level political organizations. Others argue that Early Classic rulers merely traded with Teotihuacan and skillfully manipulated its imported exotic goods and symbol sets to increase their prestige.

Moving beyond these traditional assumptions, the contributors to this volume present extensive new evidence from archaeology, iconography, and epigraphy to offer a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between the Early Classic Maya and Teotihuacan. Investigating a range of Maya sites, including Kaminaljuyu, Copán, Tikal, Altun Ha, and Oxkintok, they demonstrate that the influence of Teotihuacan on the Maya varied in nature and duration from site to site, requiring a range of models to explain the patterns of interaction. Moreover, they show that the interaction was bidirectional and discuss how the Maya in turn influenced Teotihuacan.

The Maya and Teotihuacan: Reinterpreting Early Classic Interaction
(The Linda Schele Series in Maya and Pre-Columbian Studies)
Author: Geoffrey E. Braswell (Editor)
Publisher: University of Texas Press
PDF 441 pages 7,2mb English language ISBN 0292705875

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Introducing 3ds Max 2008

Introducing 3ds Max 2008 breaks down the complexities of 3D modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects. You'll jump right into the 3ds Max pipeline—from preproduction through postproduction—with clear-cut explanations, tutorials, and hands-on projects to build your skills. A special color insert includes real-world examples from talented 3ds Max beginners. From immediately creating your first animation to mastering poly modeling techniques and lighting final renders, you'll get a solid grounding in 3ds Max 2008. Build the knowledge you need for game, film, and TV production.

Dariush Derakhshani, Randi Lorene Munn, "Introducing 3ds Max 2008"Sybex ISBN:0470184949 January 22, 2008 604 Pages PDF 17MB

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3D Videocommunication: Algorithms, concepts and real-time systems in human centred communication

The migration of immersive media towards telecommunication applications is advancing rapidly. Impressive progress in the field of media compression, media representation, and the larger and ever increasing bandwidth available to the customer, will foster the introduction of these services in the future. One of the key components for the envisioned applications is the development from two-dimensional towards three-dimensional audio-visual communications. With contributions from key experts in the field, 3D Videocommunication: provides a complete overview of existing systems and technologies in 3D video communications and provides guidance on future trends and research; considers all aspects of the 3D videocommunication processing chain including video coding, signal processing and computer graphics; focuses on the current state-of-the-art and highlights the directions in which the technology is likely to move; discusses in detail the relevance of 3D videocommunication for telepresence systems and immersive media; and provides an exhaustive bibliography for further reading. Researchers and students interested in the field of 3D audio-visual communications will find 3D Videocommunication a valuable resource, covering a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art. Practical engineers from industry will also find it a useful tool in envisioning and building innovative applications.

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3DS Max Lighting

This book teaches lighting theory and introduces the lighting tools in 3DS MAX. Coupled with numerous practical examples, this book will have a beginner lighting like a pro.

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Guide to Computer Animation (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation)

Any questions you have about 2D or 3D animation in this new digital age are answered in this comprehensive guide for all budding digital animators, games artists and media production students. It is lavishly illustrated with inspirational colour throughout to show you what you can achieve.Whether you want to create moving digital imagery for TV, computer games, or new media you need to understand the production and creative processes, the constraints of each and how they fit together. Ensure you have all you need at your fingertips to compete in this fast-moving arena with this unique book and web package.www.guide2computeranimation.com provides the moving imagery outcomes of some of the animation discussed in the case studies chapter, where top FrameStore-CRC and 3 Ring Circus creatives give you their invaluable behind the scenes perspectives.In addition there are non-software specific 3D tutorials and direct links to a comprehensive range of related websites with further downloadable resources to make sure you stay up-to-date.Marcia Kuperberg is Deputy Head of the School of Media, Arts & Technology, West Herts College, UK. Contributions are also included from Martin Bowman, Rob Manton and Alan Peacock.* Clear coverage of the principles and techniques of digital animation, with step-by-step colour illustrations, to put you ahead of the rest* Get the best from your software and hardware - understand the constraints and demands when creating for different media * Expert advice and a huge range of resources to help you make the most of animation opportunities in TV, games, multimedia and web

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3D Modeling and Animation: Synthesis and Analysis Techniques for the Human Body

3D Modeling and Animation: Synthesis and Analysis Techniques for the Human Body covers the areas of modeling and animating 3D synthetic human models at a level that is useful to students, researchers, software developers and content generators. The reader will be presented with the latest, research-level, techniques for the analysis and synthesis of still and moving human bodies, with particular emphasis in facial and gesture characteristics.

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Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques

Whether you're a programmer developing new animation functionality or an animator trying to get the most out of your current animation software, Computer Animation: Algorithms and Techniques will help work more efficiently and achieve better results. For programmers, this book provides a solid theoretical orientation and extensive practical instruction-information you can put to work in any development or customization project. For animators, it provides crystal-clear guidance on determining which of your concepts can be realized using commercially available products, which demand custom programming, and what development strategies are likely to bring you the greatest success.* Expert instruction from a pace-setting computer graphics researcher.* Provides in-depth coverage of established and emerging animation algorithms.* For readers who lack a strong scientific background, introduces the necessary concepts from mathematics and physics.* Illustrates advanced programming techniques with highly detailed working examples.* Via the companion Web site, provides lecture notes from the author's course for professors, example animations based on the programs covered in the book, Java applets, and links to relevant Web sites.* Special contributions from Dave S. Ebert on Natural Phenomena in Chapter 5* Special contributions from Scott King, Meg Geroch, Doug Roble, and Matt Lewis on Articulated Figures in Chapter 6.

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LightWave 3D 8 Revealed

Get ready to explore all that LightWave 3D 8 has to offer! Giving you a firm foundation, "LightWave 3D 8 Revealed" allows you to master concepts on both a technical and artistic level. Begin by examining the concept behind each task-the goal and the necessary features that are involved. Then go in depth with the objective of your task as you study examples and learn the steps necessary to complete it. Working your way through comprehensive, step-by-step lessons, you'll develop the confidence you need to create amazing animation and graphics using LightWave 3D 8.


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Non-Photorealistic Computer Graphics: Modeling, Rendering and Animation

Even as developments in photorealistic computer graphics continue to affect our work and leisure activities, practitioners and researchers are devoting more and more attention to non-photorealistic (NPR) techniques for generating images that appear to have been created by hand. These efforts benefit every field in which illustrationsthanks to their ability to clarify, emphasize, and convey very precise meaningsoffer advantages over photographs. These fields include medicine, architecture, entertainment, education, geography, publishing, and visualization.Non-Photorealistic Computer Graphics is the first and only resource to examine non-photorealistic efforts in depth, providing detailed accounts of the major algorithms, as well as the background information and implementation advice readers need to make headway with these increasingly important techniques.Already, an estimated 10% of computer graphics users require some form of non-photorealism. Strothotte and Schlechtweg's important new book is designed and destined to be the standard NPR reference for this large, diverse, and growing group of professionals.*Hard-to-find information needed by a wide range and growing number of computer graphics programmers and applications users.*Traces NPR principles and techniques back to their origins in human vision and perception.*Focuses on areas that stand to benefit most from advances in NPR, including medical and architectural illustration, cartography, and data visualization.*Presents algorithms for two and three-dimensional effects, using pseudo-code where needed to clarify complex steps.*Helps readers attain pen-and-ink, pencil-sketch, and painterly effects, in addition to other styles.*Explores specific challenges for NPRincluding "wrong" marks, deformation, natural media, artistic technique, lighting, and dimensionality.*Includes a series of programming projects in which readers can apply the book's concepts and algorithms.

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Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DirectX 9

This book instructs the reader from the beginning by teaching the underlying mathematics and 3D theory necessary to make sense of the DirectX 9 API.




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3D for the Web: Interactive 3D animation using 3ds max, Flash and Director

3D for the Web: Interactive 3D animation using 3ds max, Flash and Director (Focal Press Visual Effects and Animation)
Make sure you benefit from the explosion of new and exciting applications designed to let you create 3D animation for the web. See how you can use the power of 3ds max, Flash and Director to make your 3D fame or project a reality for the internet as well as learning generic skills allowing you to use many applications.Ideal if you are a web designer with little or no 3D experience and need an overview of how 3D could transform your work and how best to put it online, or if you are a 3D animator wanting to produce work for the web and need a guide to which applications to use.Insteadof being bogged down in code, this user-friendly, highly illustrated book teaches from a practical, technique-orientated stance, with only a minimal amount of code typing needed. Use pre-written code modules to create interactive are, animated characters and commercial websites. Then you can learn the techniques needed to make your own 3D games.Each chapter contains tutorials which you can do yourself, using the files on the free CD included with the book. Interviews with successful professionals show you what you can aspire to by sharing their tips and tricks as well as details on the pros and cons of each software package.For extra tips, information and help visit www.3dfortheweb.info* Learn how to successfully translate your 3D work to the web without the need for code* Get inspiration from professionals at the cutting-edge of 3D web design and games from interviews and examples of their work throughout the book* Use the tutorials on the free CD to practice your skills and stay ahead of the rest

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Learning Flash Media Server 3

If you're interested in recording and streaming media using Flash Media Server 3 (FMS3) and Adobe's Real-Time Messaging Protocol, this 267-page PDF-only book is the perfect primer. web developers familiar with Flash Media Server 2 or Flash Communication Server 1.5 will quickly discover that FMS3 is a different animal. Each chapter in this step-by-step guide focuses on a specific aspect of the server and how to develop FMS3 applications with ActionScript 3.0
If you're interested in recording and streaming media using Flash Media Server 3 (FMS3) and Adobe's Real-Time Messaging Protocol, this 267-page PDF-only book is the perfect primer. web developers familiar with Flash Media Server 2 or Flash Communication Server 1.5 will quickly discover that FMS3 is a different animal. Each chapter in this step-by-step guide focuses on a specific aspect of the server and how to develop FMS3 applications with ActionScript 3.0.

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