Blender is a powerful and free 3D graphics tool used by artists and designers worldwide. But even experienced designers can find it challenging to turn an idea into a polished piece.For those who have struggled to create professional quality projects in Blender, author Ben Simonds offers this peek inside his studio. You'll learn how to create 3D models as you explore the creative process that he uses to model three example projects: a muscular bat creature, a futuristic robotic spider, and ancient temple ruins. Along the way, you'll master the Blender interface and learn how to create and refine your own models.You'll also learn how to: Work with reference and concept art in Blender and GIMP to make starting projects easierBlock in models with simple geometry and build up more complex formsUse Blender's powerful sculpting brushes to create detailed organic modelsPaint textures with Blender and GIMP and map them onto your 3D artworkDesign textures in GIMP and map them onto your 3D artworkLight, render, and composite your models to create striking imagesEach chapter walks you through a piece of the modeling process and offers detailed explanations of the tools and concepts used. Filled with full-color artwork and real-world tips, "Blender Master Class" gives you the foundation you need to create your own stunning masterpieces.Supplementary download includes files for each project in the book, as wellas extra textures, brushes, and other resources.Covers Blender 2.6x

The book takes a clear, step-by-step approach to building a complete game level using SketchUp with many props and textures. This book is designed for anyone who wants to create entire 3D worlds in freely available game engines such as Unity 3D, CryEngine, Ogre, Panda3D, Unreal Engine, and Blender Game Engine. It also targets all those who wish to create new levels and assets to sell in game asset stores or use in visualization or animation.

Step by step illustrated tutorials are supported by a focused commentary. The examples are designed to proceed from starting to model through model finishing to putting models to work within projects and presentation. The book shows both - the entire flow of asset creation and granular methodology. This book will appeal to anyone interested in 3D modeling who wants to improve their speed modeling ability, particularly artists whose work is relevant to industries where hard surface modeling or model prototyping is required, such as games, films, or visualization.

Everything you need to know about developing hardware-accelerated 3D graphics with WebGL

As the newest technology for creating 3D graphics on the web, in both games, applications, and on regular websites, WebGL gives web developers the capability to produce eye-popping graphics. This book teaches you how to use WebGL to create stunning cross-platform apps. The book features several detailed examples that show you how to develop 3D graphics with WebGL, including explanations of code snippets that help you understand the why behind the how.

You will also develop a stronger understanding of WebGL development from coverage that:

-Provides a comprehensive overview of WebGL and shows how it relates to other graphics-related technologies-Addresses important topics such as the WebGL graphics pipeline, 3D transformations, texturing and lighting -Teaches you how to write vertex shaders and fragment shaders for WebGL -Includes a lot of useful guidelines, tips, and tricks for WebGL performance optimizations

Professional WebGL Programming is the first book on the market to delve into this fascinating topic and it puts you on your way to mastering the possibilities that exist with WebGL.

Unlike many AutoCAD competitors, this book covers only the basics and uses mixed units -inches, meters, feet, kilometers, etc., to illustrate the myriad drawing and editing tools for this popular application. Use the DVD to set up drawing exercises and projects, see all of the book s figures in color, and draw with a trial version of AutoCAD 2012. AutoCAD 2012 Beginning and Intermediate includes 50 exercises or mini-workshops, that complete small projects from concept through actual plotting. Solving all of the workshops will simulate the creation of two full projects (architectural and mechanical) from beginning to end, without overlooking any of the basic commands and functions in AutoCAD 2012.BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1: AutoCAD 2012 Basics. 2: Precise Drafting in AutoCAD 2012. 3: Modifying Commands. 4: Construction Commands. 5: Layers and Inquiry Commands. 6: Blocks and Hatch. 7: Text and Tables. 8: Dimensioning. 9: Plotting. 10: Projects."

This book is an example-driven introduction to OGRE 3D. Each example shows some new features and you learn step-by-step to create complex scenes with different effects using OGRE 3D. After several examples discussing one topic there is a do-it-yourself part where you will be challenged to solve problems on your own. If you have ever wanted to develop 3D applications with OGRE 3D, this example-driven book will enable you to do so. Understanding of C++ is needed to follow the examples in the book.

Each chapter in the book follows a themed approach to creating materials using the new Blender 2.5 features. As you read through each chapter you will learn approaches to create materials and textures. These materials and textures will help you to create a flawless simulation of real-world objects. You need not read the chapters in any particular order to learn to use the Blender 3D suite for materials simulation appropriately. Every recipe in this book will enable you to create a usable material or texture effect as well as teaching you techniques that save your time. If you are a Graphics Designer looking to master the features for materials and textures to create realistic looking models in Blender, then this book is for you. It can be read by both beginners and experienced Blender users; however, prior understanding of object creation and manipulation in Blender would be an advantage. This is a must-read for Blender users who want to learn the concepts and at the same time experiment with the different Blender Material and texture functions.

The first book to explain the principals behind mobile 3D hardware implementation, helping readers understand advanced algorithms, produce low-cost, low-power SoCs, or become familiar with embedded systems

As mobile broadcasting and entertainment applications evolve, there is increasing interest in 3D graphics within the field of mobile electronics, particularly for handheld devices. In "Mobile 3D Graphics SoC," Yoo provides a comprehensive understanding of the algorithms of mobile 3D graphics and their real chip implementation methods. 3D graphics SoC (System on a Chip) architecture and its interaction with embedded system software are explained with numerous examples. Yoo divides the book into three sections: general methodology of low power SoC, design of low power 3D graphics SoC, and silicon implementation of 3D graphics SoCs and their application to mobile electronics. Full examples are presented at various levels such as system level design and circuit level optimization along with design technology. Yoo incorporates many real chip examples, including many commercial 3D graphics chips, and provides cross-comparisons of various architectures and their performance. Furthermore, while advanced 3D graphics techniques are well understood and supported by industry standards, this is less true in the emerging mobile applications and games market. This book redresses this imbalance, providing an in-depth look at the new OpenGL ES (The Standard for Embedded Accelerated 3D Graphics), and shows what these new embedded systems graphics libraries can provide for 3D graphics and games developers.

" The authors] are pioneers. . . . Few in our industry have their breadth of knowledge and experience."
--From the Foreword by Dave Thomas, Bedarra Labs

Domain-Specific Modeling (DSM) is the latest approach to software development, promising to greatly increase the speed and ease of software creation. Early adopters of DSM have been enjoying productivity increases of 500-1000% in production for over a decade. This book introduces DSM and offers examples from various fields to illustrate to experienced developers how DSM can improve software development in their teams.

Two authorities in the field explain what DSM is, why it works, and how to successfully create and use a DSM solution to improve productivity and quality. Divided into four parts, the book covers: background and motivation; fundamentals; in-depth examples; and creating DSM solutions. There is an emphasis throughout the book on practical guidelines for implementing DSM, including how to identify the necessary language constructs, how to generate full code from models, and how to provide tool support for a new DSM language. The example cases described in the book are available the book's Website, www.dsmbook.com, along with, an evaluation copy of the MetaEdit+ tool (for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux), which allows readers to examine and try out the modeling languages and code generators.

Domain-Specific Modeling is an essential reference for lead developers, software engineers, architects, methodologists, and technical managers who want to learn how to create a DSM solution and successfully put it into practice.

Data Engineering has become a necessary and critical activity for business, engineering, and scientific organizations as the move to service oriented architecture and web services moves into full swing. Notably, the US Department of Defense is mandating that all of its agencies and contractors assume a defining presence on the Net-centric Global Information Grid. This book provides the first practical approach to data engineering and modeling, which supports interoperabililty with consumers of the data in a service- oriented architectures (SOAs). Although XML (eXtensible Modeling Language) is the lingua franca for such interoperability, it is not sufficient on its own. The approach in this book addresses critical objectives such as creating a single representation for multiple applications, designing models capable of supporting dynamic processes, and harmonizing legacy data models for web-based co-existence. The approach is based on the System Entity Structure (SES) which is a well-defined structure, methodology, and practical tool with all of the functionality of UML (Unified Modeling Language) and few of the drawbacks. The SES originated in the formal representation of hierarchical simulation models. So it provides an axiomatic formalism that enables automating the development of XML dtds and schemas, composition and decomposition of large data models, and analysis of commonality among structures.
Zeigler and Hammond include a range of features to benefit their readers. Natural language, graphical and XML forms of SES specification are employed to allow mapping of legacy meta-data. Real world examples and case studies provide insight into data engineering and test evaluation in various application domains. Comparative information is provided on concepts of ontologies, modeling and simulation, introductory linguistic background, and support options enable programmers to work with advanced tools in the area. The website of the Arizona Center for Integrative Modeling and Simulation, co-founded by Zeigler in 2001, provides links to downloadable software to accompany the book.
* The only practical guide to integrating XML and web services in data engineering
* Introduces linguistic levels of interoperability for effective information exchange
* Covers the interoperability standards mandated by national and international agencies
* Complements Zeigler's classic THEORY OF MODELING AND SIMULATION

This unique book covers the whole field of electronic warfare modeling and simulation at a systems level, including chapters that describe basic electronic warfare (EW) concepts. Written by a well-known expert in the field with more than 24 years of experience, the book explores EW applications and techniques and the radio frequency spectrum, with primary emphasis on HF (high frequency) to microwave. A detailed resource for entry-level engineering personnel in EW, military personnel with no radio or communications engineering background, technicians and software professionals, the work helps you understand the basic concepts required for modeling and simulation, as well as fidelity and other practical aspects of simulation design and application. You get clear explanations of important mathematical concepts, such as decibel notation and spherical trigonometry. This informative reference explains how to facilitate the generation of realistic computer models of EW equipment. Moreover, it describes specific types of EW equipment, how they work and how each is mathematically modeled. The book concludes with a description of the various types of models and simulations and the ways they are applied to training and equipment testing tasks.

In today's fashion industry, the traditional skills of forecasting, cutting, sewing and drafting are no longer enough. Students must be able to transform their two-dimensional plans into computer-generated images. From Pencil to Pen Tool: Understanding Creating the Digital Fashion Image teaches Adobe PhotoShop CS and Illustrator CS techniques applicable to both fashion students entering the field and established fashion-industry professionals seeking to stay current with technology. This book includes technical instruction about sketching and image production, as well as practical advice about creating a computer-generated portfolio and entering the fashion marketplace. Instructor's Guide available on request

If you are a data analyst in search of a systematic work process that will increase your efficiency, adequately document your results, and ensure that your work can be replicated, then this book is for you. The approach outlined in this book is straight forward yet comprehensive in scope, flexible in how it can be used, practical, and filled with dozens of examples using the SAS(R) System. By using the approach and standards described in the book, you will be able to confidently and accurately answer the following questions related to each of your data analysis projects: through 9 provide an overview of the author''s vision for a systematic approach to analytic work. The Appendix contains three comprehensive (yet relatively simple) case studies that apply the concepts and bring them to life.

"Connectionism" is a "hands on" introduction to connectionist modeling through practical exercises in different types of connectionist architectures.
explores three different types of connectionist architectures - distributed associative memory, perceptron, and multilayer perceptron
provides a brief overview of each architecture, a detailed introduction on how to use a program to explore this network, and a series of practical exercises that are designed to highlight the advantages, and disadvantages, of each
accompanied by a website at http: //www.bcp.psych.ualberta.ca/ mike/Book3/ that includes practice exercises and software, as well as the files and blank exercise sheets required for performing the exercises
designed to be used as a stand-alone volume or alongside "Minds and Machines: Connectionism and Psychological Modeling" (by Michael R.W. Dawson, Blackwell 2004)

Much research focuses on the question of how information is processed in nervous systems, from the level of individual ionic channels to large-scale neuronal networks, and from "simple" animals such as sea slugs and flies to cats and primates. New interdisciplinary methodologies combine a bottom-up experimental methodology with the more top-down-driven computational and modeling approach. This book serves as a handbook of computational methods and techniques for modeling the functional properties of single and groups of nerve cells.The contributors highlight several key trends: (1) the tightening link between analytical/numerical models and the associated experimental data, (2) the broadening of modeling methods, at both the subcellular level and the level of large neuronal networks that incorporate real biophysical properties of neurons as well as the statistical properties of spike trains, and (3) the organization of the data gained by physical emulation of the nervous system components through the use of very large scale circuit integration (VLSI) technology.The field of neuroscience has grown dramatically since the first edition of this book was published nine years ago. Half of the chapters of the second edition are completely new; the remaining ones have all been thoroughly revised. Many chapters provide an opportunity for interactive tutorials and simulation programs. They can be accessed via Christof Koch's Website.Contributors: Larry F. Abbott, Paul R. Adams, Hagai Agmon-Snir, James M. Bower, Robert E. Burke, Erik de Schutter, Alain Destexhe, Rodney Douglas, Bard Ermentrout, Fabrizio Gabbiani, David Hansel, Michael Hines, Christof Koch, Misha Mahowald, Zachary F. Mainen, Eve Marder, Michael V. Mascagni, Alexander D. Protopapas, Wilfrid Rall, John Rinzel, Idan Segev, Terrence J. Sejnowski, Shihab Shamma, Arthur S. Sherman, Paul Smolen, Haim Sompolinsky, Michael Vanier, Walter M. Yamada.

Now you can make exciting digital movies using this easy-to-use and information-packed resource. Covering all editing basics, as well as serious film-making techniques, you will be able to successfully apply visual effects and control sound with pinpoint accuracy-- and deliver digital stories you never thought possible.

This isn't a book about the Object Data Standard; it's the complete,
fully authoritative version of the standard itself, presented by the
researchers who developed it. This book provides all the details
comprising ODMG 3.0, making the latest version of the specification
the most mature and most flexible yet.

When it comes to storing objects in databases, ODMG 3.0 is a
standard with which you need to be familiar-whether you design,
develop, or implement object database products, object-to-relational
database mapping products, or applications based on these products.
* Presents authoritative, completely up-to-date information not available anywhere else.
* Documents all the changes found in version 3.0, including enhancements to the Java language binding, greater semantic precision, and various improvements and corrections throughout the standard.
* Pays special attention to the broadening of the standard to support recent developments in object-to-database mappings (ODMs) that allow objects to be stored in relational databases.
* Provides a way to write Java, C++, or Smalltalk code that works with the entire spectrum of database products, while taking full advantage of your organization's preferred platform.
* Continues to cover everything retained from version 2.0, including key details relating to C++, Smalltalk, and Object Query Language.
* Establishes a level of stability for this increasingly important specification.

This text, based on a course taught by Randall O'Reilly and Yuko Munakata over the past several years, provides an in-depth introduction to the main ideas in the computational cognitive neuroscience. The goal of computational cognitive neuroscience is to understand how the brain embodies the mind by using biologically based computational models comprising networks of neuronlike units. This text, based on a course taught by Randall O'Reilly and Yuko Munakata over the past several years, provides an in-depth introduction to the main ideas in the field. The neural units in the simulations use equations based directly on the ion channels that govern the behavior of real neurons, and the neural networks incorporate anatomical and physiological properties of the neocortex. Thus the text provides the student with knowledge of the basic biology of the brain as well as the computational skills needed to simulate large-scale cognitive phenomena. The text consists of two parts. The first part covers basic neural computation mechanisms: individual neurons, neural networks, and learning mechanisms. The second part covers large-scale brain area organization and cognitive phenomena: perception and attention, memory, language, and higher-level cognition. The second part is relatively self-contained and can be used separately for mechanistically oriented cognitive neuroscience courses. Integrated throughout the text are more than forty different simulation models, many of them full-scale research-grade models, with friendly interfaces and accompanying exercises. The simulation software (PDP++, available for all major platforms) and simulations can be downloaded free of charge from the Web. Exercise solutions are available, and the text includes full information on the software.

The increased computational power and software tools available to engineers have increased the use and dependence on modeling and computer simulation throughout the design process. These tools have given engineers the capability of designing highly complex systems and computer architectures that were previously unthinkable. Every complex design project, from integrated circuits, to aerospace vehicles, to industrial manufacturing processes requires these new methods. This book fulfills the essential need of system and control engineers at all levels in understanding modeling and simulation. This book, written as a true text/reference has become a standard sr./graduate level course in all EE departments worldwide and all professionals in this area are required to update their skills.
The book provides a rigorous mathematical foundation for modeling and computer simulation. It provides a comprehensive framework for modeling and simulation integrating the various simulation approaches. It covers model formulation, simulation model execution, and the model building process with its key activities model abstraction and model simplification, as well as the organization of model libraries. Emphasis of the book is in particular in integrating discrete event and continuous modeling approaches as well as a new approach for discrete event simulation of continuous processes. The book also discusses simulation execution on parallel and distributed machines and concepts for simulation model realization based on the High Level Architecture (HLA) standard of the Department of Defense.

* Presents a working foundation necessary for compliance with High Level Architecture (HLA) standards
* Provides a comprehensive framework for continuous and discrete event modeling and simulation
* Explores the mathematical foundation of simulation modeling
* Discusses system morphisms for model abstraction and simplification
* Presents a new approach to discrete event simulation of continuous processes
* Includes parallel and distributed simulation of discrete event models
* Presentation of a concept to achieve simulator interoperability in the form of the DEVS-Bus

Since its founding in 1989 by Terrence Sejnowski, Neural Computation has become the leading journal in the field. Foundations of Neural Computationcollects, by topic, the most significant papers that have appeared in the journal over the past nine years.This volume of Foundations of Neural Computation, on unsupervised learning algorithms, focuses on neural network learning algorithms that do not require an explicit teacher. The goal of unsupervised learning is to extract an efficient internal representation of the statistical structure implicit in the inputs. These algorithms provide insights into the development of the cerebral cortex and implicit learning in humans. They are also of interest to engineers working in areas such as computer vision and speech recognition who seek efficient representations of raw input data.

"Provides a lot of reading pleasure and many new insights." —Journal of Molecular Structure

"This is the most entertaining, stimulating and useful book which can be thoroughly recommended to anyone with an interest in computer simulation." —Contemporary Physics

"A very useful introduction . . . more interesting to read than the often dry equation-based texts." —Journal of the American Chemical Society

Written especially for the novice, Molecular Dynamics Simulation demonstrates how molecular dynamics simulations work and how to perform them, focusing on how to devise a model for specific molecules and then how to simulate their movements using a computer. This book provides a collection of methods that until now have been scattered through the literature of the last 25 years. It reviews elements of sampling theory and discusses how modern notions of chaos and nonlinear dynamics explain the workings of molecular dynamics.

Stresses easy-to-use molecules

• Provides sample calculations and figures
• Includes four complete FORTRAN codes

How does a bird flock keep its movements so graceful and synchronized? Most people assume that the bird in front leads and the others follow. In fact, bird flocks don't have leaders: they are organized without an organizer, coordinated without a coordinator. And a surprising number of other systems, from termite colonies to traffic jams to economic systems, work the same decentralized way. Turtles, Termites, and Traffic Jams describes innovative new computational tools that can qhelp people (even young children) explore the workings of such systems--and help them move beyond the centralized mindset.

Since 1977, Hofstadter, the author of Godel, Escher, Bach, and his students have been developing computer models of discovery, creation, and analogical thought. What has emerged is a sophisticated and unorthodox vision of the mind in which perception, at an abstract level, is the key: perception of situations, of patterns, of patterns among patterns. This book conveys this bold vision to a broad public. Illustrations.

Extremely easy-to-follow due to its natural progression tutorial approach on how to advance from the solution of typical electrical and electronic circuit examples by hand, followed by a SPICE verification through the discussion of simulation results. The first part contains relevant data about SPICE in order to analyze both linear passive and electronic circuits. The latter half provides more detail on such topics as distortion models and analysis, basic algorithms in SPICE, analysis option parameters and how to direct SPICE to find a solution when it fails.