Mercury Learning & Information – förlag

This updated bestseller provides an introduction to programming interactive computer graphics, with an emphasis on game development using DirectX 12. The book is divided into three main parts: basic mathematical tools, fundamental tasks in Direct3D, and techniques and special effects. It shows how to use new Direct12 features such as command lists, pipeline state objects, descriptor heaps and tables, and explicit resource management to reduce CPU overhead and increase scalability across multiple CPU cores. The book covers modern special effects and techniques such as hardware tessellation, writing compute shaders, ambient occlusion, reflections, normal and displacement mapping, shadow rendering, and character animation. Includes a companion DVD with code and figures.eBook Customers: Companion files are available for downloading with order number/proof of purchase by writing to the publisher at info@merclearning.com.

Features:

Provides an introduction to programming interactive computer graphics, with an emphasis on game development using DirectX 12 Uses new Direct3D 12 features to reduce CPU overhead and take advantage of multiple CPU cores Contains detailed explanations of popular real-time game effects Includes a DVD with source code and all the images (including 4-color) from the book Learn advance rendering techniques such as ambient occlusion, real-time reflections, normal and displacement mapping, shadow rendering, programming the geometry shader, and character animation Covers a mathematics review and 3D rendering fundamentals such as lighting, texturing, blending and stenciling Use the end-of-chapter exercises to test understanding and provide experience with DirectX 12

This new edition provides step-by-step instruction on modern 3D graphics shader programming in OpenGL with C++, along with its theoretical foundations. It is appropriate both for computer science graphics courses and for professionals interested in mastering 3D graphics skills. It has been designed in a 4-color, “teach-yourself” format with numerous examples that the reader can run just as presented. Every shader stage is explored, from the basics of modeling, textures, lighting, shadows, etc., through advanced techniques such as tessellation, normal mapping, noise maps, as well as new chapters on simulating water, stereoscopy, and ray tracing.

Features:

Covers modern OpenGL 4.0+ shader programming in C++, with instructions for both PC/Windows and Macintosh Adds new chapters on simulating water, stereoscopy, and ray tracing Includes companion files with code, object models, figures, and more (also available for downloading by writing to the publisher) Illustrates every technique with running code examples. Everything needed to install the libraries, and complete source code for each example Includes step-by-step instruction for using each GLSL programmable pipeline stage (vertex, tessellation, geometry, and fragment) Explores practical examples for modeling, lighting, and shadows (including soft shadows), terrain, water, and 3D materials such as wood and marble Explains how to optimize code for tools such as Nvidia’s Nsight debugger. The companion files and instructor resources are available online by emailing the publisher with proof of purchase at info@merclearning.com.

This book takes the readers on a journey into the world of mobile game development aimed at beginner Objective-C programmers. The book enables the reader to create a number of projects, which include a matching game, a puzzle game, a whack-a-mole game, a pong game, and a coloring book. Each of these projects gives the readers a variety of knowledge and skills that they can apply to their own gaming projects. It includes a companion disc with source code, images, and project files. By the end of the book, the reader will have five apps that they’ve developed, along with the knowledge of making games for the iOS platform.eBook Customers: Companion files are available for downloading with order number/proof of purchase by writing to the publisher at info@merclearning.com.Features: Builds five game projects including a matching game, a puzzle game, a coloring book, game of pong, and a “whack-a-mole” game that will give the reader exposure to making games on the iOS platform Includes information on iOS 5, iOS 6, iOS 7 and iOS8 - the latest versions for the iPhone and iPad . Utilizes the UIKit that enables readers to apply their knowledge to more areas than just games since many of the topics can be applied to general iOS development Includes a companion disc with source code, images, and project files.

This book covers the features of HTML5 Canvas, CSS3 graphics, and shows how you can extend the power of CSS3 with SVG. The material in this book is accessible to people who have limited knowledge of HTML and JavaScript. Companion DVD with source code and graphics. While the material is accessible to those with limited knowledge of HTML and JavaScript, but more advanced users will benefit from numerous graphics techniques. The book also includes illustrative code samples and illustrations that are useful for Web developers and SVG/Flash/Silverlight developers. You'll see examples that help you learn to do the following in HTML5 Canvas, CSS3, and SVG: render Bezier curves, apply colors and gradients, transform 2D shapes and JPG files, perform animation effects, create 2D/3D bar charts and line graphs, handle mouse events, render HTML5/CSS3/SVG pages in Android, and learn the mechanics of a Tic-tac-toe game. A companion DVD contains all the source code and color graphics from the book.

This book will guide you through the basic game development process using Python, covering game topics including graphics, sound, artificial intelligence, animation, game engines, etc. Real games are created as you work through the text and significant parts of a game engine are built and made available for download. New chapters on card games and a side-scroller. The companion files contain all of the resources described in the book, e.g., example code, game assets, video/sound editing software, and color figures. Instructor resources are available for use as a textbook.

Features:

Teaches basic game development concepts using Python including graphics, sound, artificial intelligence, animation, game engines, collision detection, Web-based games, and more Includes code samples using Pygame Features new chapters on card games (Ch.11) and building a side-scrolling game (Ch.12) Includes a companion disc with example code, games assets, and color figures The companion files and instructor resources are available online by emailing the publisher with proof of purchase at info@merclearning.com.

This new edition provides step-by-step instruction on modern 3D graphics shader programming in OpenGL, along with its theoretical foundations. It is appropriate both for computer science undergraduate graphics programming courses in degree programs that emphasize Java, and for professionals interested in mastering 3D graphics skills who prefer Java. It has been designed in a 4-color, “teach-yourself” format with numerous examples that the reader can run just as presented. New sections have been added covering soft shadows, performance optimization, Nsight debugging, as well as updated industry-standard libraries and steps for running the examples on a Macintosh. Includes companion files with all of the source code, models, textures, skyboxes and normal maps used in the book.

Features:

Includes new sections on implementing soft shadows, performance optimization, and updated tools such as the JOML math library and the NVIDIA® Nsight™ debugger. Covers modern OpenGL 4.0+ shader programming in Java/JOGL, with instructions for both PC/Windows and Macintosh. Illustrates every technique with complete running code examples. Everything needed to install the libraries and run every example is provided and fully explained. Includes step-by-step instruction for every GLSL programmable pipeline stage (vertex, tessellation, geometry, and fragment). Includes companion files with code, object models, figures, and more.

Designed to explain the mathematical concepts involved in computer graphics and its entities, this book is ideal for courses in computer graphics, engineering, game development, as well as for professionals in industry. It begins with simple concepts such as how an image is generated on the screen and then moves to cover the different algorithms for the generation of simple geometry on the screen. The following chapters include two-dimensional and three-dimensional transformations, parametric representation of planar curves and parametric representation of space curves such as cubic splines, Bezier curves, etc. In addition to programming in C, OpenGL, and several other topics, it includes a final chapter on the methods of generating 3D models.

This new edition provides both step-by-step instruction on modern 3D graphics shader programming in OpenGL with Java in addition to reviewing its theoretical foundations. It is appropriate both for computer science graphics courses and for professionals interested in mastering 3D graphics skills. It has been designed in a 4-color, “teach-yourself” format with numerous examples that the reader can run just as presented. Every shader stage is explored, from the basics of modeling, textures, lighting, shadows, etc., through advanced techniques such as tessellation, normal mapping, noise maps, as well as new chapters on simulating water, stereoscopy, and ray tracing.

Features:

Covers modern OpenGL 4.0+ shader programming in Java, with instructions for both PC/Windows and Macintosh Illustrates every technique with running code examples. Everything needed to install the libraries, and complete source code for each example Includes step-by-step instruction for using each GLSL programmable pipeline stage (vertex, tessellation, geometry, and fragment) Explores practical examples for modeling, lighting and shadows (including soft shadows), terrain, water, and 3D materials such as wood and marble Adds new chapters on simulating water, stereoscopy, and ray tracing with compute shaders Explains how to optimize code with tools such as Nvidia’s Nsight debugger Includes companion files with code, object models, figures, and more. The companion files and instructor resources are available online by emailing the publisher with proof of purchase at info@merclearning.com.

This book will guide you through the basic game development process, covering game development topics including graphics, sound, artificial intelligence, animation, game engines, Web-based games, etc. Real games will be created, and significant parts of a game engine will be built and made available for download. The companion DVD will contain example code, games, and color figures. Processing is a free, graphics-oriented language that provides the basic functionality needed for building games and runs on all major platforms. Moreover, it allows games to be built for desktop computers, HTML 5, and Android. eBook Customers: Companion files are available for downloading with order number/proof of purchase by writing to the publisher at info@merclearning.com.

Features:

Teaches basic game development including graphics, sound, artificial intelligence, animation, game engines, Web-based games, and more Create a small collection of complete computer games developed throughout the book Uses Processing, a free, downloadable platform with a frame by frame display scheme that is perfect for computer games

This insightful, revised book explores the challenging and evolving world of the games writer. Part I provides a fascinating overview of the history of games writing following its humble roots in the '60s to today’s triple-A titles; Part II asks and answers the key question: what does a games writer do and how do they do it? Especially useful reading for novice game writers, its chapters cover a broad range of topics including contracts, NDAs, creative collaboration, narrative design, editing, adaptations, and environmental storytelling. Part III, of particular value for more advanced students of writing, addresses deeper theoretical questions increasingly relevant in today’s games titles, including: "Why have story at all? What is plot and how does it work? How best can a writer use agency?" Finally, Part IV presents readers with hard-earned nuggets of wisdom from today’s game writers working in the US, Europe, and Japan. Packed with practical samples, case studies, and exercises, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the world of games writing.

Features:

Covers history of games writing, narrative design, storytelling, plot, contracts, and packed with practical samples, case studies, and exercises Presents readers with opinions and suggestions from today’s game writers who are working in the US, Europe, and Japan Includes a broad range of topics e.g., creative collaboration, editing, adaptations, and environmental storytelling Mentions games such as Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Borderlands 2, The Walking Dead, L.A. Noire, Grand Theft Auto V, Mass Effect 3, The Stanley Parable, The Last of Us, Alien Isolation, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Life is Strange, Until Dawn, Quantum Break, BioShock, World of Warcraft, and more.

Asthma is a very serious, widespread, and growing problem in the U.S. Asthma affects over 24 million Americans, and its prevalence has increased 12% in the last decade. This book describes all the essential features of asthma for the general public in an engaging and stimulating manner using the principles of health literacy. Various learning styles are accommodated by the use of videos, illustrations, tables, charts, and boxes that highlight definitions, facts, and website links that provide more detailed information.

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Provides questions and answers about the medical definitions and descriptions of asthma. General topics include the causes of asthma and available treatments as well as preventative measures. Includes numerous in-text Web links to Web MD, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pharmaceutical companies, journal articles, YouTube, and other sites with animations, diets, practical case studies, and tools related to asthma. Uses animations, practical tips, case studies, charts and tables, figures, and photos to explain topics under discussion. Includes companion files with videos, animations, color figures from the book, and Web links to references in the text.

As part of the best-selling Pocket Primer series, this book provides an overview of the major aspects and the source code to use the latest versions of Angular 4. It has coverage of the fundamental aspects of Angular that are illustrated via numerous code samples. This Pocket Primer is primarily for self-directed learners who want to learn Angular 4 programming, and it serves as a starting point for deeper exploration of its numerous applications. A companion disc (also available for downloading from the publisher) with source code and color images is included.

Features:

Contains latest material on Angular 4, graphics/animation, mobile apps, Includes companion files with all of the source code and images from the book Provides coverage of the fundamental aspects of Angular4 that are illustrated via code samples

Brief Table of Contents:

1. A Quick Introduction to Angular. 2. UI Controls and User Input. 3. Graphics and Animation. 4. HTTP Requests and Routing. 5. Forms, Pipes, and Services. 6. Angular and Express. 7. Flux, Redux, GraphQL, Apollo, and Relay. 8. Angular and Mobile Apps. 9. Functional Reactive Programming. 10. Miscellaneous Topics. Index.ON THE COMPANION FILES!• Hundreds of source code samples• All images from the text (including 4-color)eBook Customers: Companion files are available for downloading with order number/proof of purchase by writing to the publisher at info@merclearning.com.

This is a one-semester, introductory programming textbook in Java that uses game applications as a central pedagogical tool to improve student engagement, learning outcomes, and retention. Game programming is incorporated into the text in a way that does not compromise the amount of material traditionally covered in a basic programming course and permits instructors who are not familiar with game programming and computer graphics concepts to realize the verified pedagogical advantages of game applications. The companion disc includes a game environment that is easily integrated into projects created with the popular Java Development Environments, including Eclipse, NetBeans, and JCreator in a student-friendly way and also includes a set of executable student games to pique their interest by giving them a glimpse into their future capabilities. The material presented in the book is in full compliance with the 2013 ACM/IEEE computer science curriculum guidelines. It has been used to teach programming to students whose majors are within and outside of the computing fields. Ancillaries include a comprehensive instructor’s resource disc with programming solutions, slides, quizzes, projects, and more.

Features:

Uses an objects-early approach to learning Java Follows the 2013 ACM/IEEE computer science curriculum guidelines Integrates game applications as a central pedagogical tool to improve student engagement, learning outcomes, and retention Includes a companion disc with projects created with the popular Java Development Environments; also includes a set of executable student games, source code, and figures Uses working programs to illustrate concepts under discussion Complete instructor’s resource package available upon adoption

This revised text is designed to demonstrate the process of converting static images to an effective animation of characters and effects. Unlike many of its competitors, Storyboarding uses the accompanying DVD to show the storyboards in conjunction with a final short film and script. Material on game scripting, Motion Graphics, and Web comics has been added. The text and tutorial disc take an in-depth view on the step-by-step process for developing characters, scenes, and camera angles through the full production of a finished project. The book includes numerous techniques for analyzing scripts, provides a comprehensive look at the various types of storyboards, and covers methods used in both film-making and video game storyboards.Features: Uses the companion DVD with an original short film, Overtime, to demonstrate the storyboards in conjunction with the script Includes video game, motion graphic, animatic, motion comic, and e-learning storyboards with selected sample projects Loaded with projects, figures, tips, and interviews that offer practical advice Includes in-text commentaries on the storyboards by both the director and artist Includes a comprehensive glossary of key terms used in the film industry

This book is the most comprehensive book you will find on AutoCAD 2018 – 2D Drafting. Covering all of the 2D concepts, it uses both metric and imperial units to illustrate the myriad drawing and editing tools for this popular application. Use the companion disc to set up drawing exercises and projects and see all of the book’s figures in color. AutoCAD 2018 Beginning and Intermediate includes over 100 exercises or “mini-workshops,” that complete small projects from concept through actual plotting. Solving all of the workshops will simulate the creation of three projects (architectural and mechanical) from beginning to end, without overlooking any of the basic commands and functions in AutoCAD 2018.

Features:

Covers only the basics and uses both metric and imperial units to illustrate the myriad tools for this popular application CD-Rom can be used to set up in-text drawing exercises and projects and to see the book’s figures in color Helps you to prepare for the AutoCAD Certified Professional exam eBook Customers: Companion files are available for downloading with order number/proof of purchase by writing to the publisher at info@merclearning.com.

This book provides new and seasoned users with step-by-step procedures on creating and modifying 3D models, working with cameras and lights, assigning materials to objects, rendering, and printing. Unlike many AutoCAD competitors, it uses both metric and imperial units to illustrate the myriad tools for this popular application. Use the companion CD to set up drawing exercises and projects and see all of the book’s figures including color. AutoCAD 2018 3DModeling includes 50 “mini-workshops,” that complete small projects from concept through actual plotting. Solving all of the workshops will simulate the creation of full projects (architectural and mechanical) from beginning to end, without overlooking any of the basic commands and functions in AutoCAD 2018.

Features:

Provides new and seasoned users with step-by-step procedures on creating and modifying 3D models in both metric and imperial units CD can be used to set up in-text drawing exercises and projects and to see the book’s figures in color eBook Customers: Companion files are available for downloading with order number/proof of purchase by writing to the publisher at info@merclearning.com.

This book takes a minimalist approach to the traditional data structures course. It covers only those topics that are absolutely essential; the more esoteric structures and algorithms are left for later study. Suitable for an introductory data structures course or self-study, this book is written from the ground up in C++ (not translated from a Java-based text), and uses features of the C++ Standard Template Library to illustrate important concepts. A unique feature of the text is its use of literate programming techniques (originally developed by Donald Knuth) to present the sample code in a way that keeps the code from overwhelming the accompanying explanations. This book is suitable for an undergraduate data structures course using C++ or for developers needing review.

Features:

Takes a “minimalist” approach to the material that presents only essential concepts. This enables readers to focus on (and remember) just what they’ll need Uses select features of the C++11 standard to simplify the sample code and make it easier to understand Connects the concepts directly to the classes provided the Standard Template Library (STL), and shows how these classes can be implemented in C++ Uses “literate programming” techniques that allow the presentation of the sample code to more clearly show the details of the code as well as how the pieces fit together

As part of the best selling Pocket Primer series, this book is an effort to give programmers sufficient knowledge of Python 3 to be able to work on their own projects. In addition to covering all of the basic concepts, the book features a chapter on PyGame, which allows a programmer to handle graphics, mouse and keyboard interaction, and play sounds and videos. The demonstration example for that chapter is a Lunar Lander game. Another feature is the chapter on communication, which makes use of one of Python’s best features: a collection of modules for sending and receiving Email, communicating between computers, and working with Twitter and Web pages. Companion files that accompany this book contain all of the code examples as complete working programs. This means that there is no need to key them in, so they can be executed and perhaps modified or expanded.

Features:

Features a chapter on PyGame, which allows a programmer to handle graphics, mouse / keyboard interaction, and play sounds and videos Explores communication in depth, making use of one of Python’s best features: a collection of modules for sending and receiving Email, communicating between computers, and working with Twitter and Web pages. Companion files contain all of the code examples as complete working programs

On the Companion Files:(also available from the publisher for downloading by emailing info@merclearning.com)

(Source code samples All images from the text (including 4-color)

As part of the best selling Pocket Primer series, this book provides an overview of the major aspects and the source code to use the latest versions of Android. It has coverage of the fundamental aspects of Android that are illustrated via code samples for versions 4.x through 7.x and features the Google Pixel phone. This Pocket Primer is primarily for self-directed learners who want to learn Android programming and it serves as a starting point for deeper exploration of its numerous applications. Companion disc (also available for downloading from the publisher) with source code, images, and appendices.

Features:

Contains latest material on Android VR, graphics/animation, apps, and features the new Google Pixel phone Includes companion files with all of the source code, appendices, and images from the book Provides coverage of the fundamental aspects of Android that are illustrated via code samples for versions 4.x through 7.x

On the Companion Files:

Source code samples All images from the text (including 4-color) Appendices (see Table of Contents)

Unlike many C programming books written by C programmers, this brief, self-teaching introduction was written by an instructor familiar with the needs of students. The book defines key programming terms as it teaches the basics of C programming. It contains numerous real world programming examples showing first the algorithm, immediately followed by the program for the algorithm, and then its output. End of chapter exercises with “hints” help to review and master the material under discussion. An appendix with fifteen “C Lab projects” with their solutions is also included.

Features:

Defines key programming terms as it teaches the C programming language Covers major topics such as arrays and pointers, structures and unions, file handling, and more Includes numerous real world programming examples showing first the algorithm, followed by the program itself, then the desired output

This overview of cloud computing in a “self-teaching” format, contains state-of-the art chapters with tips and insights about cloud computing, its architecture, applications, information on security and privacy, and numerous case studies. It includes questions for discussion and “Cloud Computing Lab Experiments” to help in mastering its complex services and technologies. Recent research shows that cloud computing will be worth billions of dollars in new investments. Organizations are flocking to the cloud services to benefit from the elasticity, self-services, resource abundance, ubiquity, responsiveness, and cost efficiencies that it offers. Many government and private universities have already migrated to the cloud. The next wave in computing technology—expected to usher in a new era—will be based on cloud computing.

Features:

Explores the basic advancements in the field of cloud computing Offers a practical, self-teaching approach with numerous case studies and lab experiments on installation, evaluation, security, and more Includes material on ESXi, MS AZURE, Eucalyptus, and more.

This book is a practical introduction to building and managing Access desktop databases. Instead of simply explaining the inner workings of Microsoft Access, you can complete with ease all the required tasks related to the creation, use, and management of an Access database. This book offers a hands-on approach to creating a traditional Access desktop database, emphasizing the importance of splitting the database for optimized multi-user access. The primary project, the Employee Training Database (ETD), serves as the central theme, ensuring readers gain practical experience. This isn't just a reference book; it's a journey from the foundational concepts of database design to the intricate details of database management.

This book may be used by students and professionals in physics and engineering that have completed first-year calculus and physics. An introductory chapter reviews algebra, trigonometry, units and complex numbers that are frequently used in physics. Examples using MATLAB and Maple for symbolic and numerical calculations in physics with a variety of plotting features are included in all 16 chapters. The book applies many of mathematical concepts covered in Chapters 1-9 to fundamental physics topics in mechanics, electromagnetics; quantum mechanics and relativity in Chapters 10-16. Companion files are included with MATLAB and Maple worksheets and files, and all of the figures from the text.

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Each chapter includes the mathematical development of the concept with numerous examples MATLAB & Maple examples are integrated in each chapter throughout the book Applies the mathematical concepts to fundamental physics principles such as relativity, mechanics, electromagnetics, etc. Introduces basic MATLAB and Maple commands and programming structures Includes companion files with MATLAB and Maple files and worksheets, and all of the figures from the text

This book covers the theory and mathematics needed to understand the concepts in control system design. Chapter 1 deals with compensation network design. Nonlinear control systems, including phase-plane analysis and the Delta method are presented in chapter 2. The analysis and design aspects based on the state variable approach are presented in Chapter 3. The discrete time control systems form the basis for the study of digital control systems in Chapter 4, covering the frequency response, root locus analysis, and stability considerations for discrete-time control systems. The stability analysis based on the Lyapunov method is given in chapter 5. The appendices include two US government articles on industrial control systems (NIST) and the control system design for a solar energy storage system (U.S. Dept. of Energy). Concepts in the text are supported by numerical examples.

Features:

Covers the theory and mathematics needed to understand the concepts in control system design Includes two U.S. government articles on industrial control systems (NIST) and the control system design for a solar energy storage system (U.S. Department of Energy)

This book provides over 2,500 questions and answers for various types of electrical engineering exams or as a general review of key concepts. It covers all of the aspects of electrical engineering topics including electrical circuits, electromagnetic theory, measurements, control systems, computers, electronics, material science, machines, power systems, blockchain, and more.

Designed as a hands-on guide for labs, the hobbyist, or for the industry professional, this book covers instructions and methods for doing experiments with currents and magnetism. It includes 49 separate experiments on electricity, magnetism, currents, voltage, generators, transformers, relays, alternators, resistance, gaps, and more. Each experiment covers: the object, method, result, and questions with answers on the experiment under discussion. A separate chapter at the end of the book has over 175 questions with answers to test your knowledge of electricity and electronics.