GPU Gems 3

One of the biggest developments in computer hardware in the last few years has been the introduction of and rapid improvement in a new generation of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) with much more power and flexibility than the CPU. With the arrival of the new hardware that supports Windows Vista's graphics, there is renewed interest in rendering GPU Gem 3 continues the format of the first two bestselling editions, with many chapters that detail cutting-edge programming techniques from some of the world's top experts, including people at Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, SEGA, Cornell, UC Davis, and UNC. Chapters in this book explain techniques in rendering that go beyond anything used yet in movies or games. For instance, the chapter on skin shading will be the ultimate resource on the subject. It takes the techniques used in the Matrix movies and makes them work in real time. This book continues the coverage of the use of GPUs for computing-intense non graphic programming as well, with real-world industrial examples, including virus research and earth imaging. This third volume is certain to appeal to not just the many fans of the first two, but a whole new group of programmers as well.