Currently, there aren't any good books on Windows graphics programming. Programmers looking for help are left to muddle their way through online documentation and API books that don't focus on this topic. This book paves new ground, covering actual graphics implementation, hidden restrictions, and performance issues programmers need to know about.

This book introduces the basic concepts of Direct3D with engaging hands-on projects. Solid solutions are given to basic, real world 3D programming problems. The book teaches Windows programmers how to apply the Direct 3D API to accomplish typical 3D graphics objectives.

This book provides an accessible approach to the study of Windows programming with Visual C++. It is intended to be an introduction to Visual C++ for technical people including practicing engineers, engineering students, and others who would like to understand Windows programming and use its inherent graphic capabilities. While the book is aimed at a technical audience, the mathematical content is modest and it should be readable by most people interested in C++ programming. It introduces readers to Windows programming in a natural way, making use of the object-oriented environment, the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), and the document/view organization.Over fifty example projects are included on a companion CD. These example projects are used in the book's tutorial format initially by introducing Visual C++ programming and important C++ concepts. Then coverage of Windows programming begins with fundamental graphics operations including interactive drawing with mouse inputs. This is followed by program interaction through Windows tools for creating drop down menus, toolbar buttons, dialog windows, file input/output, output to printers, etc. Basic animation concepts are presented, using classes to develop, manipulate and display geometric shapes. Graphs are plotted as objects and the process of creating color contour plots is discussed.After using this book and following its collection of example programs, readers should be well prepared to write interactive programs which integrate Windows functionality and graphics with their own C++ programming. The step-by-step structure of each example in the book is described thoroughly and only standard Microsoft resources for graphics are required. Exercises at the end of each chapter provide opportunities to revisit and extend the tutorial examples. The project folders on the CD include complete program code for all examples. Files are also provided that contain classes and functions for handling geometric objects and graphs and which may be easily adapted for a wide variety of application programs.

Computer Graphics from Scratch demystifies the algorithms used in modern graphics software and guides beginners through building photorealistic 3D renders. Computer graphics programming books are often math-heavy and intimidating for newcomers. Not this one. Computer Graphics from Scratch takes a simpler approach by keeping the math to a minimum and focusing on only one aspect of computer graphics, 3D rendering. You’ll build two complete, fully functional renderers: a raytracer, which simulates rays of light as they bounce off objects, and a rasterizer, which converts 3D models into 2D pixels. As you progress you’ll learn how to create realistic reflections and shadows, and how to render a scene from any point of view. Pseudocode examples throughout make it easy to write your renderers in any language, and links to live JavaScript demos of each algorithm invite you to explore further on your own. Learn how to: Use perspective projection to draw 3D objects on a 2D plane Simulate the way rays of light interact with surfaces Add mirror-like reflections and cast shadows to objects Render a scene from any camera position using clipping planes Use flat, Gouraud, and Phong shading to mimic real surface lighting Paint texture details onto basic shapes to create realistic-looking objects Whether you’re an aspiring graphics engineer or a novice programmer curious about how graphics algorithms work, Gabriel Gambetta’s simple, clear explanations will quickly put computer graphics concepts and rendering techniques within your reach. All you need is basic coding knowledge and high school math. Computer Graphics from Scratch will cover the rest.

A quick and clear introduction to graphics programming under Windows 98 without encumbering the reader in a mass of extraneous details. The application of object oriented techniques to graphics programming is a principal theme throughout the text and many illustrative coding examples in C++ are provided. The main topics include: message-based programming; window management; working with C++ objects; Windows 98 GDI; pens, brushes, bitmaps and palettes; sprite animation; wire-frame and polygon-fill images; assembly language programming; 3D vector geometry; perspective projections; hidden pixel removal; colour shading and texture mapping; virtual world simulation.

*Adheres closely to original style/approach that made this book a best-seller in its previous incarnation *Functions as a practical guide for a business audience *Case-study contains the fully working source code to a real commercial product

& All Windows programmers developing applications that deal with graphics, monitors, or printers need to use GDI+. & & There is little documentation available on GDI+. There are only two books on the market, and they are both introductory. & & The author uses real world examples and extensive sample code.