"The GPU Gems series features a collection of the most essential algorithms required by Next-Generation 3D Engines." --Martin Mittring, Lead Graphics Programmer, Crytek This third volume of the best-selling GPU Gems series provides a snapshot of today's latest Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) programming techniques. The programmability of modern GPUs allows developers to not only distinguish themselves from one another but also to use this awesome processing power for non-graphics applications, such as physics simulation, financial analysis, and even virus detection--particularly with the CUDA architecture. Graphics remains the leading application for GPUs, and readers will find that the latest algorithms create ultra-realistic characters, better lighting, and post-rendering compositing effects. Major topics include * Geometry * Light and Shadows * Rendering * Image Effects * Physics Simulation * GPU Computing Contributors are from the following corporations and universities: 3Dfacto Adobe Systems Apple Budapest University of Technology and Economics CGGVeritas The Chinese University of Hong Kong Cornell University Crytek Czech Technical University in Prague Dartmouth College Digital Illusions Creative Entertainment Eindhoven University of Technology Electronic Arts Havok Helsinki University of Technology Imperial College London Infinity Ward Juniper Networks LaBRI--INRIA, University of Bordeaux mental images Microsoft Research Move Interactive NCsoft Corporation NVIDIA Corporation Perpetual Entertainment Playlogic Game Factory Polytime Rainbow Studios SEGA Corporation UFRGS (Brazil) Ulm University University of California, Davis University of Central Florida University of Copenhagen University of Girona University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of North Carolina Chapel Hill University of Tokyo University of Waterloo Section Editors include NVIDIA engineers: Cyril Zeller, Evan Hart, Ignacio Castano, Kevin Bjorke, Kevin Myers, and Nolan Goodnight. The accompanying DVD includes complementary examples and sample programs.