Power-3D is a programmer's guide to building high-speed 3D graphics applications under the Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems. It is also a reference to the underlying numerical, mathematical, and design concepts related to developing 3D visualization applications. The concepts and ideas presented here give the reader a wide knowledge base from which to dream up fantastic 3D worlds and environments. Both game developers working in 3D worlds and scientific visualization engineers will benefit from the explanations and concepts presented on these pages.
Power-3D sprang to life in my Gainesville, Florida, apartment through the urgings and excitement of Manning Publications Co., and by my own desire to present some of the work that I had been playing around with for a number of years. An owner of a leading molecular modeling firm once expressed the sentiment that the most amazing aspect of the work and ideas presented in this book is the fact that it was all developed in an essential knowledge vacuum. Thus, I have labored with the hope of adding new solutions, new ideas, and new approaches to the area of research that I enjoy so much. At the time of this writing, I have never in my life met another professional programmer face-to-face. I make that statement to demonstrate the new and evolving aspects of free information communication that the Internet presents.
Power-3D will traverse old roads, repave rundown vistas, and hopefully build new highways to see where they will take us in the 3D graphics frontier. I trust you enjoy and benefit from everything presented. Good luck, and happy hacking!