What this book covers
Chapter 1, Introduction to Modern OpenGL, details how to set up a modern OpenGL v3.3 core profile application on Visual Studio 2010 professional version.
Chapter 2, 3D Viewing and Object Picking, discusses how to implement a vector-based camera model for a viewing system. Two camera types are explained along with view frustum culling. Finally, object picking methods are also detailed.
Chapter 3, Offscreen Rendering and Environment Mapping, explains how to use the framebuffer object (FBO) for offscreen rendering. Mirror and dynamic cube mapping are implemented. In addition, image processing using digital convolution and environment mapping using static cube mapping are also elaborated.
Chapter 4, Lights and Shadows, discusses how to implement point, spot, and directional lights with attenuation. Moreover, methods of rendering dynamic shadows, such as shadow mapping, percentage close filtered (PCF) shadow maps, and variance shadow mapping are also covered in detail.
Chapter 5, Mesh Model Formats and Particle Systems, shows how to parse standard model formats, such as 3DS and OBJ models using separate and interleaved buffer object formats. Skeletal animation format using the EZMesh model format is also detailed along with the simple particle system.
Chapter 6, GPU-based Alpha Blending and Global Illumination, explains how to implement order-independent transparency with front-to-back and dual depth peeling. It also covers screen space ambient occlusion (SSAO) and the spherical harmonics method for image-based lighting and global illumination. Finally, alternate methods to render geometry, that is, GPU ray tracing and GPU path tracing are presented.
Chapter 7, GPU-based Volume Rendering Techniques, discusses how to implement several volume rendering algorithms in modern OpenGL including view-aligned 3D texture slicing, single-pass GPU ray casting, splatting, pseudo-isosurface as well as polygonal isosurface rendering using Marching Tetrahedra algorithm. Volume classification and volume lighting using the half-angle slicing technique are also detailed.
Chapter 8, Skeletal and Physically-based Simulation on the GPU, describes how to implement skeletal animation using matrix palette skinning and dual quaternion skinning on the modern GPU. In addition, it details how to use the transform feedback mode of the modern GPU for implementing a cloth simulation system with collision detection and response as well as particle systems entirely on the GPU.
