What if everything you know and experience is nothing more than an incredibly sophisticated computer simulation? This fascinating question has captivated philosophers and scientists for decades and is known as simulation theory or the simulation hypothesis. In clear and accessible language, this book introduces readers to simulation theory and guides them through this compelling concept that we may be living in an advanced virtual reality world.
The book explains simulation theory in depth, covering historical context and philosophical underpinnings while evaluating arguments for and against the possibility that a more advanced posthuman civilization has modeled our reality. It explores variations like ancestor simulations, Matrix-like simulations, and quantum simulations. With an emphasis on the scientific angle, the book discusses quantum physics experiments that challenge our assumptions about reality and tackles existential implications like free will and meaning in a simulated world.
Approachable even for complete beginners, the book breaks down complex ideas around physics, metaphysics, technology, and artificial intelligence as they relate to the simulation concept. Examples and analogies make the theory easy to follow for general readers. The book also analyzes competing philosophies from luminaries like Nick Bostrom, Elon Musk, and Neil deGrasse Tyson regarding the probability that we exist inside an intricate simulation.
Other topics covered include:
- Philosophical brains in vats thought experiments
- The evolution of video game graphics as analogs for simulated reality
- Similarities between simulation theory and religion/mythology
- Potential flaws or logical inconsistencies in the argument
- Proposed methods for testing or detecting the simulation
While concepts introduced spark profound questions about the fundamental nature of reality, the book maintains an engaging, conversational tone rather than overwhelming readers with existential dread. Those fascinated by technology, metaphysics, science fiction concepts, and open-minded theories about the mysteries of the universe will find this book captivating. It stretches the imagination while reviewing evidence and logic chains that shockingly make the simulation hypothesis challenging to rule out.
Unlock the secrets of Blender animation in this part-color guide with professional animator and Blender tutor, Sam Brubaker and leverage advanced techniques to become a 3D animation professional
Key Features:
- Master the essentials of 3D animation through engaging step-by-step exercises
- Go from linking and posing a character to using a nonlinear animation editor
- Discover unique insights and top tips that you won't find in the Blender documentation
- Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook
Book Description:
Completely free and open source, Blender, with its supportive community and powerful feature set, is an indispensable tool for creating 3D animations. However, learning the software can be a challenge given the complexity of its interface and the intricacies of animation theory.
If you want to venture into 3D animation but don't know where to start, Realizing 3D Animation in Blender is for you. Adopting a practical approach, this guide simplifies the theory of 3D animation and the many animation workflows specific to Blender. Through detailed exercises and a sharp focus on the animation process, this book equips you with everything you need to set out on your path to becoming a 3D animator. It's much more than just an introduction; this book covers complex concepts such as F-Curve modifiers, rigid-body physics simulation, and animating with multiple cameras, presented in an easy-to-follow manner to avoid common pitfalls encountered by novice animators.
By the end of this Blender 3D animation book, you'll have gained the knowledge, experience, and inspiration to start creating impressive 3D animations on your own.
What You Will Learn:
- Become well-versed with the simple rules of keyframing and interpolation
- Understand the function and behavior of Blender's animation curves
- Bring a character to life with Blender 3D character animation
- Utilize multiple cameras and the video sequence editor for advanced shot composition
- Get to grips with Blender's mysterious non-linear animation tool
- Explore advanced features such as physics simulation and camera techniques
Who this book is for:
This book is for anyone seeking guidance in the world of 3D animation using Blender. Whether you're an aspiring 3D animator, a beginner or intermediate-level Blender user, or a visual media producer looking to expand your skill set, this resource will prove invaluable. As long as you have basic familiarity with Blender and have the software already installed on a computer that meets system requirements, you're ready to dive into this book. While prior experience with Blender's animation tools is not necessary, having at least modeled a scene, added simple shading and lighting, and rendered a few still images will be beneficial.
Table of Contents
- Basic Keyframes in the Timeline
- The Graph Editor
- Bezier Keyframes
- Looking into Object Relationships
- Rendering an Animation
- Linking and Posing a Character
- Basic Character Animation
- The Walk Cycle
- Sound and Lip-Syncing
- Prop Interaction with Dynamic Constraints
- F-Curve Modifiers
- Rigid Body Physics
- Animating with Multiple Cameras
- Nonlinear Animation
The PlayStation 5 has arrived This next-generation console has hardware power, futuristic accessories and blockbuster games that will blow your mind. And you'll learn all about it in this PS5 guide by award-winning games journalist Chris Stead.
PlayStation 5 Gaming Guide: Overview of the best PS5 video games, hardware and accessories.
Chris Stead's PS5 Gaming Guide is as comprehensive an overview of the new video games console as you will find. This is the most powerful Sony gaming systems yet, offering the power required to play games at 8K resolution, at up 120fps, and with the latest technology such as ray-tracing, HDR, virtual reality and 3D Audio.
Some of the biggest game series of all time are coming to PlayStation 5. Marvel's Spider-Man, God of War, Ratchet & Clank, Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed, Grand Theft Auto, Watch Dogs, Fortnite, FIFA, NBA 2K, Horizon, Dirt and Gram Turismo just to name a few.
As well as detailing the experience offered by over 24 Sony video games, focusing on PS5 exclusives, Chris Stead dives into each of the core accessories, the PlayStation Plus online service, and the pros and cons of the PlayStation gaming system itself. Stead started his career working on the Official PlayStation magazine in the mid-90s, and has since run such notable brands as GamePro, Game Informer, Fortnite magazine and Gameplayer, as well as working for sites like IGN, Gamespot, Kotaku, Rooster Teeth and MCV.
Grab your copy of the PlayStation 5 Gaming Guide and learn:
Full list of included games
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
Astro's Playroom
Bugsnax
COD Black Ops: Cold War
Cyberpunk 2077
Demon's Souls Remake
Destruction AllStars
Dirt 5
FIFA 21
Fortnite
Godfall
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Madden NFL 21
Maneater
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
MXGP 2020
NBA 2K21
Observer: System Redux
Pathless, The
Planet Coaster: Console Edition
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Watch Dogs: Legion
Worms Rumble
DON'T WAIT
Hit the ground running with the best of Amazon's PlayStation 5 gaming books. This is the ultimate PS5 guide.
The availability of the RTL-SDR device for less than $20 brings software defined radio (SDR) to the home and work desktops of EE students, professional engineers and the maker community. The RTL-SDR can be used to acquire and sample RF (radio frequency) signals transmitted in the frequency range 25MHz to 1.75GHz, and the MATLAB and Simulink environment can be used to develop receivers using first principles DSP (digital signal processing) algorithms. Signals that the RTL-SDR hardware can receive include: FM radio, UHF band signals, ISM signals, GSM, 3G and LTE mobile radio, GPS and satellite signals, and any that the reader can (legally) transmit of course In this book we introduce readers to SDR methods by viewing and analysing downconverted RF signals in the time and frequency domains, and then provide extensive DSP enabled SDR design exercises which the reader can learn from. The hands-on SDR design examples begin with simple AM and FM receivers, and move on to the more challenging aspects of PHY layer DSP, where receive filter chains, real-time channelisers, and advanced concepts such as carrier synchronisers, digital PLL designs and QPSK timing and phase synchronisers are implemented. In the book we will also show how the RTL-SDR can be used with SDR transmitters to develop complete communication systems, capable of transmitting payloads such as simple text strings, images and audio across the lab desktop.
SUMMARY
Deceptively powerful and stunningly beautiful, 4D is a monumental leap forward in conveying business information effectively. It has always been right there in front of us, waiting to be unlocked, hiding in plain sight. All it took was the convergence of human ingenuity, Artificial Intelligence, and the rise of a medium capable of magic.
Foreword by legendary media artist, Refik Anadol.
DESCRIPTION
This highly anticipated book by M. Pell heralds the emergence of 4D, a new approach to business intelligence fueled by Artificial Intelligence, Spatial Computing and advanced Data Visualization techniques. Combined, they now provide us with the ability to not only see, but truly understand, what is actually happening within our businesses. 4D enables us to rewind and fast forward time at will, making it one of the most significant advances in the history of global business. By utilizing these breakthrough techniques for representing process, systems, and flow, businesses will forevermore be shown as living, breathing, dynamic entities, and in a form that truly depicts their ever-changing nature.
Welcome to the 4th Dimension, and the future of global business.
ADVANCE PRAISE
M. Pell's ability to imagine not only the future of business, but that of humanity's interactions with technology at large, is an important perspective that we should all understand and embrace.
- Refik Anadol (Media Artist, Legend)
Mike has expertly synthesized what we have all been thinking and working towards - a new visual language for interacting with and interpreting data, powered by AI. Brilliant.
- Amy Peck (CEO, EndeavorXR)
This is a virtuosic command performance of visionary digital transformation concepts. Individually brilliant, and collectively almost overwhelming in scope and intricacy. Truly remarkable.
- David Brunner (Founder & CEO, ModuleQ)
For more info https: //VisualizingBusiness.com
Learn to verify complex RTL designs using Python, cocotb, and pyuvm.
Python for RTL Verification uses downloadable code examples to teach you the basics of Python, testbench development with cocotb, and advanced verification using pyuvm.
Learn the dominant Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) using Python, the world's most popular programming language. Prepare for your next verification interview by being able to develop advanced testbenches in Python and quickly understand SystemVerilog/UVM testbenches.
Read Python for RTL Verification today and add this popular language to your verification arsenal.
La Dinámica de Sistemas es una técnica sencilla para abordar problemas complejos. Este libro es una guía rápida para crear modelos de simulación aplicando la Dinámica de Sistemas. Se trata de un libro de gran formato (DIN A4) con treinta ejercicios prácticos en los que se explica paso a paso cómo crear un modelo de simulación.
Siguiendo las instrucciones del libro en menos de 10 minutos el lector puede descargar el software y crear su primer modelo de simulación basado en Dinámica de Sistemas, luego, de forma progresiva va haciendo ejercicios de mayor complejidad, y en cada uno aprende aspectos nuevos del uso de esta herramienta.
En los ejercicios se utiliza el software Vensim PLE que se puede descargar gratis para uso personal y educativo. Este software para Dinámica de Sistemas aúna la simplicidad de uso con su gran potencia de cálculo.
El libro es una guía rápida, ordenada y completa para aprender a crear modelos de simulación basados en la Dinámica de Sistemas. La primera parte del libro contiene los conocimientos teóricos básicos, que son necesarios para a continuación ver paso a paso el proceso de creación de modelos de simulación basados en Dinámica de Sistemas con ayuda de ejemplos seleccionados. Se usa el software Vensim porque es potente y gratuito para uso personal.
El libro contiene material descargable !
INDICE
1. Dinámica de Sistemas
1.1. Dinámica de Sistemas
1.2. Identificar el problema
1.3. Definir el Sistema
1.4. Las fronteras de un sistema
1.5. Diagrama Causal
1.6. Retroalimentación
1.7. El factor limitativo
1.8. Los factores clave
1.9. Tipos de sistemas
2. Construcción de un modelo
2.1. Diagrama de Forrester
2.2. Simulación en ordenador
2.3. Comportamiento del Modelo
2.4. Análisis del Sistema
3. Arquetipos Dinámicos
3.1. Estado deseado
3.2. Estado real
3.3. La Diferencia
3.4. La Acción
3.5. Análisis del comportamiento humano
4. Ejercicios de Dinámica de Sistemas
Modelos de sistemas ambientales5. Cómo crear un modelo con Dinámica de Sistemas
La Dinámica de Sistemas encuentra sus principales aplicaciones en estos entornos complejos y poco definidos, donde intervienen las decisiones del ser humano.
El autor
Juan Martin Garcia, profesor y reconocido experto en Dinámica de Sistemas y System Thinking, Doctor Ingeniero Industrial (España) y Diploma de Postgrado en Business Dynamics en la Sloan School of Management del Massachusetts Institute of Technolo
Learn Articulate Storyline 360 fast with this step-by-step, project-based workbook
Articulate Storyline is one of the hottest eLearning development tools in the world. This hands-on, step-by-step workbook will teach you the essential Storyline skills necessary to create effective, interactive, and engaging eLearning courses.
This hands-on book, which most people can finish in a few short days, contains tons of activities and supporting screenshots. There are even challenge exercises (Confidence Checks) that will put your new-found skills to the test.
You'll learn how to create projects from scratch, how to work with slides, add scenes, add and format text, images, characters, and videos.
There are lessons that will teach you how to add interactivity to slides via buttons, triggers, text entry areas, and hotspots. Learn about variables and how they allow you to create personalized eLearning.
Enhance the learner experience by recording, importing, and editing audio.
Gauge the effectiveness of your eLearning by adding quizzes. Then you'll publish Storyline projects for the widest possible audience.
This book features:
Leverage expert advice, step-by-step guidance, and comprehensive visual aids to pave your way towards excellence in the art of 3D character rigging with the help of this part-color guide
Key Features
- Learn how to use automatic and manual weight painting to merge skin and bone
- Enhance any rig with a sweeping host of automatic controls and aids for animation
- Keep your rigs efficient and clean for an optimal end user experience
- Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook
Book Description
In the intricate world of 3D character rigging with Blender, aspiring artists often find themselves grappling with the daunting challenge of achieving results akin to seasoned professionals. This book is your guide to overcoming that very challenge, providing you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this complex art form.
As you embark on this creative journey, this book will guide you through a carefully crafted flow. Beginning with the basics, the first part of the book will teach you how to add structure to an empty canvas and master the art of weight painting in Blender. You'll delve into the intricacies of rigging humanoid characters, gain a deep understanding of the essential buttons and techniques, and discover invaluable success-boosting tips.
Starting with simple mesh deformation using a single bone, you'll progress steadily toward the mastery of fully rigging a human character, all while comprehending the reasons behind each step in the process. Furthermore, the book leaves you with a selection of advanced techniques, fully explained, paving the way for a natural progression in your artistic journey and allowing you to continuously refine and enhance your skills.
By the end of the book, you'll excel at crafting character rigs, seamlessly meeting professional pipeline demands in diverse teams and studios.
What you will learn
- Understand the basic terminology of rigging and learn how to create and modify rigs
- Find out how bones interact with topology
- Get to grips with weight painting through the mesh
- Know when and how to add constraints such as Inversion Kinetics, Point To, and Child Of
- Make rigs visually appealing with advanced techniques such as shape keys and bone drivers
- Familiarize yourself with advanced techniques used by industry leaders
Who this book is for
If you are an animator, modeler, or someone who wants to start rigging with a solid foundation, then this book is for you. You'll need no prior knowledge of Blender to get started with this book, as we'll go step by step with shortcuts and UI pointers provided.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Rigs and Terminologies
- Starting with Bones
- Using Weighting Tools to Give Life to a Mesh
- Beginning the Rigging Process
- Getting Started with Weight Painting
- Using IK and Rig Controls
- Getting Started with Shape Keys
- Beyond the Basics
Continuous-system simulation is an increasingly important tool for optimizing the performance of real-world systems. The book presents an integrated treatment of continuous simulation with all the background and essential prerequisites in one setting. It features updated chapters and two new sections on Black Swan and the Stochastic Information Packet (SIP) and Stochastic Library Units with Relationships Preserved (SLURP) Standard. The new edition includes basic concepts, mathematical tools, and the common principles of various simulation models for different phenomena, as well as an abundance of case studies, real-world examples, homework problems, and equations to develop a practical understanding of concepts.
Simulation Theory for Beginners provides an accessible introduction to the controversial notion that reality as we know it is an advanced computer simulation. Covering the basic concepts and arguments surrounding simulation theory, this book evaluates the primary evidence proposed by proponents of the simulation hypothesis. It explores philosophical questions about the nature of reality and whether we can honestly know if the world around us is real or just a highly high-fidelity virtual construct.
The book introduces readers to simulation theory pioneers like Nick Bostrom, whose 2003 paper Are You Living in a Computer Simulation? brought the idea into the mainstream. It explains Bostrom's statistical argument that if advanced civilizations can run complex ancestor simulations, we are likely already living in one. Critics argue this relies on unproven assumptions.
Moving beyond philosophy, the book looks at concepts from quantum physics, like quantum indeterminacy, that some have interpreted as evidence for simulation theory. It also covers Elon Musk's views on the topic, including his estimate that there's a one in billions chance reality is not a simulation.
Written for curious lay readers and those with computer science, philosophy, and physics backgrounds, Simulation Theory for Beginners gives a balanced tour through this fascinating matrix of pseudo-reality we may be living in. It provides an introductory field guide to evaluating the arguments, critical thinking, and implications of one of today's most mind-bending theories.
This book offers a time-efficient approach for readers to acquire step-by-step knowledge in the formation and construction of dynamic models using Vensim.
It addresses the challenge of working with minimal current and historical data by providing simulation models that accommodate such analyses. By constructing realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models, students can effectively utilize the Vensim software for model construction and simulation. By the end of the book, readers will be able to: - Understand the components of a complex system.The book contains downloadable material !
Environmental Area
1. Population Growth
2. Ecology of a Natural Reserve
3. Effects of the Intensive Farming
4. The Fishery of Shrimp
5. Rabbits and Foxes
6. A Study of Hogs
7. Ingestion of Toxins
8. The Barays of Angkor
9. The Golden Number
Management Area
10. Production and Inventory
11. CO2 Emissions
12. How to Work More and Better
13. Faults
14. Project Dynamics
15. Innovatory Companies
16. Quality Control
17. The impact of a Business Plan
Social Area
18. Filling a Glass
19. A Catastrophe Study
20. The Young Ambitious Worker
21. Development of an Epidemic
22. The Dynamics of Two Clocks
Mechanical Area
23. The Tank
24. Study of the Oscillatory Movements
25. Design of a Chemical Reactor
26. The Butterfly Effect
27. The Mysterious Lamp
Advanced Exercises (Vensim PLE PLUS)
28. Import data from an Excel file
29. Building Games and Learning Labs
30. Interactive models
31. Input Output Controls
32. Sensitivity Analysis
Annex
I. Guide to creating a model
II. Functions, Tables and Delays
III. Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
IV. Download the models of this book
The author
Juan Martín García is teacher and a worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). He teaches Vensim online courses in http: //vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics.
Neuralink, V2k, and the Human Mind: A Conversation Between Man and Machine
Conversational Chat Informative Book (Abe and Gemini)
By Abebe-Bard AI Woldemariam (Pen Name)
Dive into the world of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) with Abebe Gebre Woldemariam, and an experimental AI chatbot developed by Google. This conversational, informative book explores the exciting possibilities and ethical challenges surrounding Neuralink's innovative technology and the controversial concept of Voice-to-Skull (V2k).
Discover:
The potential of Neuralink: How implanted BCIs could revolutionize medical treatment, cognitive enhancement, and our understanding of the brain.
Ethical considerations: Balancing potential benefits with concerns about privacy, manipulation, and dystopian futures.
The mystery of V2k: Separating personal experiences and beliefs from scientific fact, offering support and resources for those struggling with perceived harassment or technological anxieties.
The future of humanity: Philosophical questions about the impact of BCIs on our identity, consciousness, and place in the world.
Bonus: A dedication to Merab Abebe, highlighting the author's belief in the positive potential of AI.
This book is perfect for:
Anyone curious about Brain-Computer Interfaces and their implications.
Those interested in the ethical considerations of cutting-edge technology.
Individuals seeking to understand the phenomenon of V2k and its impact on personal experiences.
Readers open to exploring the philosophical questions raised by AI and its potential to reshape our future.
Disclaimer: Information may not always be accurate or reflect Google's views.
Imagine a world where the boundaries of creativity are not only stretched but redefined. This book serves as your guide to this new frontier, engaging general readers, tech enthusiasts, and creatives alike in the captivating interplay between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence (AI).
Journey through the ground-breaking advancements in AI as they intersect with art, design, entertainment, and education. Discover how AI's power to analyze and understand language can be harnessed to generate breathtaking visuals from mere text descriptions--a process known as text-conditional image generation. But this book goes beyond just showcasing AI's capabilities: it delves into its transformative effects on the creative process itself. How will artists and designers adapt to a world where they co-create with machines? What are the implications of AI-generated art in educational settings? This book tackles these questions head on, offering a comprehensive view of the changing landscape of creativity.
At its core, this book challenges you to rethink what's possible in the realm of artistic expression. Manu contends that as AI evolves, mastering the art of collaboration between human and machine will become essential. More than just a look into the future, Transcending Imagination: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Creativity is a roadmap for artists, designers, and educators eager to navigate the uncharted territory of AI-augmented creativity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in how AI might redefine the realms of art, design, and education.
An in-depth guide to using the power of Mantaflow, rigid body, soft body, cloth simulations, and Dynamic Paint in Blender 3.3 to create campfires, waterfalls, explosions, flags, and much more
Key Features:
Understand Mantaflow to create fire and smoke simulations
Learn to design satisfying animations using soft bodies and the cloth simulation
Construct realistic physics animations with rigid bodies
Book Description:
Blender is a free, open source 3D software that allows you to create stunning visual graphics, animation, VFX, and much more!
This book is an in-depth guide to creating realistic and eye-catching simulations, understanding the various settings and options around their creation, and learning how to troubleshoot solutions to your own Blender problems. In addition, this book can also be used to simulate the behavior of certain physics effects, such as fire, fluid, soft bodies, and rigid bodies.
You'll learn how to use Mantaflow, an open source framework within Blender software, to create fire, smoke, and fluid simulations. As you progress, you'll understand how to easily produce satisfying rigid and soft body simulations, along with cloth simulations. Finally, you'll use Dynamic Paint, Blender's modifier, and the physics system to create eye-catching animations.
By the end of this Blender book, you'll have created a number of animations on your own, such as a campfire, waterfalls, and explosions. You'll also have gained a deeper understanding of all the simulation options in Blender, which you can use to create portfolio-ready animations.
What You Will Learn:
Discover what Mantaflow is and how to use it effectively
Understand domains, flows, and effectors, and why they are important
Create realistic fire, smoke, and fluid simulations
Produce satisfying soft and rigid body simulations with ease
Use the cloth simulation to bring animated fabric to life
Explore canvas and brush objects in Dynamic Paint to create eye-catching animations
Who this book is for:
If you're a VFX artist, 3D artist, game designer, or any Blender user who wants to learn about Mantaflow and physics simulations, then this book is for you. You're expected to have basic knowledge of the Blender interface and how to use it.