Using DirectX in Windows Forms
Windows Forms is a Microsoft technology that provides a clean and easy framework for building graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and is both extensible and componentized. However, it is sometimes desirable to have a rich 3D user interface to display 3D data or to allow the user to interact in 3D. DirectX, another Microsoft technology, is a graphics framework with support for 2D and 3D graphics, which supplies an abstraction layer between low-level system components (such as drivers) and high-level applications (such as a GUI or a game). This document will discuss the process of hosting DirectX inside of a Windows Forms application in order to provide seamless integration between the two frameworks for use in GUIs that may be graphics intensive.
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GPU programming using .NET languages
Our project, which is called IL Shader, allows writing vertex and fragment programs using general purpose programming languages on .NET platform. Our project is based on three-stage translation. First, MSIL bytecode is translated to assembly language of abstract machine with vector registers. Then we perform some optimization and finally translate abstract machine code to one of assembly language shaders (currently DirectX pixel and vertex shaders). We provide infrastructure that allows using .NET classes as shaders. This project is supported by Microsoft Research grant.
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Multicore and GPU Programming for Video Games
Why Programmable Shaders
. Hardwired pipeline
- Produces limited effects
- Effects look the same
- Gamers want unique look-n-feel
- Multi-texturing somewhat alleviates this, but not enough
- Less interoperable, less portable
. Programmable Shaders
- Vertex Shader
- Pixel or Fragment Shader
- Starting from DX 8.0 (assembly)
- DX 9.0 added HLSL (High Level Shading Language)
- HLSL (MS) is compatible with Cg (Nvidia)
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Tutorial Exploring Game Development in the .NET Platform with Managed DirectX, GDI+ and Mobile Devices
This tutorial explores current game development possibilities for the .NET Platform. The creation of a simple 2D game engine is used to illustrate many aspects of Managed DirectX computer game development, while concepts such as graphics manipulation, input handling and sound support are also discussed considering the GDI+ API and game development for mobile devices. The final purpose is to empower game developers to the productive creation of computer games through Microsoft’s recent technologies, services and tools.
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