The world's energy needs are greater than ever before as populations increase, and Asian countries awaken industrially and economically. The fact is, as the demand for oil-based energy is increasing, the world supply is decreasing. Demand for fuel is outpacing the world's ability to produce it. Now more than ever, you need to understand the energy problem and the alternatives that are available.This book is designed to introduce readers to the many different forms of energy mankind has learned to put to use. Generally, energy sources are harnessed for the purpose of producing electricity. This process relies on transducers to transform energy from one form into another. Alternative Energy will not only address transducers and the five most common sources of energy that can be converted to electricity, it will also explore solar energy, the harnessing of the wind for energy, geothermal energy, and nuclear energy. Each of the nine chapters are followed by questions to test comprehension, making it ideal for students and teachers alike. In addition, listings of World Wide Web sites are included so that readers can learn more about alternative energy and the organizations devoted to it.

Hedley Griffin writes in a way that is sympathetic to your needs and guides you through each technique in a simple step by step manner. The introductory chapter shows you how to achieve different animation styles on the computer, as well as essential skills such as storyboarding, the preparation of drawings and scanning issues. Practical illustrated tutorials then take you through each fundamental technique so you too will be able to achieve professional looking results.

There's a little mad scientist in all of us. When it comes out, some interesting and sometimes brilliant things can occur. Quite possibly, a robot with realistic behaviors and senses could come rolling out of the laboratories of your mind. With Applied Robotics, you can fulfill your dreams of building a simple robot that reacts, moves and behaves much like the larger, more advanced systems you've seen working in manufacturing plants and guarding the hallways of warehouses.This book is designed to give the beginner a thorough and complete introduction into the field of robotics with simple projects and easy-to-read explanations. Detailed and extensive schematics, programs, and descriptions guide you through the challenges of building a working robot. You'll be introduced to all the issues surrounding robotic systems, including mechanical design, sensory systems, electronic control, and computer software intelligence. Along the way, you'll also learn about Fuzzy Logic and microcontroller systems, including serial and memory-mapped interfacing. A complete parts list is given for each project, and almost all the parts can be obtained at Radio Shack. Some of the MCU projects that you come across may require some mail-ordering for necessary parts. Applied Robotics will have you building your own robots in no time, and who knows, maybe the knowledge you gain will help you build the next, more-advanced generation of robots walking, talking, and moving throughout the world. A CD-ROM is included with sample programs, sample code, technical tools and specifications as well as data sheets on selected active devices.