OpenGL Performance Characterization - Project Proposal for GPC
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Goals/Justification:
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To date, there are no benchmarks that encompass the rich feature set of
OpenGL, nor are there benchmarks which are consistent with OpenGL's
design philosophy of an optimized graphics state machine.  In addition
there are no graphics benchmarks that can be run across the diverse range
of platforms, windowing environments, and operating systems supported by
OpenGL.  For these reasons we believe OpenGL specific benchmarks can
provide  optimal testing of state-of-the-art graphics technology across
diverse platforms in a timely manner and demonstrate our commitment to
good experimental methodology.  It is the intent of this project to
provide such benchmarks.

Scope:
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The OpenGL performance project will produce and provide a suite of
benchmarks that will facilitate characterization of OpenGL performance
across a variety of platforms and operating systems.  These benchmarks
will be accompanied by documentation and common reporting mechanisms
(measurment criteria, review process, reporting forms). Reporting will be
accomplished through a central orgnaization.  Bencharks, documentation,
and reporting schemes will be designed and implemented to accomplish
consistency, accessibility and accuracy in OpenGL performance
characterization.

Strategy:
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Benchmarks will be developed that provide extensive coverage of OpenGL
features.  These benchmarks will be robust and effective so that hardware
vendors (vendors), independent software vendors (ISVs), and users will be
able to use the tools to characterize OpenGL graphics performance on
various systems across an assortment of application areas and market
segments.

Benchmarks will be portable to run on a variety of platforms, windowing
environments, and operating systems and standardized reporting mechanisms
will be developed that will accommodate vendors, ISVs, and users in
providing consistent performance characterization. Benchmarks and
reporting schemes will be ISV and user driven as opposed to vendor driven.
 Reporting schemes and benchmarks, including source and data files will be
available to the public.

Approach:
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An ad-hoc project committee has been formed to begin development of the
above mentioned products.  Upon approval of this project by the Graphics
Performance Characterization Committee (GPC) the OpenGL Performance
Characterization (OPC) committee will petition for membership in the GPC
as a Project Subcommittee and develop more formal by-laws congruent with
that environment.   Results of the  efforts of this subcommittee will
subsequently be published through the GPC.

As the OpenGL Performance Characterization Subcommittee this project will
continue to work to provide a suite of benchmarks for measuring OpenGL
performance in a timely manner.  It is a goal of this project that
common source code be developed that will run across various systems to
further facilitate consistency and accessibility.

ISVs will be solicited to provide data sets and OpenGL feature mixes that
are pertinent to their applications.  Benchmarks and data sets will be
approved by the OPC Subcommittee for public consumption.   Additional
participation will be encouraged by ISVs and users through advisory
forums and a membership process that makes it easy for ISVs and users
to join.


Resources and Participants:
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Membership in the OPC will include those who design, develop, market, or
use OpenGL products.  Membership is open to any organization that is
interested in OpenGL and OpenGL performance measurement.

Interested organizations to date include:
* Digital Equipment Corporation
* Evans and Sutherland
* Intel
* IBM Corporation
* Kubota Graphics
* Media Vision
* Microsoft
* Portable Graphics
* Silicon Graphics


What is desired from the NCGA and the GPC Committee:
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- OpenGL Performance Characterization Project Subcommittee membership
  under NCGA, including establishment of the project under GPC and NCGA
  bylaws.
- A publishing channel by which this Project Subcommittee can provide
  tools for characterizing OpenGL performance to the public.
- A publishing channel by which member companies can provide OpenGL
  performance characterization results to the public.
- Dues collection from member companies, and budgetary assistance.
- Public relations support.