OpenGL Performance Characterization - Project Proposal for GPC -------------------------------------------------------------- Goals/Justification: -------------- 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: ----- 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: ------- 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: -------- 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: -------------------- 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: ---------------------------------------------------- - 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.