HP Professional AP500 Graphics: The Workstation Difference - Page 7

Graphics: The Workstation Difference 7 Figure 2 shows the complexity and regularity of several key graphics operations. They range from simple, regular operations such as pixel write and Z-buffer operations, through a set of operations with increasing complexity and decreasing regularity. This chart also shows operations can increase in complexity without decreasing in regularity; this is an important point, as these operations can be efficiently accelerated in hardware. PowerStorm graphics integrate hardware and software components supporting a broad range of hardware graphics accelerators through a common interface. This insulates applications from underlying hardware, and allows you to make graphics purchasing decisions based upon performance requirements rather than arbitrary combinations of "which graphics hardware goes on which workstation platform and supports which applications." OpenGL OpenGL is quite simple in many ways. It can be described as a programming interface for three dimensional graphics, much like Direct3D, PHIGS or a number of proprietary interfaces. But it is also much more than that -- it is hardware, operating system, and window system independent. OpenGL is available from dozens of computer companies. It is a standard part of Microsoft's Windows NT, and is supported on virtually all versions of UNIX. OpenGL is the 3D interface for graphics hardware ranging from a simple 8-bit frame buffer to ultra high end graphics subsystems costing several hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are several key aspects to OpenGL. The first is that it works. Unlike some standards that were developed in committees, OpenGL was developed to support applications development. OpenGL has evolved and proven itself as an interface that meets the needs of software developers. The capabilities and functions of OpenGL deliver what programmers need. Because of this, OpenGL has rapidly become the preferred interface for applications requiring 3D graphics. Second is that OpenGL is an open industry standard. The OpenGL specification is controlled by the OpenGL Architecture Review Board (ARB), which has representatives from Silicon Graphics, Microsoft, Compaq Computer Corporation, IBM, Evans & Sutherland, and a number of other companies. The ARB is responsible for maintaining the OpenGL specification and for guiding the evolution of OpenGL in a public forum. Any changes to the OpenGL specification must be formally approved by the ARB. The fact that the OpenGL specification is controlled by the leading workstation companies and is available on all leading workstations makes it the preferred interface for all application developers who need to have portable software. Third, OpenGL spans both hardware and operating systems. OpenGL can be implemented entirely in software, supporting a simple frame buffer. Many types of hardware acceleration can be applied to OpenGL functions without impacting the interface. This means that workstation companies can develop special hardware to make OpenGL go faster -- without affecting the applications that call OpenGL. The fact that OpenGL graphics can be cleanly accelerated with specialized graphics hardware -- with no impact to application software -- is extremely advantageous to computer companies, application developers, and customers who purchase systems and applications. Compaq uses OpenGL to transparently integrate graphics hardware and software, providing a foundation for a complete family of graphics accelerators. The ability of OpenGL to span operating systems is based on a single design decision: OpenGL does nothing but 3D rendering. Open GL extends the capabilities of any underlying windowing system. A windowing system provides 2D graphics functions, window and screen management, user interaction mechanisms, text display and manipulation, and similar capabilities. OpenGL simply adds 3D rendering support to the 2D windowing system. This allows OpenGL to support 0054-0499-A