Finally: a benchmark for graphics
Article Abstract:
Benchmarks are being developed in many areas of computer science that are both more standardized and more representative of the kinds of applications for which computers are used. Graphics system performance has been measured in terms of the number of vectors (line segments), shaded triangles or polygons that can be drawn per second, but comparing graphics systems from different vendors using such measures is difficult if not impossible. The Graphics Performance Characterization (GPC) committee was founded in 1986 to develop a picture-level benchmark (PLB) for measuring graphics system performance; committee members include representatives from Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard/Apollo, DEC, IBM and Evans & Sutherland. Preliminary results of benchmark trials run on workstations from these vendors were released at the National Computer Graphics Association annual meeting in Apr 1991; the results are discussed.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1991
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A horse of a different color
Article Abstract:
Graphics programs are using the principle of reaction-diffusion to create complex, natural-looking patterns and textures. In 1952 British mathematician Alan Turing proposed the reaction-diffusion principle, which posited that the formation of biological patterns such as a zebra's stripes can be traced to a chemical reaction and diffusion within tissues of the animal's embryo. Using that principle researchers devised a way to use computer graphics to reconstruct a missing segment of a fingerprint. Graphics software solves mathematical equations and assigns colors or textures to various concentrations. Researchers are working on programs that will expand the range of patterns produced based on reaction-diffusion principles. Reaction-diffusion principles are also being used to make three-dimensional graphics.
Publication Name: IEEE Spectrum
Subject: Engineering and manufacturing industries
ISSN: 0018-9235
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Peripherals: applications '90. The iffy 'Orient Express'
- Abstracts: Competition alters equation for industry. At Motorola: new alliances, new management. 'Digitized sunshine' aids architects
- Abstracts: All aboard for solid state. Transportation. Endangered species
- Abstracts: All aboard for solid state. Computer-aided R&D: chips are at the cutting edge. Design tools: applications '90
- Abstracts: Biomechanically engineered athletes. Wizard of watts