A technology to synthesize software complexes with hybrid visualization Vulkan-OpenGL

P. Yu. Timokhin, M. V. Mikhaylyuk

Scientific Research Institute for System Analysis of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Abstract: In this paper, the task of embedding computer visualization, performed using the Vulkan API, into OpenGL-based software complexes, is considered. A low-level hybrid approach to implement the collaboration of two APIs within the same application is described, as well as, the organization and synchronization of access to shared resources. The technology is proposed, which "encapsulates" the hybrid approach in a separate library module (VK-capsule) with a high-level interface that is dynamically linked to the executable module of OpenGL-complex (GL-visualizer). The paper describes methods for construction of the interface and connection of the VK-capsule, providing minimal intrusion into GL-visualizer. Based on the proposed methods and technology, a prototype of modular software complex implementing hybrid Vulkan-OpenGL visualization was developed. The approbation of the created complex was carried out, which confirmed the adequacy of the proposed solutions to the task assigned and the possibility of using them to expand the capabilities of visualization systems built on the OpenGL.

Keywords: visualization, programming, GPU, Vulkan, OpenGL, interface, library

DOI: 10.15514/ISPRAS-2023-35(4)-6