Mini-Compiz on Miniature Linux/OpenGL (embedded 3D window system)

[Dave Airlie]

On 4/18/07, Rogelio Serrano <rogelio.serrano at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > I downloaded a few files from
> >
> >    http://www.scitechsoft.com/ftp/devel/
> >
> > but it seems they don't release any source for the card drivers.
>
> this is the key part actually. if there is source code for real
> hardware acceleration then its worth it. thats a patent minefield
> though and thats the real reason nobody dared to even think of opening
> them up int the first place. the only option is invent new algorithms
> that is not covered by any existing patent.
>
> why should a hardware accelerated opengl driver be much bigger then a
> software only opengl?

In theory it doesn't have to be, but you normally requires software
fallbacks for limitations in the hw which means including a full sw
rasteriser, which means by default the hw renderer would be bigger
than the sw one.. also as each hw renderer would be different to
include a renderer for every GPU out there would increase the size
substantially..

Dave.