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pyGANDALF -- An open-source, Geometric, ANimation, Directed, Algorithmic, Learning Framework for Computer Graphics

John Petropoulos, Manos Kamarianakis, Antonis Protopsaltis, George Papagiannakis

Abstract

In computer graphics (CG) education, the challenge of finding modern, versatile tools is significant, particularly when integrating both legacy and advanced technologies. Traditional frameworks, often reliant on solid, yet outdated APIs like OpenGL, limit the exploration of cutting-edge graphics techniques. To address this, we introduce pyGANDALF, a unique, lightweight, open-source CG framework built on three pillars: Entity-Component-System (ECS) architecture, Python programming, and WebGPU integration. This combination sets pyGANDALF apart by providing a streamlined ECS design with an editor layer, compatibility with WebGPU for state-of-the-art features like compute and ray tracing pipelines, and a programmer-friendly Python environment. The framework supports modern features, such as Physically Based Rendering (PBR) capabilities and integration with Universal Scene Description (USD) formats, making it suitable for both educational demonstrations and real-world applications. Evaluations by expert users confirmed that pyGANDALF effectively balances ease of use with advanced functionality, preparing students for contemporary CG development challenges.

pyGANDALF -- An open-source, Geometric, ANimation, Directed, Algorithmic, Learning Framework for Computer Graphics

Abstract

In computer graphics (CG) education, the challenge of finding modern, versatile tools is significant, particularly when integrating both legacy and advanced technologies. Traditional frameworks, often reliant on solid, yet outdated APIs like OpenGL, limit the exploration of cutting-edge graphics techniques. To address this, we introduce pyGANDALF, a unique, lightweight, open-source CG framework built on three pillars: Entity-Component-System (ECS) architecture, Python programming, and WebGPU integration. This combination sets pyGANDALF apart by providing a streamlined ECS design with an editor layer, compatibility with WebGPU for state-of-the-art features like compute and ray tracing pipelines, and a programmer-friendly Python environment. The framework supports modern features, such as Physically Based Rendering (PBR) capabilities and integration with Universal Scene Description (USD) formats, making it suitable for both educational demonstrations and real-world applications. Evaluations by expert users confirmed that pyGANDALF effectively balances ease of use with advanced functionality, preparing students for contemporary CG development challenges.
Paper Structure (21 sections, 5 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 21 sections, 5 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Architectural pillars of the proposed CG framework
  3. Why WebGPU
  4. Why Python
  5. Why ECS
  6. Related Work
  7. The pyGANDALF Framework
  8. Architecture and design
  9. Entity-Component-System Setup
  10. Handling Dual APIs
  11. Handling Resources
  12. Editor
  13. Educational examples - Using pyGANDALF in CG curriculum
  14. Evaluation
  15. Performance Evaluation
  16. ...and 6 more sections

Figures (5)

  • Figure 1: Entity Component System setup in pyGANDALF.
  • Figure 2: The pyGANDALF scene manipulation editor. The example shown depicts a bunny made of ice (left) and silver (right) being lit by the Environment mapping.
  • Figure 3: Applying a filter to an original image (left) with Compute Shaders. The result is shown on the right.
  • Figure 4: Average responses for each task from Group 1 (Top) and 2 (Bottom), rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating very negative response and 5 indicating a very positive response
  • Figure 5: Standard Deviation of Responses for Each Task in Group 1.