Intergraph OpenGL Program Increases Graphics Performance Up To 11,000 Percent.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 1995--Intergraph Software Solutions introduced today version 2.0 of the MicroStation(R) OpenGL Engine (MOGLE), a multi-threaded OpenGL program that works with optimized hardware drivers to accelerate graphics performance.

Based on OpenGL, a high-performance industry graphics standard, MOGLE 2.0 accelerates performance of MicroStation(R), the general purpose 2D/3D drafting and design software developed by Bentley Systems Inc., up to 110 times under Microsoft Windows NT 3.5. With its increased functionality and performance, MOGLE 2.0 can benefit virtually every copy of MicroStation(R).

"We are excited about this unique software tool, which allows MicroStation(R) to supersede its previous performance a hundredfold," said Gene Grindstaff, executive manager of Intergraph Software Solutions' Visualization Product Center. "Intergraph's visualization software is poised to take advantage of the growing availability of high-performance OpenGL graphics systems, such as Intergraph's GLZ and GLI cards, AccelGraphics and GLINT(TM)-based solutions, and to continue its role as a leader in the computer graphics industry."

What's New in Version 2.0

One of the primary new features in MOGLE 2.0 is dynamics. Users, whether working in 2D or 3D, can now perform dynamic view and element manipulations such as dynamic pan, zoom, and rotate from within MicroStation(R).

MOGLE's editable display list capability allows the user to place, delete and modify graphic elements within the dynamic manipulation process, as opposed to exiting dynamics and then re-entering. This feature also significantly increases both 2D and 3D display performance.

MOGLE 2.0 texture caching allows MicroStation(R) to fully utilize the graphics hardware system. Textures are loaded into the texture cache on the OpenGL hardware graphics accelerator card, increasing update speed since cache access times are much faster than disk access times. If texture cache is not available, system memory can be used. However, using system memory decreases performance and increases memory requirements.

MOGLE 2.0 extends depth cueing (only applied in Phong shaded mode in native MicroStation(R)) to both wireframe and smooth shaded modes; which improved the viewing/display accuracy in wireframe modes. Wireframe modes are faster to view and manipulate than either Phong or smooth shaded views.

OpenGL and Windows NT 

"OpenGL is a 3D graphics library designed specifically for the types of task that a MicroStation(R) user performs, such as creating and displaying elements, renderings, wire meshes and smooth-shaded views," says Grindstaff. "OpenGL is a more efficient graphics interface than Windows, and combined with the unique features of MOGLE 2.0 optimizes MicroStation's graphics performance for both 2D and 3D tasks."

MOGLE's processing power is also boosted through the multiprocessing capabilities of Windows NT. MOGLE 2.0 is a multithreaded application, and application threads can be processed simultaneously on systems using multiple processors. The result is a more efficient use of hardware, further reducing display time. This scaleable architecture yields up to 40-percent improvement in dual processors systems over single processor systems.

"MOGLE 2.0 has again proven that Microsoft's integration of OpenGL into Windows NT greatly enhances CAD capabilities for Windows NT users," said Grindstaff.

Intergraph's Strategic Alliance with 3Dlabs to Promote 3D

Visualization

In December 1994, Intergraph Software Solutions and 3Dlabs Incorporated announced a strategic alliance to develop, support and promote 3D visualization applications on GLINT(TM)-based systems. GLINT(TM) is 3Dlabs' OpenGL graphics processor that enhances performance of visualization applications, such as Intergraph's software accelerator, MOGLE, and walk-through application, DesignReview. The work done with 3Dlabs and our MOGLE and DesignReview products proves the stability and acceptance of the tools and our platform strategy.

Intergraph Background Information

A member of the Fortune 500, Intergraph Corporation is the world's largest company dedicated to supplying interactive computer graphics systems. Products range from point solutions, meeting individual and departmental needs, to integrated, enterprise-wide systems. Noted for delivering interoperable systems and applications, Intergraph bases its products on Windows, Windows NT and UNIX operating systems.

As one of the company's four business units, Intergraph Software Solutions (ISS) develops and markets integrated software for the Technical Desktop -- the combination of compatible technical applications and personal productivity tools in a single desktop computer. Technical applications include computer-aided design, engineering, analysis, manufacturing, publishing and earth sciences. ISS provides core system software, high-end applications, training, consulting and implementation services.

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Note to Editors: Intergraph is a registered trademark and DesignReview is a trademark of Intergraph Corporation. MicroStation is a registered trademark of BENTLEY SYSTEMS INCORPORATED. Microsoft is a registered trademark and Windows NT is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other brands and product names are the property of their respective owners.

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CONTACT: Intergraph Corporation, Huntsville

Marla Robinson, 205/730-1813

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