The Slug Algorithm has been round for a decade now, largely quietly rendering fonts and later whole GUIs utilizing Bézier curves straight on the GPU for video games and different varieties of software program, however as a consequence of its proprietary nature it didn’t see a lot adoption outdoors of economic settings. This has now modified with its creator, [Eric Lengyel], releasing it to the general public area with none limitations.
Initially [Eric] had obtained a software program patent in 2019 for the algorithm that may have prevented anybody else from implementing it till the patent’s expiration in 2038. Since 2016 [Eric] and his enterprise have nevertheless had in his eyes ample profit from the patent, making it pointless to carry on to it any longer and retain such exclusivity.
To assist anybody with implementing their very own model of the algorithm, there’s a GitHub repository containing reference shader implementations with loads of inline feedback that ought to assist anybody with some shader expertise get began.
Though fairly area of interest within the eyes of the common particular person, the advantages of utilizing on-GPU rendering of parts like fonts are apparent when it comes to rendering optimization. With this alteration open supply rendering engines for video games and extra can lastly additionally use it as nicely.
Due to [Footleg] for the tip.
