RE: SVG 2 rendering model

The problem with making isolated the default is that it will impact performance for all of the normal cases.

However, your general question about how filter effects should interact with the new blending modes and compositing model is a good one and I not sure that the two options you provide are the only ones.

Leonard

-----Original Message-----
From: Nikos Andronikos [mailto:nikos.andronikos@cisra.canon.com.au] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 9:27 PM
To: public-svg-wg@w3.org
Subject: SVG 2 rendering model

Hi guys,

While reworking the rendering model section of SVG 2, I came across an incompatibility between filter effects and the required method of rendering compositing groups from the Compositing and Blending specification.

In SVG versions < 2, the process for rendering a group is 1. Create a new buffer initialised to transparent black 2. Composite elements within the group into this buffer using src-over and the normal blend mode (aka simple alpha blending) 3. Apply filter effects to the buffer 4. Composite buffer with the group backdrop using src-over and normal blend mode

When following the Compositing and Blending specification, as it currently stands, the method will be 1. Create a new buffer initialised with the initial backdrop* 2. Composite elements within the group into the buffer using the compositing operator and blend mode specified 3. Apply filter effects to the buffer (buffer contains elements from initial backdrop so these will be included in the filter effect) 4. Composite buffer with the group backdrop using the compositing operator and blend mode specified - compensating for double contribution of group backdrop

* The initial backdrop is dependent on the isolated property.
In the default case (isolated=false) the group backdrop == the initial backdrop.
When isolated=true, the initial backdrop is transparent black.
The group backdrop contains everything that has been drawn up to but not including the first element in the group.

So why do we have to do it the new way?
In SVG 1.1 we used src-over and normal, and this combination of operator and blend mode is group invariant, i.e. A + (B + C) == A + B + C, where A is the group backdrop and B and C are grouped.

But now we have lots of new compositing operators and blend modes and some of them aren't group invariant - colour burn for example, or the src-atop compositing operator.
So now we MUST do A + B + C when isolated==false

But this means we bring the group backdrop into the group and then when we apply a filter effect to the group, the filter effect includes the group backdrop.
To avoid bringing the group backdrop into the group, we can make the group isolated, but this is not currently the default behaviour in the Compositing and Blending specification.
So at the moment, the default behaviour in SVG 2 is different to the default behaviour in other versions of SVG.

So, as far as I can see, the options are:
1. make isolated the default - but this isn't consistent with other technologies - like PDF 2. state that for invariant groups, the contents of the groups are composited together first - we'd have to list all the combinations that are group invariant but at least it would be transparent to the author - although they would likely be confused when a non invariant group includes the backdrop in the filter effect.
3. not be backwards compatible - generally unpleasant

I'm leaning towards making isolated the default, but I'd like to hear if anyone else has ideas for options, or other opinions.

I hope that was all clear =)
I can make an example if people feel it would help their understanding - but I won't be able to find the time this week.

Cheers,
Nikos
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Received on Thursday, 2 August 2012 18:42:49 UTC