Designing a Standardized Benchmark for OpenEXR
Date
2025
Authors
Randhawa, Gurtej
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Volume Title
Publisher
University Of Victoria
Abstract
This research proposes a new, domain-specific benchmark for evaluating OpenEXR performance in high-dynamic-range (HDR) image workflows. Building upon established benchmarking criteria (relevance, repeatability, verifiability, domain specificity) drawn from TPC-C guidelines and other benchmarking principles, we collaborated with Academy Software Foundation (ASWF) to identify five core EXR use cases: Simple Read, Playback, Compositing, Rendering, and Format Mismatch. Each test suite targets essential tasks in real-world VFX pipelines such as loading full images, reading sub-rectangles in daily review sessions, managing scanlines during compositing, accessing tiles for rendering, and coping with mismatched file layouts. Our methodology ensures meaningful, reproducible metrics (e.g., load time, memory usage) aligned with production realities. By incorporating open-source tools, public datasets, and community feedback, this benchmark aims to become a transparent, living standard that drives innovation, reduces storage costs, and improves overall efficiency in VFX pipelines.
Description
Keywords
openexr, hdr images, compression algorithms, vfx pipelines, benchmarking, film production