GPU use in the API?

[MikeGillam5072]

I'm using the API to programatically manipulate models though iLogic rules and generate images. Even though there is no viusal interface, does the API use the GPU to process anything? I use this API in a custom ETO appliaciton on a standalone computer, and I'm trying to determine if a high-end graphics card is needed to help speed up processing.

[adam.nagy]

Hi Mike,

I got the feedback that Inventor is using GPU even if the UI is not visible - unless it's run on a VM (which would use software graphics).

Cheers,

[adam.nagy]

This might be helpful:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert?id=18844534&siteID=123112

[MikeGillam5072]

I did my own testing using GPU-z which monitors the GPU. When I used the inventor UI, I saw it produced a significant load on the GPU. But, when I ran my model through the API, the GPU showed zero load and memory usage.

[ekinsb]

Hi Mike,

Can you post some minimal code and a model (if it is model specific) that demonstrates the behavior you're seeing.  The graphics expert here said that rendering to an offscreen window should still use the GPU, which is what happens when you do a "Save Copy As" to an image format and specify a resolution different than the current window.  He wasn't sure of the API behavior but we would expect it to behave the same way.  Having some sample code will help to know that we're not misunderstanding what you're doing and know which API calls you're using.

[MikeGillam5072]

Brian,

Its going to take me a little while to go through this. I will be out of the office for a little while, but I might be able to go through it.