diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 6e37148033..ebca0c9fe2 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -8,24 +8,42 @@ ![openexr](/OpenEXR/doc/images/windowExample1.png) The OpenEXR project provides the specification and reference -implementation of the EXR file format. The format is an accurate, -flexible, and efficient representation for high dynamic range linear -scene image data and associated metadata, with strong support for -multi-part, multi-channel use cases, including deep compositing. The -library includes routines for efficiently reading, writing, -compressing/decompressing, and modifying EXR images, as well as -reference images and example programs for examining and updating image -header attributes. The goal of the OpenEXR project is to keep the -format modern and to maintain its place as the preferred image -representation of the motion picture industry. - -Also a part of OpenEXR, the IlmBase library is a simple, light-weight, +implementation of the EXR file format, the professional-grade image +storage format of the motion picture industry. The purpose of format +is to accurately and efficiently represent high-dynamic-range +scene-linear image data and associated metadata, with strong support +for multi-part, multi-channel use cases. The library is widely used in +host application software where accuracy is critical, such as +photorealistic rendering, texture access, image compositing, deep +compositing, and DI. + +## OpenEXR Mission Statement + +The goal of the OpenEXR project is to keep the format reliable and +modern and to maintain its place as the preferred image format for +entertainment content creation. Major revisions are infrequent, and +new features will be carefully weighed against increased complexity. + +The principal priorities of the project are: +* Robustness, reliability, security +* Backwards compatibility, data longevity +* Performance - read/write/compression/decompression time +* Simplicity, ease of use, maintainability +* Wide adoption, multi-platform support - Linux, Windows, macOS, and others + +OpenEXR is intended solely for 2D data. It is not appropriate for +storage of volumetric data, cached or lit 3D scenes, or more complex +3D data such as light fields. + +Also a part of OpenEXR, the IlmBase library is a basic, light-weight, and efficient representation of 2D and 3D vectors and matrices and -other useful mathematical objects and functions and data types, -including the Half 16-bit floating-point type. With its associated -bindings for Python 2 and Python 3 and its extensive test suite, the -Imath and Half libraries provide a common representation for 2D and 3D -data across visual effects software applications and libraries. +other simple but useful mathematical objects, functions, and data +types common in computer graphics applications, including the “half” +16-bit floating-point type. The goal of the project is simplicity, +ease of use, and breadth of adoption. It is not intended to be a +comprehensive linear algebra or numerical analysis package. + +## Features OpenEXR's features include: