Port a serial C program which simulates the collision detection and
response of a 2D collection of balls to run using OpenCL.
This will require a major reorganization of the C code. You will
need to rewrite much of the code to run using OpenCL.
Write the OpenCl code to perform collision operations on the objects
in the sample code. The function moveBalls() and the other functions it
calls will need to be rewritten. As a rule of thumb, all references to
to the ballArray[][] and ballUpdate[][] arrays, and the collision calculations
should be performed in a kernel. You can rewrite the initBalls() function if
you wish. You can add or remove functions as needed.
Your program should run a reasonable number of kernels. One for each
element in ballArray[][] would be reasonable. You can run multiple kernels
for different operations if you wish.
Do not perform all calculations in global memory. Use local memory
for temporary calculations. Don't needlessly pass information between
the kernel and the application.
You do not need to run any timing tests for this assignment.
There will not likely be a noticeable performance increase
due to slowness of the ncurses interface.
Starting Code
-------------
The code to build the assignment upon is on the Courselink site.
It compiles and runs with a ncurses interface. It is easier to see the
collisions between the balls if you enlarge the text window and run
the program with a smaller number of objects (around 20).
Program Objectives
------------------
The default parameters for the simulation are defined using macros
at the start of the program. The program should run without any command
line arguments using the default parameters. You can add command line
arguments to the program but the program should still run using the
default parameters when executed with no command line arguments.
OpenCL
------
The program must run on the Mac machines running OSX in Thornborough 2420.
Documentation
-------------
Include a readme.txt contains your name and student number.
Coding Practices
----------------
Write the code using standard stylistic practices. Use functions,
reasonable variable names, and consistent indentation.
If the code is difficult for the TA to understand then you
will lose marks.
As usual, keep backups of your work using source control software.
Submitting the Assignment
-------------------------
Submit the assignment using Courselink. Submit only the source code
and the makefile. Bundle the code in a tar file.
The assignments will be marked on OSX machines in Thornborough 2420.
If you develop your code on a different platform then it is a good
idea to put the include files in an #ifdef for that system
so they will still compile on the server. Test your program on the
machines in THRN 2420 before you submit it.
The TA will unpack your code and type "make". They will then try to
run executables named a4. If the makefile is missing, the make command
does not work, or the program does not execute then you will lose
a substantial number of marks.
It is always a good idea to unpack and test the file you are submitting
to be sure that what you submit actually compiles.
