README

Neslib.Half - Half-Precision Floating-Point for Delphi

This small library defines the Half type, which is a 16-bit half-precision floating-point value.

The Half type uses overloaded operators so you can use it just like a Single or Double type (albeit with lower precision).

The Neslib.Half unit also defines a record helper for the Half type to provide access to the internals of the Half type (in a similar way that there are record helpers for the Single and Double types).

The Half type is used by some image formats to provide a higher dynamic range than 8 bits per channel, without resorting to the overhead of using 32 bits per channel. You can also use it for more efficient storage of floating-point values in case the value can be fit into a Half without loss of precision. You can use GetSmallestFloatType to determine if a Double value fits into a Single or Half without loss of precision.

This library uses fast conversion algorithms developed by Jeroen van der Zijp to convert from Half to Single and vice versa in a fast but accurate way (see his paper "Fast Half Float Conversions").

License

Neslib.Half is licensed under the Simplified BSD License.

See License.txt for details.