Alternative graphics to conserve CPU

[JerryWar]

I have several drawing issues related to speed. These are NT7 based.

1) I currently use DrawRectangle with a low opacity fill to outline Higher time frame Bars on a lower time frame chart. I am finding it is almost 30 % of my cpu load. Can anyone comment on whether using graphics.FillRectangle with a low opacity color is a faster alternative. The first issue I see is translating the price co-ordinates to pixels so I am not sure this is viable.

2) I have some text markers which are fixed text values with background that I use to mark bars. This chews up CPU as well. I wondering whether there is a way to make a pic of the text and some how position that like the built in DrawArrow rather than have the system write the text with a font. I am thinking it might be faster. If the image of an arrow of diamond could be replaced maybe that is an option.

I am open to suggestions

Thanks
Jerry

[sledge]

System specs?

Are you in a VM of some sorts?

[JerryWar]

I7 QuadCore running Win7

No VM

[sledge]

Video? Monitor resolution?

Do you have some sample code that reproduces the problem?

[JerryWar]

Video? Monitor resolution?

Do you have some sample code that reproduces the problem?

video
1920 x 1080

the code is simple. based on higher time frame bar being built i.e. Rh - High and Rl - low

IRectangle irRect = DrawRectangle(RrctTag, false, CurrentBars[0]-l[1],Rh, 0, Rl, RoutlineColor, RareaColor, RareaOpacity);
if (irRect != null) irRect.Pen.Width=TradeOutlinePen;
if (irRect != null) irRect.Pen.DashStyle=DashStyle.Dash;

[NinjaTrader_JessicaP]

Hello JerryWar,

I am having trouble getting drawing elements to use up a significant portion of my processor. It would help me in my investigation if I had some hard numbers to shoot for. Would it be possible for you to take a screen shot of your Windows System control panel screen? I have attached an example of mine.

To send a screenshot with Windows 7 or newer I would recommend using Window's Snipping Tool.
Click here for instructions
Alternatively to send a screenshot press Alt + PRINT SCREEN to take a screenshot of the selected window. Then go to Start--> Accessories--> Paint, and press CTRL + V to paste the image. Lastly, save as a jpeg file and send the file as an attachment.
Click here for detailed instruction

[JerryWar]

Jessica - See attached.
The way I am judging the relative system load is by Measuring the time to reload the screen
All my features have enables/disables so I measure the load time with certain features enabled and have found that it increases load time by about 30%. I have what appears to be my CPU pegging during fast market periods on just one symbol. ( i.e going to 13% ) Quadcore with Hyperthreading ( 8 CPUs)

Jerry

[NinjaTrader_JessicaP]

Thank you JerryWar, I am performing some benchmarking and profiling on my end and will return to this thread when I have more information.

[JerryWar]

Sledge
Your Question about monitor resoulution raised several thoughts.
Have you found that the monitor resolution has a significant impact on the CPU load ?

thanks
Jerry

[sledge]

Sledge
Your Question about monitor resoulution raised several thoughts.
Have you found that the monitor resolution has a significant impact on the CPU load ?

thanks
Jerry

Lots of people using 4k screens. I have a 3440x1440 ultra wide dell. So potentially more area to cover.

Is the chart maximized? Full screen? Do you have cross hairs enabled?

[NinjaTrader_JessicaP]

Thank you again for your report JerryWar. I was unable to reproduce any measurable CPU or memory load increase using the attached script, and each rectangle drew very quickly. I am attaching a summary of my output window below.

Could I ask you to attempt to use this script on your system, and let us know if it generates an appreciable CPU load increase on your end?

I can not advice on System.Drawing.Graphics methods except to say that they rely on a .dll file which may not be available in future versions of Ninja. I would like to recommend using only documented methods for drawing on charts, as Ninja's underlying engine could change and break your code otherwise.

[JerryWar]

Jessica
I was in process of completely cutting the code section out and placing it in a separate indicator such that I could easily share it. At quick glance your method looks better for testing purposes. I will give it a try and let you know.

Thanks
Jerry

[JerryWar]

I am going to need to go to a 4k display at some point. I am using Two 27in HD on this machine But chart is not maximized. and I do use crosshairs.
I could not trade without it.

Thanks
Jerry

[JerryWar]

Jessica,

Did you write this in NT8? I am running NT7

Jerry

[sledge]

Jessica,

Did you write this in NT8? I am running NT7

Jerry

I missed that too in the original post. Yes, that is in NT8 from NT_JP.

Everyone complaining/having issues with NT8 graphics, we simply assumed it.