nonframebased

Nonframebased, or non-frame-based, is a broad term used to describe approaches that do not organize output, data, or processing into a fixed series of frames. The term is not standardized and its precise meaning varies by domain. In animation and digital media, nonframebased typically implies that content is not defined by a fixed frame sequence at a specific frame rate. Instead, it may rely on procedural generation, real-time simulation, vector-based representations, or time-based interpolation that is continuous rather than tied to discrete frames. Frames may be generated on demand or as needed for display, rather than stored ahead as a complete timeline.

In streaming and data processing, nonframebased can refer to continuous processing of data streams rather than discrete frames of information; processing occurs as events arrive, without a rigid frame cadence. In software architecture, nonframebased systems are often event-driven or tickless, updating state in response to events rather than through a fixed update loop at a constant frame rate.

Advantages of nonframebased approaches can include reduced latency, greater flexibility, and smoother handling of irregular input or content that does not fit neatly into a fixed frame grid. Challenges can include increased complexity, difficulties with synchronization and reproducibility, and compatibility issues with tools and pipelines that assume frame-based input or timelines.

See also: frame-based, keyframe animation, procedural generation, real-time rendering, streaming.