Graphics system including a virtual frame buffer which stores video/pixel data in a plurality of memory areas
US5995120A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09G2360/125
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A graphics controller (IMC) which performs pointer-based and/or display list-based video refresh operations that enable screen refresh data to be assembled on a per window basis, thereby greatly increasing the performance of the graphical display. The graphics controller maintains pointers to various buffers in system memory comprising video or graphics display information. The graphics controller manipulates respective object information workspace memory areas corresponding to each object or window, wherein the workspace areas specify data types, color depths, 3D depth values, alpha blending information, screen position, etc. for the respective window or object on the screen. Each workspace area also includes static and dynamic pointers which point to the location in system memory where the pixel data for the respective window or object is stored. The graphics controller utilizes this information, as well as information received from the software driver regarding screen changes, to assemble a display refresh list in system memory. This information is used during the screen refresh to display the various windows or objects on the screen very quickly and efficiently. Thus, the video…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.