Image compression to reduce pixel and texture memory requirements in a real-time image generator
US5999189A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T15/60
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for supporting image compression in a real-time graphics rendering pipeline includes sorting object geometry for a scene among image regions called chunks. The object geometry for each chunk is rendered separately, and in a serial fashion. After the object geometry is completely rendered for a given chunk, the pixel data for that chunk is compressed and stored. Each chunk of an image can be generated and stored in this manner. To assemble a display image, compressed image chunks are retrieved, decompressed, and temporarily cached. Decompressed image data in the cache is combined into a display image. The process of generating a display image with compression can be performed at real-time rates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.