Method and apparatus for dynamically reconfiguring the order of hidden surface processing based on rendering mode
US6636214B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T15/40
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A graphics system including a custom graphics and audio processor produces exciting 2D and 3D graphics and surround sound. The system includes a graphics and audio processor including a 3D graphics pipeline and an audio digital signal processor. A reconfigurable graphics pipeline has a hidden surface removal stage that may be placed at different locations within the pipeline depending on pipeline rendering mode. When the pipeline operates in certain rendering modes, the hidden surface removal operation can be performed early in the pipeline—allowing the pipeline to avoid wasting its time imaging obstructed surfaces. For other (e.g., alpha based) rendering modes, the hidden surface removal operation is performed near the end of the pipeline—when the pipeline has developed sufficient additional information required by the particular rendering mode to resolve depth comparisons.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.