Depth based blending for 3D graphics systems
US6809730B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09G2360/18
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Three dimensional computer graphic images are shaded by first supplying data which defines the objects to be inserted into the image, this data including depth data relating to the objects. A depth store (4) includes data for objects already inserted into the image and a depth comparison unit (6) compares the depth of an object to be inserted with the currently stored depth data for a particular pixel. The result of this is used to determine which of a number of depth operations is to be applied to the depth store (4). A blending value is selected for each pixel for combining the object with the image in dependence on the selected depth operation. A combining unit then combines the object with the image in proportions dependent upon the selecting blending value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.