System and method for real-time compression of pixel colors
US6825847B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09G2360/122
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method are provided for the compression of pixel data for communicating the same with a frame buffer. Initially, a plurality of samples is received. It is first determined whether the samples are reducible, in that a single sample value can take the place of a plurality of sample values. If it is determined that the samples are capable of being reduced, the samples are reduced. Reduction is a first stage of compression. It is then determined whether the samples are capable of being compacted. The samples are then compacted if it is determined that the samples are capable of being compacted. Compaction is a second stage of compression. The samples are then communicated with a frame buffer, in compressed form, if possible, in uncompressed form if not. Subsequent reading of frame buffer data takes advantage of the smaller transfer size of compressed data. Compressed data is uncompacted and expanded as necessary for further processing or display. Where possible, data is processed reduced, rather than expanded, to minimize the amount of processing required and transfer bandwidth required. This system and method accelerate the rendering and display of computer-generated imag…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.