Programmable sample filtering for image rendering
First Claim
1. A graphics system comprising:
- a frame buffer;
an accelerator unit configured to receive graphics primitives, render samples for the graphics primitives, and store the samples into a first area of the frame buffer;
wherein the accelerator unit is further configured to (a) read samples from the first area of the frame buffer, (b) filter the samples with a programmable filter to generate pixel values, and (c) store the pixel values in a second area of the frame buffer;
a video output processor configured to (d) read said pixel values from the second area of the frame buffer and (e) generate at least a portion of a video signal from said pixel values.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A graphics system configured to perform programmable filtering of samples to generate pixel values. The graphics system comprises a frame buffer, an accelerator unit and a video output processor. The accelerator unit receives graphics primitives, renders samples for the graphics primitives, and stores the rendered samples into a sample area of the frame buffer. The accelerator unit subsequently reads the samples from the sample area of the frame buffer, and filters the samples with a programmable filter having a programmable support region. The resulting pixel values are stored in a pixel area of the frame buffer. The video output processor reads the pixel values from the pixel area and converts the pixel values into a video signal which is provided to a video output port.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A graphics system comprising:
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a frame buffer;
an accelerator unit configured to receive graphics primitives, render samples for the graphics primitives, and store the samples into a first area of the frame buffer;
wherein the accelerator unit is further configured to (a) read samples from the first area of the frame buffer, (b) filter the samples with a programmable filter to generate pixel values, and (c) store the pixel values in a second area of the frame buffer;
a video output processor configured to (d) read said pixel values from the second area of the frame buffer and (e) generate at least a portion of a video signal from said pixel values. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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14. A method for generating displayable images, the method comprising:
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(a) receiving a stream of graphics primitives;
(b) rendering samples for the graphics primitives;
(c) storing the samples into a first area of a frame buffer;
(d) reading samples from the first area of the frame buffer;
(e) filtering the samples with a programmable filter which covers a programmable support region to generate pixel values;
(f) storing the pixel values in a second area of the frame buffer;
(g) reading the pixel values from the second area of the frame buffer; and
(h) generating a portion of a video signal from the pixel values and providing said video signal to a display device, wherein (b) and (e) are performed by dedicated circuitry configured within a single integrated circuit.
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23. A memory medium comprising computer readable instructions, wherein the instructions are executable to implement:
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(a) receiving a stream of graphics primitives;
(b) rendering samples for the graphics primitives;
(c) storing the samples into a first area of a frame buffer;
(d) reading samples from the first area of the frame buffer;
(e) filtering the samples with a programmable filter which covers a programmable support region to generate pixel values;
(f) storing the pixel values in a second area of the frame buffer;
(g) reading the pixel values from the second area of the frame buffer; and
(h) generating a portion of a video signal from the pixel values and providing said video signal to a display device, wherein (b) and (e) are performed by dedicated circuitry configured within a single integrated circuit.
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Specification