Parallel processor-based raster graphics system architecture
First Claim
1. Apparatus for generating raster graphics images from a graphics command stream, comprising:
- a plurality of graphics processing means each adapted to receive any part of the graphics command stream for processing the command stream part into pixel data;
frame buffer means for mapping the pixel data to pixel locations; and
a unidirectional interconnection network having multiple levels of linked nodes to provide a data path from each graphics processing means to any part of the frame buffer means, each node at one level including means for queuing at the node pixel data intended for a part of the frame buffer until a link is available from the node to a node at another level.
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Abstract
An apparatus for generating raster graphics images from the graphics command stream includes a plurality of graphics processors connected in parallel, each adapted to receive any part of the graphics command stream for processing the command stream part into pixel data. The apparatus also includes a frame buffer for mapping the pixel data to pixel locations and an interconnection network for interconnecting the graphics processors to the frame buffer. Through the interconnection network, each graphics processor may access any part of the frame buffer concurrently with another graphics processor accessing any other part of the frame buffer. The plurality of graphics processors can thereby transmit concurrently pixel data to pixel locations in the frame buffer.
109 Citations
10 Claims
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1. Apparatus for generating raster graphics images from a graphics command stream, comprising:
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a plurality of graphics processing means each adapted to receive any part of the graphics command stream for processing the command stream part into pixel data; frame buffer means for mapping the pixel data to pixel locations; and a unidirectional interconnection network having multiple levels of linked nodes to provide a data path from each graphics processing means to any part of the frame buffer means, each node at one level including means for queuing at the node pixel data intended for a part of the frame buffer until a link is available from the node to a node at another level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. Apparatus for generating raster graphics images from a graphics command stream, comprising:
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a plurality of graphics processing means, each adapted to receive any part of the graphics command stream for processing the part into pixel data; interface means for dividing the graphics command stream into parts comprising primitives and for directing each primitive to a graphics processing means available for processing the primitive into the pixel data; frame buffer means for mapping pixel data to pixel locations; and a unidirectional interconnection network for enabling each graphics processing means to access any part of the frame buffer to transmit pixel data to any pixel location in the buffer. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. In a raster graphics system, a method for generating raster graphics images from a graphics command stream, comprising:
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dividing the graphics command stream into primitives; processing the primitives through a plurality of graphics processors concurrently into pixel data having addresses in a frame buffer, each primitive being directed to an available graphics processor; transmitting the pixel data concurrently to addressed parts of the frame buffer; and reading the frame parts in interleaved fashion to generate raster graphics images.
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Specification