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Graphics system with programmable real-time alpha key generation

  • US 6,466,206 B1
  • Filed: 02/17/1999
  • Issued: 10/15/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/17/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A graphics system comprising:

  • a graphics processor configured to receive 3D graphics data, wherein said 3D graphics data comprises a plurality graphics primitives, wherein said graphics processor is configured to generate a plurality of samples from said 3D graphics data, wherein said samples comprise color and alpha information;

    a super-sampled sample buffer coupled to receive and store said samples from said graphics processor, wherein said sample buffer is configured to double-buffer at least a portion of each stored sample; and

    a sample-to-pixel calculation unit coupled to receive and filter samples from said super-sampled sample buffer to form output pixels and alpha pixels in real time, wherein said alpha pixels are usable to form an alpha key;

    wherein said sample-to-pixel calculation unit is configured to convey said output pixels to a display device without storing said output pixels.

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