Rasterization using two-dimensional tiles and alternating bins for improved rendering utilization

A method for rendering an image, the method comprising:

• (a) receiving a set of vertices;
• (b) selecting a tile of sample bins that overlap an edge joining at least two of the vertices;
• (c) selecting one sample from each sample bin in the tile of bins, wherein each selected sample is from a different memory bank;
• (d) rendering the selected samples, wherein the rendered samples are usable to form an image that is displayable on a display device;
• and
• (e) repeating (c) and (d) until all samples the tile have been selected.

A method for rendering graphics data, the method comprising:

• (a) receiving a geometric primitive;
• (b) selecting an N×M tile of pixel bins at least partially intersecting the geometric primitive, wherein N and M are positive integers, wherein at least one of N and M are greater than one;
• (c) selecting one pixel from each pixel bin in the N×M tile of bins for a first cycle;
• (d) forwarding the selected pixels for rendering;
• and
• (e) repeating (c) and (d) until all pixels in the N×M tile have been selected.

A graphics system for rendering graphics data, wherein the graphics system comprises:

• a memory configured to store the graphics data, wherein the graphics data comprises a geometric primitive;
• setup logic configured to select an N×M array of bins that at least partially intersect the geometric primitive, wherein each bin comprises a plurality of samples;
• and
• a plurality of sample evaluation units configured to evaluate the selected samples to determine whether the selected samples are within the geometric primitive.

A graphics system comprising:

• a means for receiving a primitive that is to be rendered;
• a means for generating a plurality of samples, wherein the samples are organized into groups;
• a means for selecting a two-dimensional array of groups that intersect the primitive;
• a means for selecting one sample from each group in the selected two-dimensional array;
• a means for rendering the selected samples;
• a means for storing the samples;
• a means for filtering the samples to form pixels;
• and
• a means for storing the pixels, wherein the pixels are usable to form a displayable image.