Method and system for providing a unified API for both 2D and 3D graphics objects
AssigneeMicrosoft Corporation
InventorsCharles N. Boyd, Jeff M. J. Noyle, Michael A. Toelle
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for controlling the algorithmic elements in 3D graphics systems via an improved 3D graphics API is provided. In one aspect, the invention unifies separately provided 2D and 3D graphics APIs into a single graphics interface, thereby eliminating redundancy of functionality and unnecessary data types. As a result, a single mapping to various graphics objects replaces redundant mappings. A single texture download that optimizes the use of different graphics hardware is provided. A single instruction for effecting a resolution change is also provided.
Claims35
A method for providing an interface between an application and a graphics pipeline that renders and processes graphics data, comprising:
- merging a 2D graphics application programming interface (API) and a 3D graphics API into a single graphics API for both 2D and 3D graphics, wherein data types for the single graphics API apply to both 2D and 3D graphics,
- thereby eliminating redundant function calls for performing a specific function, such that only one function call for the specific function is utilized for both 2D data objects and 3D data objects.
A computer readable medium bearing computer executable instructions for a single graphics API provided by the steps of merging a 2D graphics API and a 3D graphics API into the single graphics API for both 2D and 3D graphics, wherein data types for the single graphics API apply to both 2D and 3D graphics,
- thereby eliminating redundant function calls for performing a specific function, such that only one function call for the specific function is utilized for both 2D data objects and 3D data objects.
A computing device having a 3D graphics software interface as a layer between executing applications and the graphics pipeline that renders and processes graphics data, comprising:
- a 3D graphics API,
- wherein said 3D graphics API merges a 2D graphics API and a 3D graphics API into a single graphics API for both 2D and 3D graphics, wherein data types for the single graphics API apply to both 2D and 3D graphics, and
- whereby redundant function calls for performing a specific function are eliminated, such that only one function call for the specific function is utilized for both 2D data objects and 3D data objects.
An application programming interface (API) comprising a single graphics API for both 2D and 3D graphics comprising a merged 2D graphics API and a 3D graphics API, wherein data types for the single graphics API apply to both 2D and 3D graphics.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.