Shader core instruction to invoke depth culling

Abstract

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for executing a shader core instruction to invoke depth culling are disclosed. A shader core executes an instruction to invoke a culling function on a depth culling unit for one or more entities prior to completing a corresponding draw call. The shader core provides a mode and coordinates to the depth culling unit as a result of executing the instruction. The depth culling unit implements the culling function to access a live depth buffer to determine whether one or more primitives corresponding to the entities are occluded. The culling unit returns indication(s) to the shader core regarding the result(s) of processing the one or more primitives. For example, if the results indicate a primitive is occluded, the shader core cancels the draw call for the primitive.

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