Graphics matrix multiplier
AssigneeTektronix, Inc.
InventorMichael L. Rieger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A matrix multiplier is disclosed for rotating, scaling, shearing, and stretching, three-dimensional calligraphic images. This system has particular application to incremental vector generators. The transformations are performed in real time and at the drawing rate of the display device (CRT, plotter, etc.). Complex curved images are transformed as quickly as straight lines. This system reduces matrix multiplication to incremental additions distributed along each line of an image as it is drawn.
Claims4
A graphic display system for transforming and displaying computer-generated images of a pre-determined number of dimensions, D, on a display device, the display system comprising:
- a digital interpolator for converting a computer instruction into digital clock pulses for driving the display device;
- a matrix multiplier coupled to said digital interpolator for receiving said digital clock pulses and altering the sequence thereof according to data stored in said matrix multiplier, said matrix multiplier including accumulators which are each divided into an integer part and a fractional part, said integer part accumulating m bits and said fractional part accumulating n bits and having a carry/borrow output;
- m-bit counters comprising said integer part and also comprising axis counters of the display system for counting said digital clock pulses;
- and
- digital-to-analog converters connected to receive the output of said m-bit counters for converting said output to analog signals for driving the display device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.