System and method for merging pixel fragments based on depth range values
AssigneeSilicon Graphics, Inc.
InventorsKurt Barton Akeley, Carroll Philip Gossett
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for merging received pixel fragments with an existing fragment compares a depth range for the received fragment with a depth range for the existing fragment. If there is a range overlap, the new fragment is merged with the existing fragment for which there is overlap. If there is no range overlap, the new fragment is discarded. The merge operation can be performed for fragments received for a single surface, such as the nearest surface. Alternatively, the merge operation can be performed for fragments received for a plurality of surfaces.
Claims25
A method for merging a new fragment with an existing fragment, comprising the steps of:
- determining a depth range for the new fragment;
- comparing said depth range for the new fragment with a depth range of the existing fragment to determine whether said depth range for the new fragment overlaps said depth range of the existing fragment;
- and
- merging the new fragment with the existing fragment if said depth range for the new fragment overlaps said depth range of the existing fragment.
A system for rendering an image, comprising:
- means for determining a depth range of a new fragment generated by a processor;
- means for comparing said depth range of said new fragment with a depth range of an existing fragment;
- and
- means for merging said new fragment with said existing fragment if said depth range of said new fragment overlaps said depth range of said existing fragment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.