Method and apparatus for parallel processing of geometric aspects of video graphics data
AssigneeATI International SRL
InventorsMichael A. Mang, Ralph C. Tayor, Michael J. Mantor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for parallel processing of geometric aspects of video graphics data include processing that begins by determining whether an object-element is within a clipped volume. The processing continues by determining whether the object-element is to be clipped when it is within the clipped volume. The processing then continues by performing in parallel, a clipping function and an attribute derivation function upon the object-element when the object-element is to be clipped. The attribute derivation function may include performing a light function, texture map function, etc.
Claims22
A method for parallel processing of geometric aspects of video graphics data, the method comprises the steps of:
- a) determining whether an object element is within a clip volume;
- b) when the object element is within the clip volume, determining whether the object element is to be clipped;
- and
- c) when the object element is to be clipped, performing, in parallel, a clipping function and an attribute derivation function upon the object element.
A video graphics apparatus for parallel processing of geometric aspects of video graphics data, the video graphics apparatus comprises:
- a first determination module operably coupled to determine whether, and to provide an indication as to whether, an object element is within a clip volume;
- a second determination module operable to determine whether, and to provide a clip indication as to whether, the object element is to be clipped when the indication indicates that the object element is within the clip volume;
- a clipping module operably coupled to clip the object element when the clip indication indicates the that the object element is to be clipped;
- and
- an attribute module operably coupled to derive attributes of the object element in parallel with the clipping module clipping the object element when the indication indicates that the object is within the clip volume.
A video graphics apparatus for parallel processing of geometric aspects of video graphics data, the video graphics apparatus comprises:
- a processing module;
- and
- memory operably coupled to the processing module, wherein the memory includes operational instructions that cause the processing module to:
- (a) determine whether an object element is within a clip volume;
- (b) when the object element is within the clip volume, determine whether the object element is to be clipped;
- and (c) when the object element is to be clipped, perform, in parallel, a clipping function and an attribute derivation function upon the object element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.