Graphics API with branching capabilities

A computer program product for branching during programmable processing utilizing a graphics application program interface in conjunction with a hardware graphics pipeline, comprising:

• computer code for identifying a first instruction defined by the graphics application program interface;
• computer code for performing a first operation on graphics data based on the first instruction utilizing the hardware graphics pipeline;
• computer code for branching to an additional instruction defined by the graphics application program interface other than a subsequent sequential instruction;
• and
• computer code for performing another operation on the graphics data based on the additional instruction utilizing the hardware graphics pipelines;
• wherein the branching is used during a skinning operation.

A method for branching during programmable processing utilizing a graphics application program interface in conjunction with a hardware graphics pipeline, comprising:

• in response to a branching instruction associated with the graphics program written in accordance with an application program interface,
• computing an index,
• looking up an entry based on the index,
• branching to an additional instruction associated with the entry, and
• executing the additional instruction utilizing the hardware graphics pipelines;
• wherein the branching is used during a skinning operation.

A method for branching during programmable processing utilizing a graphics application program interface in conjunction with a hardware graphics pipeline, comprising:

• identifying an instruction defined by the graphics application program interface;
• performing an operation on graphics data based on the instruction utilizing the hardware graphics pipeline;
• identifying a branch command with an associated condition;
• determining whether the condition has been met;
• and
• if the condition has been met, branching to an additional instruction defined by the graphics application program interfaces
• wherein the branching is used during a skinning operation.

A method for branching during programmable processing utilizing a graphics application program interface in conjunction with a hardware graphics pipeline, comprising:

• identifying a first instruction defined by the graphics application program interface, wherein the first instruction is first of a plurality of instructions associated with a graphics program written in accordance with the application program interface;
• performing a first operation on graphics data based on the first instruction;
• identifying a branch command with an associated condition;
• determining whether the condition has been met;
• if the condition has been met, branching to an additional instruction defined by the graphics application program interface utilizing an address register by:
• computing an index,
• looking up an entry in a table based on the index,
• if the entry is found, branching to the additional instruction associated with the entry, and
• if the entry is not found, terminating the graphics program;
• and
• performing another operation on the graphics data based on the additional instruction;
• wherein the branching is used during a skinning operation.