Applying multiple texture maps to objects in three-dimensional imaging processes

A computing system having a rendering pipeline for rendering an image that includes a primitive to which texture maps can be applied, wherein the rendering pipeline includes one or more texture units, the computing system comprising one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions for implementing a method for applying data obtained from texture maps to a pixel using the one or more texture units, wherein the method comprises:

• storing destination pixel data in a destination buffer;
• passing at least a first set of texture coordinates associated with the pixel to a texture unit, wherein said first set of texture coordinates is associated with a first texture map;
• obtaining first texture data from said first texture map, wherein said first texture data corresponds to the pixel;
• storing the first texture data in a first buffer that is separate from the destination buffer storing the destination pixel data;
• passing a second set of texture coordinates associated with the pixel to a texture unit, wherein said second set of texture coordinates is associated with a second texture map;
• obtaining second texture data from said second texture map, wherein said second texture data corresponds to the pixel;
• blending the second texture data with the first texture data stored in the first buffer to produce composite texture data;
• storing the composite texture data in the first buffer;
• and
• modifying said destination pixel data with the composite texture data from the first buffer to obtain composite pixel data that is used to refresh a display screen.