Method and system for presenting three-dimensional computer graphics images using multiple graphics processing units

A system for presenting three-dimensional computer graphics images, comprising:

• memory configured to store three-dimensional computer graphics data;
• at least one graphics processing unit configured to render a portion of the three-dimensional computer graphics data that corresponds to rectangular subvolumes to which said at least one graphics processing unit is assigned;
• a bus configured to communicate a viewing position to each of said at least one graphics processing unit;
• and
• at least one image combiner configured to combine the three-dimensional computer graphics data rendered by said at least one graphics processing unit to produce a three-dimensional computer graphics image;
• wherein at least two first stage image combiners of said image combiners are configured to be selectively coupled directly to one of an output device and a second stage image combiner of said image combiners.

A method for presenting three-dimensional computer graphics images, comprising the steps of:

• (1) allocating three-dimensional computer graphics data to rectangular subvolumes that define a scene;
• (2) rendering said allocated three-dimensional computer graphics data;
• (3) combining a first set of said rendered three-dimensional computer graphics data and a second set of said rendered three-dimensional computer graphics data;
• and
• (4) selecting one of presenting a first set of said combined three-dimensional computer graphics data and combining, at a second stage combiner, the first set of said combined three-dimensional computer graphics data received directly from a first first stage combiner with a second set of said combined three-dimensional computer graphics data received directly from a second first stage combiner.

A system for presenting three-dimensional computer graphics images, comprising:

• memory configured to store three-dimensional computer graphics data;
• graphics processing units configured to render portions of the three-dimensional computer graphics data that correspond to rectangular subvolumes to which said graphics processing units are assigned;
• a bus configured to communicate a viewing position to each of said graphics processing units;
• and
• combiners configured to combine the three-dimensional computer graphics data rendered by said graphics processing units to produce a three-dimensional computer graphics image;
• wherein at least two first stage combiners of said combiners are configured to be selectively coupled directly to one of an output device and a second stage combiner of said combiners.