Multi-sample surface processing using sample subsets

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform steps comprising:

• receiving multi-sample pixel data read from a memory storing multi-sample pixel data;
• analyzing the multi-sample pixel data, by an analysis unit that is coupled between the memory and a processing unit, to identify subsets of samples of a multi-sample pixel that have equal data, such that data for one sample in a subset represents multi-sample pixel data for all samples in the subset;
• generating an encoding state that indicates which samples of the multi-sample pixel are included in each one of the subsets;
• providing the encoding state and only data for a first sample that is included in a first subset to the processing unit, wherein the encoding state indicates the samples of the multi-sample pixel that are included in the first subset;
• determining, by the processing unit, that the encoding state indicates that the first sample does not represent all of the samples of the multi-sample pixel;
• and
• requesting multi-sample pixel data for one or more additional samples of the multi-sample pixel.

A system comprising:

• a memory storing multi-sample pixel data;
• an analysis unit that is coupled between the memory and a processing unit, and configured to:
• receive multi-sample pixel data read from the memory;
• analyze the multi-sample pixel data to identify subsets of samples of a multi-sample pixel that have equal data, such that data for one sample in a subset represents multi-sample pixel data for all samples in the subset;
• generate an encoding state that indicates which samples of the multi-sample pixel are included in each one of the subsets;
• and
• provide the encoding state and only data for a first sample that is included in a first subset to the processing unit, wherein the encoding state indicates the samples of the multi-sample pixel that are included in the first subset;
• and
• the processing unit that is configured to:
• determine that the encoding state indicates that the first sample does not represent all of the samples of the multi-sample pixel;
• and
• request multi-sample pixel data for one or more additional samples of the multi-sample pixel.