Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

Florian A Strauss

Mark Evan Cerny

Tobias Berghoff

Methods for graphics processing are provided. One example method includes executing a plurality of kernels using a plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs), wherein responsibility for executing a corresponding kernel is divided into one or more portions each of which being assigned to a corresponding GPU. The method includes generating a plurality of dependency data at a first kernel as each of a first plurality of portions of the first kernel completes processing. The method includes checking dependency data from one or more portions of the first kernel prior to execution of a portion of a second kernel. The method includes delaying execution of the portion of the second kernel as long as the corresponding dependency data of the first kernel has not been met.

Accessing local memory of a GPU executing a first kernel when executing a second kernel of another GPU

A method including rendering graphics for an application using graphics processing units (GPUs). Responsibility for rendering of geometry is divided between GPUs based on screen regions, each GPU having a corresponding division of the responsibility which is known. A plurality of pieces of geometry of an image frame is assigned to the GPUs for geometry testing. A first GPU state configuring one or more shaders to perform the geometry testing is set. Geometry testing is performed at GPUs on the plurality of pieces of geometry to generate information regarding each piece of geometry and its relation to each of the plurality of screen regions. A second GPU state configuring the one or more shaders to perform rendering is set. The information generated for each of the plurality of pieces of geometry is used when rendering the plurality of pieces of geometry at the GPUs.

System and method for efficient multi-GPU rendering of geometry by pretesting against screen regions using configurable shaders

A method for graphics processing. The method including rendering graphics for an application using a plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs). The method including dividing responsibility for the rendering geometry of the graphics between the plurality of GPUs based on a plurality of screen regions, each GPU having a corresponding division of the responsibility which is known to the plurality of GPUs. The method including generating information regarding a piece of geometry with respect to a first screen region for which a first GPU has a first division of responsibility, while rendering the piece of geometry at a second GPU for an image. The method including rendering the piece of geometry at the first GPU using the information.

Region testing of geometry while rendering for efficient multi-GPU rendering

A method including rendering graphics for an application using graphics processing units (GPUs). Responsibility for rendering of geometry is divided between GPUs based on screen regions, each GPU having a corresponding division of the responsibility which is known. First pieces of geometry are rendered at the GPUs during a rendering phase of a previous image frame. Statistics are generated for the rendering of the previous image frame. Second pieces of geometry of a current image frame are assigned based on the statistics to the GPUs for geometry testing. Geometry testing at a current image frame on the second pieces of geometry is performed to generate information regarding each piece of geometry and its relation to each screen region, the geometry testing performed at each of the GPUs based on the assigning. The information generated for the second pieces of geometry is used when rendering the geometry at the GPUs.

Assigning geometry for pretesting against screen regions for an image frame using prior frame information

A method for graphics processing. The method including rendering graphics for an application using a plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs). The method including dividing responsibility for the rendering of geometry of the graphics between the plurality of GPUs based on a plurality of screen regions that are interleaved, each GPU having a corresponding division of the responsibility which is known to the plurality of GPUs. The method including assigning a GPU a piece of geometry of an image frame generated by an application for geometry pretesting. The method including performing geometry pretesting at the GPU to generate information regarding the piece of geometry and its relation to each of the plurality of screen regions. The method including using the information at each of the plurality of GPUs when rendering the image frame.

Efficient multi-GPU rendering by testing geometry against screen regions before rendering using a pretest GPU

A method for graphics processing including rendering graphics for an application using a plurality of graphics processing units (GPUs). The method including dividing responsibility for rendering geometry of the graphics between the GPUs based on screen regions, each GPU having a corresponding division of the responsibility which is known to the GPUs. The method including determining a Z-value for a piece of geometry during a pre-pass phase of rendering at a first GPU for an image, wherein the piece of geometry overlaps a first screen region for which the first GPU has a division of responsibility. The method including comparing the Z-value against a Z-buffer value for the piece of geometry. The method including generating information including a result of the comparing the Z-value against the Z-buffer value for use by the GPU when rendering the piece of geometry during a full render phase of rendering.

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Los Angeles, CA, United States of America

Florian A Strauss