Nintendo Co., Ltd.

Martin Hollis

Farhad Fouladi

Anthony P DeLaurier

Patrick Y Law

Robert A Drebin

Yoshitaka Yasumoto

Eric Demers

Eric c/o Ati Technologies Systems Corp Demers

A compact image element encoding format selectively allocates a bit field within the format to alternately encode either multi-bit alpha resolution or increased color resolution. This encoding technique may be advantageously used to allocate encoding bits to model semi-transparency while using those same bits for other purposes (e.g., higher color resolution) in instances where semi-transparency is not required (e.g., for opaque image elements). In one advantageous embodiment, the same encoding format can provide either RGB5 or RGB4A3, on an image-element-by-image-element basis. Applications include but are not limited to texture mapping in a 3D computer graphics system such as a home video game system or a personal computer.

Variable bit field color encoding

Variable bit field encoding

A graphics system including a custom graphics and audio processor produces exciting 2D and 3D graphics and surround sound. The system includes a graphics and audio processor including a 3D graphics pipeline and an audio digital signal processor. Cartoon lighting and other non-photorealistic effects can be produced by using a lighting calculation to produce a parameter other than color or opacity for use in a later modification of a color or opacity value. In more detail, the example embodiment uses the lighting calculation to generate texture coordinates used in a texture mapping operation. The texture mapping operation allows lighting computation results to select between brush strokes for cartoon lighting and other effects. The resulting dynamic cartoon lighting animation can be performed on a low cost platform such as a home video game system or personal computer.

Achromatic lighting in a graphics system and method

A graphics system including a custom graphics and audio processor produces exciting 2D and 3D graphics and surround sound. The system includes a graphics and audio processor including a 3D graphics pipeline and an audio digital signal processor. Improved fog simulation is provided by enabling backwards exponential and backwards exponential squared fog density functions to be used in the fog calculation. Improved exponential and exponential squared fog density functions are also provided which provide the ability to program a fog start value. A range adjustment function is used to adjust fog based on the X position of the pixels being rendered, thereby preventing range error as the line of sight moves away from the Z axis. An exemplary Fog Calculation Unit, as well as exemplary fog control functions and fog related registers, are also disclosed.

Method and apparatus for providing improved fog effects in a graphics system

Growing community of inventors

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Martin Hollis