S3 Graphics Co., Ltd.

Other

Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Roger Swanson

Daniel Hung

David C Kehlet

Eric Young

Michael G Lavelle

Brian D Emberling

Konstantine I Iourcha

Michael Wasserman

Nandini Ramani

Yan Yan Tang

Wayne A Morse

John W Brothers

Rangit S Oberoi

Graphic processor compares z-buffer values of 3D objects to detect and mark interpenetrating pixels. Tag buffer stores marked values for antialiasing effectively by over-sampling, area-based, blending, alpha edge or other pixel-processing scheme. Performance is improved by selectively antialiasing at edges and/or interpenetrations. Cost is reduced by leveraging z-buffer storage therefor. Super-sampling antialiasing reduces sampling of select interpenetration elements, thereby avoiding processing entire image.

z-buffer based interpenetrating object detection for antialiasing

A system and method is provided for decreasing the amount of data required to represent depth information for 3D images. In accordance with one embodiment, depth information is represented by a piecewise function Z(x,y). An (x,y) space is split into areas representing a region of primitive shapes. For each of these regions, Z(x,y) is defined as a simple parametric analytical function. Subsequently, only a few parameters are required to encode this function in each region. By using these parametric analytical functions to represent depth value of the split, the present invention achieves advantages such as reductions in required storage space and required bandwidth with a concomitant increase in processing speed.

Area and span based Z-buffer

A graphics system configured to apply multiple layers of texture information to primitives. The graphics system receives parameters defining a primitive and performs a size test on the primitive. If the size test cannot guarantee that a fragment size of the primitive is less than or equal to a fragment capacity of a texture accumulation buffer, the primitive is divided into subprimitives, and the graphics system applies the multiple layers of texture to fragments which intersect the primitive. The graphics system switches from a current layer to the layer next when it has applied textures corresponding to the current layer to all the fragments intersecting the primitive. The graphics system stores color values associated with the primitive fragments in the texture accumulation buffer between the application of successive texture layers.

Graphics primitive size estimation and subdivision for use with a texture accumulation buffer

A system and method for packing pixels together to provide a increased fill rate in a frame buffer hardware in the graphics system. The graphics system may be configured to receive and rasterize graphics data at a faster cycle rate than the system's frame buffer memory fill rate. The output from the rasterization hardware may be stored in a FIFO memory that is configured to selectively shift pixels in order to improve fill rate performance. The FIFO memory may be configured to ensure that the pixels meet certain criteria in order to prevent page faults and interleave conflicts that could reduce the fill rate. The FIFO memory may also be configured to remove empty cycles that occur as a result of the pixel packing.

Graphics pixel packing for improved fill rate performance

Graphic processor compares z-buffer values of 3D objects to detect and mark interpenetrating pixels. Tag buffer stores marked values for antialiazing effectively by over-sampling, area-based, blending, alpha edge or other pixel-processing scheme. Performance is improved by selectively antialiazing at edges and/or interpenetrations. Cost is reduced by leveraging z-buffer storage therefor. Super-sampling antialiazing reduces sampling of select interpenetration elements, thereby avoiding processing entire image.

Z-buffer based interpenetrating object detection for antialiazing

A method and apparatus for converting an N-bit resolution input to an M-bit resolution output is provided. Upon receiving an original input having an N-bit input sequence, the method and apparatus generates an (N&plus;M)-bit sequence by repeating the N-bit input sequence in the original input. A new M-bit sequence is generated by taking M Most Significant Bits from the (N&plus;M)-bit sequence, and a new N-bit sequence is formed by taking N Most Least Significant Bits from the (N&plus;M)-bit sequence. The M-bit resolution output is then formed by adjusting the new M-bit sequence based on the difference between the new N-bit sequence and the N-bit input sequence.

Fast and cheap correct resolution conversion for digital numbers

A method of providing specular highlights to 3D graphics using Phong illumination calculations spaces the pixels subject to the calculations apart in direct relationship to the number of lights contributing to the highlights. Linear, quadratic, or cubic attenuation is then applied to interpolate the values for the pixels not subject to the calculations.

Method and apparatus for interpolative, adaptive illumination in 3D graphics

An improved device for anchoring mine roofs utilizing bolts prestressed to place them under high tension loading is disclosed. The bolt is secured by an anchor consisting of an expandable shell and an expander nut with the nut being movable lengthwise of the hole by turning the bolt. The surfaces of the anchor which engage the surfaces of the hole in which it is installed are coated with sand bonded thereto by a thin coat of a suitable adhesive. By the use of a polywax material to lubricate the threading of the bolt and the camming surfaces of the expander nut, very high lateral expansion forces are generated to press the sand coated surfaces of the anchor against the rock walls creating a high tension load supporting engagement between the anchor and the rock matrix.

Means for anchoring to rock

A fastener-washer combination for securing a thin workpiece to a support member includes a fastener having a head and shank portion connected through a bugle shaped intermediate section which smoothly blends into the shank. A resilient washer frictionally engages the shaft and is adapted to interact with the bugle shaped section as the fastener is driven into the workpiece.

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Morgan Hill, CA, United States of America

Roger Swanson