The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 22, 1994
Filed:
Oct. 30, 1992
Andrew D Bowen, Saugerties, NY (US);
David C Tannenbaum, Hurley, NY (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
An implementation of a flexible memory controller for a graphics hardware system that supports flexible allocation of frame buffer resources. The buffer selection and steering to the channels of the modification logic are performed by a programmable controller. Furthermore, the controller is capable of performing pixel functions that require multiple frame buffer accesses per pixel. Still further, independent control is provided for read and write sequences. Also, separate control is provided for buffer selection and bus steering. This function is useful for controlling systems where the frame buffer resources are limited. The present invention allows for assigning various buffers alternate functions based on the application's requirements, and may vary on a per window basis.