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:
Dec. 10, 1996
Filed:
May. 04, 1994
Stephanie L Winner, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Michael W Kelley, San Mateo, CA (US);
Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino, CA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for retaining objects having equal Z-values. 1. A method of retaining objects having equal Z-values in a Z-buffer. The Z-buffer includes a first object. The method comprises the steps of: a) receiving a second object having a second Z-value; b) generating a second tag for the second object; c) storing the second object and the second tag in the Z-buffer; d) receiving a third object causing an overflow (the third object has a Z-value equal to the second Z-value); e) generating a fourth object, the fourth object includes a composite of the first and second objects, the fourth object being stored in the Z-buffer with a fourth tag corresponds to the second tag; f) resubmitting the third object; g) receiving the third object; h) generating a third tag for the third object, and i) storing the third object and the third tag in the Z-buffer responsive to comparing the fourth tag and the third tag.