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. 24, 1998
Filed:
Aug. 02, 1995
Michael D Drews, Sandy, UT (US);
Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, Salt Lake City, UT (US);
Abstract
A system and method improves pixel update performance in computer graphics systems. Pixel sample coverage masks and data record memory locations are assigned to each pixel. The data record memory locations store pixel sample data for one or more pixel samples. A coverage mask is associated with each data record and contains mask bits which identify the pixel samples that are assigned the data contained in the data record memory location. In another embodiment, the pixels are also assigned versions which are compared with a current version. In response to the version comparison, predefined alternate pixel data or pixel data stored in a frame buffer is blended with new pixel data. The blended pixel data is written to the frame buffer from which it is retrieved and displayed by a display device. In another embodiment, pixel data memory is dynamically allocated to reduce the dedicated memory requirements while still providing high quality images.