System and method for improving pixel update performance

Patent 5841447 Issued on November 24, 1998. Estimated Expiration Date:

August 2, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

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Inventor

Drews, Michael D.

Application

No. 510508 filed on 08/02/1995

US Classes:

345/563Mask data operation

Examiners

Primary: Bayerl, Raymond J.
Assistant: Nguyen, Cam N.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Thorpe, North & Western, LLP

International Class

G06F 013/00

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.