Patent ID: 6753870
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: G09G

Abstract:
A graphics system comprising:a programmable sample buffer; a sample buffer interface configured to (a) buffer N streams of samples in N corresponding input buffers, wherein N is greater than or equal to two, (b) store N sets of context values corresponding to the N input buffers respectively, (c) terminate transfer of samples from a first of the input buffers to the programmable sample buffer, (d) selectively update a subset of state registers in the programmable sample buffer with context values corresponding to a next input buffer of the input buffers, (e) initiate transfer of samples from the next input buffer to the programmable sample buffer; wherein the sample buffer interface comprises decision logic and an interface controller, wherein the decision logic is configured to compare the context values corresponding to the first input buffer with the context values corresponding to the next input buffer and to provide comparison results to the interface controller, wherein the interface controller is configured to update the subset of state registers that have different context values for the first input buffer and the next input buffer based on the comparison results; and wherein context values stored in the state registers of the programmable sample buffer determine the operation of an arithmetic logic unit internal to the programmable sample buffer on samples received from the sample buffer interface.