Patent ID: 6466206
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: A61B,G06K,G06T

Abstract:
A graphics system comprising:a graphics processor configured to receive 3D graphics data, wherein said 3D graphics data comprises a plurality graphics primitives, wherein said graphics processor is configured to generate a plurality of samples from said 3D graphics data, wherein said samples comprise color and alpha information; a super-sampled sample buffer coupled to receive and store said samples from said graphics processor, wherein said sample buffer is configured to double-buffer at least a portion of each stored sample; and a sample-to-pixel calculation unit coupled to receive and filter samples from said super-sampled sample buffer to form output pixels and alpha pixels in real time, wherein said alpha pixels are usable to form an alpha key; wherein said sample-to-pixel calculation unit is configured to convey said output pixels to a display device without storing said output pixels.