Patent ID: 6359624
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: G06T,G09G

Abstract:
An information processing apparatus comprising:(a) a processor unit configured to execute a graphical program; (b) a main memory configured to communicate with said processor unit, and to store said graphical program and graphical data for use in executing said graphical program; (c) first, second, third and fourth graphic circuits, each graphic circuit comprising a graphic processor unit and a graphic memory, each said graphic processor unit configured to communicate with said processor unit, and to output video data and depth coordinate Z value, each said graphic memory configured to communicate with said corresponding graphic processor; (d) a first Z-comparator configured to receive two depth coordinate Z values from said first and second graphic circuits, and to compare the two depth coordinate Z values from said first and second graphic circuits; (e) a first selector configured to receive two video data from said first and second graphic circuits, and to select one of the video data in accordance with a result of comparison of the two depth coordinate Z values by said first Z-comparator; (f) a second Z-comparator configured to receive two depth coordinate Z values from said third and fourth graphic circuits, and to compare the two depth coordinate Z values from said third and fourth graphic circuits; (g) a second selector configured to receive two video data from said third and fourth graphic circuits, and to select one of the video data in accordance with a result of comparison of the two depth coordinate Z values by said second Z-comparator; (h) a third Z-comparator configured to receive two depth coordinate Z values from said first and second Z-comparators, and to compare the two depth coordinate Z values from said first and second Z-comparators; and (i) a third selector configured to receive two video data from said first and second selectors, and to select one of the video data in accordance with a result of comparison of the two depth coordinate Z values by said third Z-comparator.