Patent ID: 7158141
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: G06T,G09G

Abstract:
1. A programmable graphics pipeline for processing and rendering variable length multimedia data, wherein different types of multimedia data are divided into partitions of differing lengths, comprising: (a) an instruction cache for storing at least graphics and media instructions; (b) a first register file for storing the variable length multimedia data and intermediate data; (c) a first vector functional unit in communication with the instruction cache and the register file, said vector functional unit performing at least graphics and media instructions, to render at least graphics and media data; and (d) an enhanced texture cache in communication with the first vector functional unit, the first vector functional unit obtaining from said enhanced texture cache a vector of at least one partition of the variable length multimedia data, wherein said enhanced texture cache is not limited to storage of one type of multimedia data, but instead, is configured to store multiple partitions that are of differing lengths, to enable storage of the different types of multimedia data.