Patent ID: 6781587
Filing Date: 2004-08-24
Classification: G06F,G09G

Abstract:
A graphic interface device comprising:a pixel memory array from which a video output signal is derived; a landscape graphics engine for rendering graphics in a landscape orientation; a portrait graphics engine for rendering graphics in a portrait orientation; a frame buffer associated with said graphics engines for storing arrays of data for use by said graphics engines in rendering graphics; at least said landscape graphics engine selectively storing copies of rendered graphics in said frame buffer; a mode control coupled to (i) the pixel memory array via a first selectable path, (ii) the landscape graphics engine via a second selectable path, and (iii) the portrait graphics engine via a third selectable path, the mode control for controlling the type of graphics rendering dependent upon the desired orientation for data stored in the pixel memory array, such that said mode control: in a first mode, permits direct graphics rendering by said landscape graphics engine; and in a second mode, selects between direct graphics rendering by said portrait graphics engine or graphics rendering by said landscape engine via a rotated pixel array buffer coupled to the mode control via a fourth selectable path; and a rotated surface buffer for facilitating storage of graphics rendered by said landscape engine in said second mode in said frame buffer in a portrait orientation whereby portrait oriented data can be accessed by said portrait engine directly and by said landscape engine via said rotated surface buffer from said frame buffer to facilitate graphics rendering.