Patent ID: 6891536
Filing Date: 2005-05-10
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A method of determining graphical objects contributing to a run of pixels for a scanline in a graphics rendering system, said method comprising the steps of: forming a first array for referencing active graphical objects associated with said run of pixel; forming a second array for indicating empty memory locations in said first array; updating said first array upon activation or deactivation of a graphical object by said scanline using said second array, wherein when a graphical object is deactivated by said scanline the memory location of the deactivated graphical object in said first array is added to said second array and the deactivated graphical object is flagged in said first array, the flag indicating that the deactivated object does not contribute to said run of pixels; and traversing said first array to determine a top-most opaque object without an associated flag, the top-most opaque object being considered to contribute to said run of pixels.