Patent ID: 6151034
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: G06T,G09G

Abstract:
A graphics system that enables an automatic choice between rendering a set of graphics primitives by a hardware accelerator controlled by an operating system and rendering the set of graphics primitives by a computer-executable, enhanced rendering program distinct from the operating system, the hardware accelerator comprising a hardware device, the graphics system comprising:A) an accessing mechanism for accessing a set of speed and accuracy characterizations of the hardware accelerator and a set of speed and accuracy characterizations of the enhanced rendering program;B) a selecting mechanism, coupled with the accessing mechanism and responsive to the speed and accuracy characterizations of the hardware accelerator and the enhanced rendering program, for selecting a first subset of the set of graphics primitives to be rendered by the hardware accelerator and a second subset of the set of graphics primitives to be rendered by the enhanced rendering program; andC) a memory, coupled with the selecting mechanism, for storing the selected first and second subsets of the graphics primitives.