Patent ID: 6795081
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A graphics system comprising:a graphics processor configured to generate a plurality of samples; a memory comprising a sample buffer and a pixel buffer, wherein the graphics processor is configured to store said plurality of samples into sample bins in the sample buffer, and wherein each bin corresponds to a contiguous region in screen space; a sample cache coupled to said memory, wherein said sample cache is configured to store an array of sample bins; a sample-to-pixel calculation unit coupled to said sample cache, wherein said sample-to-pixel calculation unit is configured to: read sample bins from the sample buffer, write the sample bins to the sample cache, select and filter samples in a first set of sample bins stored in said sample cache to form a first pixel, and store the first pixel in the pixel buffer, wherein said sample-to-pixel calculation unit is also configured to reuse at least a portion of the first set of sample bins in the sample cache as part of a second set of sample bins, filter samples in the second set of sample bins to form a second pixel, and store the second pixel in the pixel buffer; and wherein said sample-to-pixel calculation unit, said sample cache, and said graphics processor reside on a common chip.