Patent ID: 6331857
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for executing graphics commands in a host computer system having a host processor, a graphics processor and a memory addressable by the host and graphics processors, the method including the steps of:providing a first rendering context and a second rendering context, the first and second rendering contexts including at least one respective rendering packet;selecting a rendering packet of the first rendering context;reading a variable in the selected rendering packet of the first rendering context to determine if the selected rendering packet of the first rendering context is available for processing;executing graphics commands stored in the selected rendering packet of the first rendering context;receiving a request to begin processing the rendering packets of the second rendering context;writing context information describing the state of the graphics processor to a save/restore rendering packet;selecting a rendering packet of the second rendering context;reading a variable in the selected rendering packet of the second rendering context to determine if the selected rendering packet of the second rendering context is available for processing; andexecuting graphics commands stored in the selected rendering packet of the second rendering context.