Patent ID: 8836710
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A method for managing memory allocation in a 3D graphics system, the method comprising the steps of: subdividing an image to be rendered into a plurality of rectangular areas; allocating memory pages to store data defining objects to be rendered; storing data defining objects to be rendered in the allocated memory pages; allocating an object list for each rectangular area, the object list comprising data identifying locations in the memory pages allocated to store the data defining objects that overlap that rectangular area; dynamically allocating memory pages to each object list as the object list is compiled; storing a bit mask for each memory page allocated to store data defining objects to be rendered, the bit mask comprising data identifying all of the rectangular areas that are overlapped by objects having data stored in that page of memory; determining when a number of free pages of memory falls below a predetermined limit; determining which rectangular areas need to be rendered to free at least some of the pages of memory by referencing the stored bit masks; rendering at least one rectangular area so determined; and adding any pages of memory freed by the rendering step to a free memory list.