Abstract:
A method comprises encoding information in a texture map, and enhancing texturing utilizing the information, where the information identifies at least one region in at least one texture. Additionally, a texture data structure is embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium and comprises a texture map with encoded information that identifies at least one region in at least one texture. In addition, an apparatus comprises a processor for encoding information in a texture map to enhance texturing, where the information identifies at least one region in at least one texture.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to graphics processing, and more particularly to texturing. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Developers of games and other visual applications typically desire to incorporate a maximum number of advanced graphics features, in order to optimize a user&#39;s experience. However, it is often unknown as to what type of platform such applications will run and whether they will support such advanced graphics features. Thus, such developers are often faced with the tradeoff of not incorporating, the aforementioned advanced graphics features so that an application will run on a low-end system, or including the same and miming the risk that such low-end systems will exhibit difficulty in supporting such features. 
     There is thus a need for addressing these and/or other issues associated with the prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     A texture map encoding system, method, and computer program product are provided. In use, information is encoded in a texture map. In use, texturing is enhanced utilizing the information. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a method for encoding information in a texture map, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a system for encoding one or more masks in a texture, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows a method for encoding information in a texture map, in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIGS. 4A-F  show various channel information during different stages of the method of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  shows a method for utilizing encoded information in a texture map to enhance texturing, in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary system in which the various architecture and/or functionality of the various previous embodiments may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a method  100  for encoding information in a texture map, in accordance with one embodiment. In the context of the present description, the texture map may include any image that is capable of being used for texturing. Such image may, in one embodiment, include a two-dimensional image including any desired surface characteristics including, but not limited to color, transparency, texture, shadows, reflectance, etc. 
     Further, texturing may refer to any operation that involves use of a texture map for applying any desired surface characteristic(s) to an object to be rendered. In one embodiment, the texturing may include two-dimensional texturing. In another embodiment, the texturing may include three-dimensional texturing. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , information is encoded in the texture map. See operation  102 . In the context of the present description, such encoding may refer to any encoding process capable of incorporating; such information with the texture map. Just by way of example, the encoding may include steganographic encoding. In one embodiment, such steganographic encoding may involve hiding the information in a least significant bit (LSB) of a corresponding channel (e.g. color channel, alpha channel, etc.). Of course, other encoding, is contemplated insofar as it meets the abovementioned definition. 
     Still yet, the foregoing information may refer to absolutely any data that is capable of being used to enhance texturing. Just by way of example, such information may include one or more masks. In the present description, such mask may identify at least one region in at least one texture. Such region may, for instance, be identified for the purpose of tailoring texturing in such region. In the context of an embodiment where the coding includes a LSB encoding, such mask may include an LSB mask. In one embodiment, the mask may include a one-bit mask. Of course, other embodiments may include two-bit, three-bit, etc. masks. 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , texturing may be enhanced utilizing the encoded information. See operation  104 . In the context of the present description, such enhancement may involve improvement to any aspect of the texturing. For example, in one embodiment where the information includes a mask identifying one or more regions of a texture that are to convey a predetermined characteristic (e.g. a metallic characteristic, transparency, reflectance, heat dissipation, etc.), such enhancement may involve applying such predetermined characteristic to the appropriate region(s). Of course, any texturing enhancement may be provided that utilizes, at least in part, the aforementioned information. 
     By this design, the information encoded in operation  102  may or may not be used for any desired texturing enhancement in operation  104 , in various embodiments. For example, if the texture map is being utilized by a low-end system (e.g. a system with insufficient resources, etc.), such low-end, system may simply ignore the encoded information and thus do without any supported texturing enhancement. On the other hand, if the texture map is being utilized by a high-end system (e.g. a system with sufficient resources, etc.), such high-end system may extract the encoded information (e.g. decode the same, etc.) and thereby perform the texturing enhancement. In either case, the number of texture maps need not necessarily be increased to accommodate the information, since it may be encoded in a texture map with other information. 
     More illustrative information will now be set forth regarding various optional architectures and features with which the foregoing framework may or may not be implemented, per the desires of the user. It should be strongly noted that the following information is set forth for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting in any manner. Any of the following features may be optionally incorporated with or without the exclusion of other features described. 
       FIG. 2  shows a system  200  for encoding one or more masks in a texture, in accordance with one embodiment. As an option, the present system  200  may be implemented in the context of the method  100  of  FIG. 1 . Of course, however, the system  200  may be implemented in any desired environment. It should also be noted that the aforementioned definitions may apply during, the present description. 
     As shown, one or more masks  204  are each encoded in a single texture  202 . To this end, what would possibly otherwise require more than one texture  202  to store such mask(s)  204  requires a few number of such textures  202  (e.g. a single texture, etc.). While a single texture  202  is shown in  FIG. 2 , it should be noted that any number of textures  202  may be provided. 
     In one embodiment, such one or more masks  204  may not necessarily be visible to the naked eye (i.e. substantially invisible, etc.). More information will now be set forth regarding one exemplary way in which such encoding may take place. 
       FIG. 3  shows a method  300  for encoding information in a texture map, in accordance with another embodiment. As an option, the present method  300  may be implemented in the context of the functionality and architecture of  FIGS. 1-2 . For example, the method  300  may or may not be used in the context of operation  102  of  FIG. 1 . Of course, however, the method  300  may be carried out in any desired environment. Again, the aforementioned definitions may apply during the present description. 
     As shown, a texture map is received. Note operation  302 . As will soon become apparent, the present method  300  serves to encode mask channel information in already-existing channel information of such texture map. 
     To accomplish this, target channel information from the texture map may be copied, as indicated in operation  304 . Such target channel information may include any desired channel (e.g. red, green, blue, alpha, etc. channel). For example, the red channel information may include all red color data stored in association with the texture map.  FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary target channel  402 . Further, such information may be copied in any desired memory which may or may not be the memory in which the texture map resides. 
     Next, in operation  306 , the levels of the target channel are adjusted. Specifically, a granularity of such information may be reduced. For example, a span of the target channel may be “halved” (or reduced less/further). Thereafter, such target channel may be expanded. To this end, the target channel includes only a portion of the original values (e.g. just even/odd values or some other subset, etc.). 
     Table 1 illustrates an exemplary level adjustment in association with the target channel. Of course, such adjustment is set forth for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting in any manner whatsoever. 
     
       
         
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1-255 → 0-127 
               
               
                 0-127 → 0-254 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     For example,  FIG. 4B  illustrates the target channel  404  subjected to the first level adjustment, while  FIG. 4C  illustrates the target channel  406  subjected to the subsequent level adjustment. To this end, a “spiky” histogram results. To this end, a fewer number of bits may be used to store the same information. For example, even-valued bits may be used to store information relevant to pixels associated with the missing odd-valued bits. 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 3 , mask channel information may also be copied, as indicated in operation  308 . Such mask channel information may include any desired information that may be used to enhance texturing.  FIG. 41 ) illustrates an exemplary mask channel  410 . Similar to the target channel information, the present information may be copied in any desired memory which may or may not be the memory in which the texture map resides. 
     Next, in operation  310 , the levels of the mask channel are adjusted. Table 2 illustrates an exemplary level adjustment in association with the mask channel. Of course, such adjustment is set forth for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting in any manner whatsoever. 
     
       
         
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1-255 → 0-1 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       FIG. 4E  illustrates the mask channel  412  subjected to the foregoing level adjustment. While it looks black, it should be noted that data exists at level=1. 
     Next, in operation  312 , the adjusted target channel is combined with the mask channel to generate a modified target channel.  FIG. 4F  illustrates the modified target channel  414 . Such modified target channel thus includes the mask channel information encoded therein. Further, in operation  314 , the target channel is replaced with the modified target channel. While the foregoing operations may be performed using any desired mechanism, one embodiment is contemplated whereby the foregoing encoding is carried out using Adobe® Photoshop®. 
     While not shown, any associated mipmap may be generated before the foregoing encoding of method  300 . This may be done to avoid a situation where filtered (e.g. interpolated) downsampling may negatively impact the extracted values. While larger files may thereby exist, enhanced quality may also be provided. 
     In another embodiment, a mipmap may be generated for color information, and a separate mipmap may be generated for the mask information. As an option, such separate mipmaps may be generated using any desired tool such as the NVIDIA® Mipster® tool. To this end, the mask mipmap may be flattened in the manner set forth above and added as a new channel to flattened color mipmaps, etc. 
       FIG. 5  shows a method  500  for utilizing encoded information in a texture map to enhance texturing, in accordance with another embodiment. As an option, the present method  500  may be implemented in the context of the functionality and architecture of  FIGS. 1-4 . For example, the method  500  ma or may not be used to use the encoded information encoded in operation  102  of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3 . Of course, however, the method  500  may be carried out in any desired environment. Again, the aforementioned definitions may apply during the present description. 
     As shown, the existence of any encoding may be ascertained, by simply inspecting each channel (e.g., for characteristics shown in  FIG. 4F , etc). See operation  502 . Strictly as an option, a header of a texture map may be inspected to determine whether any encoded information is included. In one embodiment, such header may include a bit for indicating the same. Other embodiments, however, are contemplated where a more complex data structure is used to indicate the type of encoding, the information that is encoded, etc. 
     Next, it is determined whether a system utilizing the texture map for texturing includes sufficient capabilities to use the encoded information. See decision  504 . In one embodiment, this may be accomplished by identifying system specifications (e.g. hardware specifications, etc.). It should be noted that the system may or may not have sufficient capabilities based on any desired criteria that is relevant to whether such system can effectively utilize information encoded in the texture map to enhance texturing. For example, a performance threshold may be determinative of whether the system is equipped for use of the encoded information. Still yet, such criteria may be different for different information encoded in different texture maps. Further, in various embodiments, the decision  504  may be determined by any entity (e.g. a driver, the hardware itself, etc.). 
     To this end, the texturing may be conditionally enhanced utilizing the information, based on the decision  504 . Specifically, the texturing may not necessarily be enhanced utilizing the information, if the system specifications indicate that a capability is below a predetermined threshold. In such case, the encoded information may be simply ignored. See operation  506 . 
     On the other hand, the texturing may be enhanced utilizing the information, if the system specifications indicate that a capability exceeds a predetermined threshold. In such case, the encoded information may be extracted. Note operation  508 . It should be noted that the encoded information may be extracted using any desired mechanism (e.g. a decoder, etc.). 
     Table 3 illustrates illustrative code for extracting the encoded information. Of course, such exemplary code is set forth for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting in any manner whatsoever. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
                 float4 C = tex2D(colorMap,uvCoordinates); 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 int r255 = (int)(C.r * 255.0); 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 int rc = (r255-1)/2; 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 int r254 = rc*2; 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 float mask = (float)(r255-r254); 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     To this end, the extracted information may be used to enhance texturing. Note operation  510 . 
     In embodiments involving a graphics processor with the ability to utilize multiple samplers on a single texture, various techniques may be used to more effectively extract and use the encoded information. For example, a first sampler may be used to point sample the mask channel information, while one or more other filter samplers may be used to perform other tasks (e.g. processing the color channel information, etc.). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary system  600  in which the various architecture and/or functionality of the various previous embodiments ma be implemented. As shown, a system  600  is provided including at least one host processor  601  which is connected to a communication bus  602 . The system  600  also includes a main memory  604 . Control logic (software) and data are stored in the main memory  604  which may take the form of random access memory (RAM). 
     The system  600  also includes a graphics processor  606  and a display  608 , i.e. a computer monitor. In one embodiment, the graphics processor  606  may include a plurality of shader modules, a rasterization module, etc. Each of the foregoing modules may even be situated on a single semiconductor platform to form a graphics processing unit (GPU). 
     In the present description, a single semiconductor platform may refer to a sole unitary semiconductor-based integrated circuit or chip. It should be noted that the term single semiconductor platform may also refer to multi-chip modules with increased connectivity which simulate on-chip operation, and make substantial improvements over utilizing a conventional central processing unit (CPU) and bus implementation. Of course, the various modules may also be situated separately or in various combinations of semiconductor platforms per the desires of the user. 
     The system  600  may also include a secondary storage  610 . The secondary storage  610  includes, for example, a hard disk drive and/or a removable storage drive, representing, a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, a compact disk drive, etc. the removable storage drive reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit in a well known manner. 
     Computer programs, or computer control logic algorithms, may be stored in the main memory  604  and/or the secondary storage  610 . Such computer programs, when executed, enable the system  600  to perform various functions. Memory  604 , storage  610  and/or any other storage are possible examples of computer-readable media. 
     In one embodiment, the architecture and/or functionality of the various previous figures may be implemented in the context of the host processor  601 , graphics processor  606  an integrated circuit (not shown) that is capable of at least a portion of the capabilities of both the host processor  601  and the graphics processor  606 , a chipset (i.e. a group of integrated circuits designed to work and sold as a unit for performing related functions, etc.), and/or any other integrated circuit for that matter. 
     Still yet, the architecture and/or functionality of the various previous figures may be implemented in the context of a general computer system, a circuit hoard system, a game console system dedicated for entertainment purposes, an application-specific system, and/or any other desired system. For example, the system  600  may take the form of a desktop computer, lap-top computer, and/or any other type of logic. Still yet, the system  600  may take the form of various other devices in including, but not limited to a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a mobile phone device, a television, etc. 
     Further, while not shown, the system  600  may be coupled to a network [e.g. a telecommunications network, local area network (LAN), wireless network, wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, peer-to-peer network, cable network, etc.) for communication purposes. 
     While various embodiments have been described, above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by an of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.