Importance

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Abstract

A command parser 308 is coupled to an incoming data stream to insert an end of state token at the end of a group of state data 480 and an end of primitive token at the end of a group of primitive data 484 to create a parsed data stream. The parsed state data stream is transmitted to a state controller 420 which loads state data 480 into shadow stages 412. The state controller 420 validates a shadow stage 412 upon receiving an end of state group token. The parsed primitive data 484 are also transmitted to primitive controllers 424. The primitive controllers 424 prevent primitive data from being transmitted into a processing element 464 responsive to receiving an end of primitive_B token. Upon receiving an end of primitive_E token, the primitive controller 424 ascertains whether the first shadow stage 412 has been validated. If it has, the primitive controller 424 loads the state data 480 into the working stage 406, and allows the primitive data 484 to be transmitted to the processing element 464, where it is processed in accordance with the state data 480 in the working stage 406. In an alternate embodiment, a dirty bit 415 is used to indicate that the state data 480 received by the state controller 420 is identical to previously received state data 480. The primitive controller 424 ascertains whether the dirty bit 415 of the first shadow stage 412 associated with its processing element 464 is marked. If the dirty bit 415 is unmarked, the primitive controller 424 allows the primitive data 484 to be processed by the processing element 464 without delay in accordance with the existing state information in the working registers.

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First Claim