Processing primitives which have unresolved fragments in a graphics processing system

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America

PATENT NO 11928776
SERIAL NO

17503333

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

A graphics processing system performs hidden surface removal and texturing/shading on fragments of primitives. The system includes a primary depth buffer (PDB) for storing depth values of resolved fragments, and a secondary depth buffer (SDB) for storing depth values of unresolved fragments. Incoming fragments are depth tested against depth values from either the PDB or the SDB. When a fragment passes a depth test, its depth value is stored in the PDB if it is a resolved fragment (e.g. if it is opaque or translucent), and its depth value is stored in the SDB if it is an unresolved fragment (e.g. if it is a punch through fragment). This provides more opportunities for subsequent opaque objects to overwrite punch through fragments which passed a depth test, thereby reducing unnecessary processing and time which may be spent on fragments which ultimately will not contribute to the final rendered image.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

  • IMAGINATION TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Howson, John St Albans, GB 37 229

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation

Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
3.5 Year Payment $1600.00 $800.00 $400.00 Sep 12, 2027
7.5 Year Payment $3600.00 $1800.00 $900.00 Sep 12, 2031
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Sep 12, 2035
Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee
Surcharge - 3.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 7.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable $700.00 $350.00 $175.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00