18413252. VIRTUAL REALITY APPARATUS AND METHOD INCLUDING PRIORITIZED PIXEL SHADER OPERATIONS, ALTERNATE EYE RENDERING, AND/OR AUGMENTED TIMEWARP simplified abstract (Intel Corporation)
VIRTUAL REALITY APPARATUS AND METHOD INCLUDING PRIORITIZED PIXEL SHADER OPERATIONS, ALTERNATE EYE RENDERING, AND/OR AUGMENTED TIMEWARP
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Brent E. Insko of Portland OR (US)
Prasoonkumar Surti of Folsom CA (US)
VIRTUAL REALITY APPARATUS AND METHOD INCLUDING PRIORITIZED PIXEL SHADER OPERATIONS, ALTERNATE EYE RENDERING, AND/OR AUGMENTED TIMEWARP - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18413252 titled 'VIRTUAL REALITY APPARATUS AND METHOD INCLUDING PRIORITIZED PIXEL SHADER OPERATIONS, ALTERNATE EYE RENDERING, AND/OR AUGMENTED TIMEWARP
The abstract describes an apparatus and method for conducting an early depth test on graphics data. This involves determining if all pixels in a block can be resolved by the early depth test, executing pixel shading operations, and scheduling the blocks for these operations based on the test results.
- Early depth test circuitry is used to determine if all pixels in a block can be resolved early on.
- Execution circuits carry out pixel shading operations on the blocks of pixels.
- A scheduler circuit prioritizes the blocks for pixel shading based on the early depth test results.
Potential Applications: - This technology can be used in graphics processing units for efficient rendering of complex graphics. - It can enhance the performance of video games, virtual reality applications, and graphic design software.
Problems Solved: - Helps improve the speed and efficiency of rendering graphics by optimizing the processing of pixel data. - Reduces the computational load on graphics processing units by identifying blocks that can be resolved early.
Benefits: - Faster rendering of graphics leading to smoother and more responsive visual experiences. - Enhanced performance of graphics-intensive applications without compromising quality.
Commercial Applications: - This technology can be applied in the gaming industry, virtual reality development, graphic design software, and other fields requiring high-performance graphics processing.
Questions about Early Depth Test: 1. How does the early depth test circuitry determine if all pixels in a block can be resolved early on?
The early depth test circuitry analyzes the depth information of pixels in a block to determine if they can be resolved without further processing.
2. What are the main advantages of using a scheduler circuit to prioritize blocks for pixel shading operations?
The scheduler circuit ensures that blocks that can be resolved early are processed first, optimizing the overall efficiency of graphics rendering.
Original Abstract Submitted
An apparatus and method are described for performing an early depth test on graphics data. For example, one embodiment of a graphics processing apparatus comprises: early depth test circuitry to perform an early depth test on blocks of pixels to determine whether all pixels in the block of pixels can be resolved by the early depth test; a plurality of execution circuits to execute pixel shading operations on the blocks of pixels; and a scheduler circuit to schedule the blocks of pixels for the pixel shading operations, the scheduler circuit to prioritize the blocks of pixels in accordance with the determination as to whether all pixels in the block of pixels can be resolved by the early depth test.