Method of rendering pixel-composited images for a graphics-based application running on a computing system embodying a multi-mode parallel graphics rendering system

摘要

A method of rendering pixel-composited images for a graphics-based application running on a computing system embodying a multi-mode parallel graphics rendering system (MMPGRS). The MMPGRS includes a plurality of graphic processing pipelines (GPPLs) supporting a parallel graphics rendering process employing one or more modes of parallel operation selected from the group consisting of object division, image division, and time division. Each mode of parallel operation has decomposition, distribution and recomposition stages. The MMPGRS employs one or more modes of said parallel operation in order to execute graphic commands, and process graphics data, and render pixel-composited images containing graphics for display on a display device during the run-time of said graphics-based application. The MMPGRS further includes a primary GPPL and at least one secondary GPPL, and wherein each GPPL includes (i) a GPU having a geometry processing subsystem provided with a programmable vertex shader, and a pixel processing subsystem provided with a programmable fragment shader, and (ii) video memory including a frame buffer (FB) having depth and color frame buffers for buffering pixel depth and color value, respectively. During the recomposition stage of the object division mode, the pixel depth and color values are moved from the frame buffers in the secondary GPPL, to the frame buffers in the primary GPPL, by way of inter-GPPL communication, and thereafter, the pixel depth and color values are merged with their counterparts, within the frame buffer of the primary GPPL, using the programmable vertex shader provided in the geometry processing subsystem and/or the programmable fragment shader provided in the pixel processing subsystem.