Efficient method for storing texture maps in multi-bank memory

摘要

A method for storing mip map series in a multi-bank texture memory is disclosed. Each mip map has a different size and represents a different resolution version of a texture map image that is to be mapped onto a three dimensional object comprising one or more polygons. To prevent page faults when accessing corresponding texels in consecutive mip maps, each mip map is divided in two halves. The halves are stored in different banks of the multi-bank texture memory. The banks used are alternated so that corresponding texels in consecutive mip maps are stored in different memory banks. Mip maps may be categorized as large or small, with all small mip maps after the first being stored in their entirety in one memory bank. Small mip maps are those that are equal to or smaller than the page size of the multi-bank texture memory. A computer system, graphics subsystem, and software program capable to efficiently store mip map series in a multi-bank texture memories are also disclosed.