Three dimensional sprite rendering apparatus and method

摘要

A three dimensional sprite rendering apparatus for producing three dimensional graphic images includes a three dimensional graphic circuit for producing backgrounds of three dimensional graphics and outputting pixel data for each pixel of the backgrounds, and a first buffer storing depth data for each pixel of the backgrounds. The apparatus further includes a voxel character control register for storing control data for voxel characters, a voxel character memory storing geometric data for voxel characters, a volume rendering circuit connected to the voxel character control register and the voxel character memory for producing graphics of voxel characters and outputting pixel data for each pixel of the voxel characters, and a second buffer storing depth data for each pixel of the voxel characters. A depth comparator is connected to the first and second buffers for comparing the depth of a three dimensional background graphic with the depth of a voxel character graphic and generating a control signal according to a result of comparison. An image generation circuit receives the pixel data of backgrounds and the pixel data of voxel characters as well as the control signal, and synthesizes two pixel data inputs according to the control signal.