EP0425185A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Memory management for hierarchical graphic structures
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
•
Filing: 1990-10-17
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2010-10-17
Abstract
Abstract Video random access memory having a random array and serial buffer is employed to speed the replication of structure state information used in the processing of hierarchical graphic data structures. Specialized circuitry in the video RAM and associated VRAM sequencer are used to perform a rapid transfer of structure state information from one row of the VRAM (the parent row) to a second VRAM row (the child row). The sequencer is modified to perform back to back read data transfer and write data transfer operation in response to a single graphics processor command. The return to previous structure state can be accomplished by readdressing the VRAM row containing the previous structure state.
Inventors
- 👤 Timothy Jon Ebbers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:52
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A graphics display system for displaying images generated from hierarchical data structures, said system comprising: first processor means for processing hierarchical data structures to create an image; memory means for retaining a description of attributes for a data structure, said memory means having a randomly accessed portion divided into rows and columns and a serially accessed portion capable of retaining one row of said randomly accessed portion; and memory control means for controlling said memory means, said memory control means being responsive to said first processor means and operable to transfer a first row of said randomly accessed portion to said serially accessed portion and to transfer said serially accessed portion to a second row of said randomly accessed portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A graphics display system for displaying images generated from hierarchical data structures, said system comprising: first processor means for processing hierarchical data structures to create an image; memory means for retaining a description of attributes for a data structure, said memory means having a randomly accessed portion divided into rows and columns and a serially accessed portion capable of retaining one row of said randomly accessed portion; and memory control means for controlling said memory means, said memory control means being responsive to said first processor means and operable to transfer a first row of said randomly accessed portion to said serially accessed portion and to transfer said serially accessed portion to a second row of said randomly accessed portion.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for managing hierarchical data structures for generating images for display in a graphics display system, said method comprising the steps of: generating a structure state based upon commands in a data structure; transferring said structure state to a randomly accessed memory device; detecting a sub-structure execution command; transferring said structure state to a second memory using a row transfer operation; and transferring said structure state to a second location in said randomly accessed memory using a row transfer operation.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for managing hierarchical data structures for generating images for display in a graphics display system, said method comprising the steps of: generating a structure state based upon commands in a data structure; transferring said structure state to a randomly accessed memory device; detecting a sub-structure execution command; transferring said structure state to a second memory using a row transfer operation; and transferring said structure state to a second location in said randomly accessed memory using a row transfer operation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as claimed in claim 2 further comprising the steps of: generating a second structure state at said second location in randomly accessed memory based on commands in said substructure generation command; and restoring a previous structure upon completion of all substructure generation commands.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as claimed in claim 3 further comprising the steps of: repeating the steps of detecting a substructure through generating a second structure state for all substructures in a substructure generation command prior to restoring a previous structure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.