Target Independent Rasterization Decoupling Sampling Rate from Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rasterization processes are limited by the need for a corresponding sampling rate and memory allocation, which can lead to increased processing time and resource usage, especially when trying to smooth non-vertical and non-horizontal lines on displays.
Innovation Solution
The rasterization process's sampling rate can be specified independently from the memory allocated for the rendered image, allowing for a sampling rate like 4 times per pixel while only storing one color per pixel, decoupling the sampling rate from the memory allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the sampling rate is increased to improve antialiasing quality, then the smoothness of non-vertical and non-horizontal lines is improved, but the memory allocation and processing time increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sampling operation from the storage operation. Multiple samples are taken per pixel (e.g., 4 samples) but these samples are processed and combined to produce a single stored value per pixel. This segmentation allows high sampling rates for quality without proportionally increasing memory allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediate sample values that are computed during rasterization but are not permanently stored in the final render target. These sample values are used temporarily for antialiasing calculations and then discarded, allowing high-quality sampling without the memory cost of storing all sample data.
2Manufacturing precision
If the sampling rate is increased to improve antialiasing quality, then the smoothness of non-vertical and non-horizontal lines is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs sampling operations continuously during the rasterization process itself, rather than as a separate post-processing step. The samples are generated and combined in-line with the rendering pipeline, maintaining continuous useful action and reducing overall processing time despite the increased sampling rate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If memory allocation is increased to store multiple colors per pixel, then the sampling rate can be increased, but this increases resource usage unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic decoupling between sampling rate and memory allocation. The system can adaptively choose to perform multiple samples per pixel while storing only one result per pixel, allowing flexible adjustment of quality parameters without being constrained by fixed memory allocation ratios. This dynamic approach enables high sampling rates without the traditional requirement of proportional memory increases.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-storage media for target independent rasterization of an image. The target is the memory allocated for a rendered image within a graphics pipeline. Embodiments of the present invention allow the rasterization process's sampling rate to be specified independently from the memory allocated for the rendered image. Embodiments of the present invention also allow the rasterization process to be executed at a rate that does not correspond to the memory allocated for the rendered target.