Technique for storing shared vertices

摘要

A graphics processing unit includes a set of geometry processing units each configured to process graphics primitives in parallel with one another. A given geometry processing unit generates one or more graphics primitives or geometry objects and buffers the associated vertex data locally. The geometry processing unit also buffers different sets of indices to those vertices, where each such set represents a different graphics primitive or geometry object. The geometry processing units may then stream the buffered vertices and indices to global buffers in parallel with one another. A stream output synchronization unit coordinates the parallel streaming of vertices and indices by providing each geometry processing unit with a different base address within a global vertex buffer where vertices may be written. The stream output synchronization unit also provides each geometry processing unit with a different base address within a global index buffer where indices may be written.

主权项

1. A computer-implemented method for populating a plurality of global buffers, the method comprising:
receiving from a first processing unit data indicating a number of entries within a first local index buffer generated by the first processing unit, wherein the first processing unit is included in a plurality of processing units; and transmitting to the first processing unit a first base address within a global index buffer that reflects a first location within the global index buffer where the entries within the first local index buffer should be written, wherein the first base address within the first global index buffer is based on a number of entries within the global index buffer already allocated to at least one other processing unit included in the plurality of processing units.