RENDERING USING MULTIPLE RENDER TARGET SAMPLE MASKS

摘要

One embodiment sets forth a method for transforming 3-D images into 2-D rendered images using render target sample masks. A software application creates multiple render targets associated with a surface. For each render target, the software application also creates an associated render target sample mask configured to select one or more samples included in each pixel. Within the graphics pipeline, a pixel shader processes each pixel individually and outputs multiple render target-specific color values. For each render target, a ROP unit uses the associated render target sample mask to select covered samples included in the pixel. Subsequently, the ROP unit uses the render target-specific color value to update the selected samples in the render target, thereby achieving sample-level color granularity. Advantageously, by increasing the effective resolution using render target sample masks, the quality of the rendered image is improved without incurring the performance degradation associated with processing each sample individually.

主权项

1. A method for updating samples included in render targets, the method comprising:
receiving a first render target related to a first surface; receiving first pixel data related to a first pixel included in the first surface; computing a first color value based on the first pixel data; creating a first composite mask based on a first coverage mask and a first render target sample mask, wherein the first coverage mask is associated with the first surface, and the first render target sample mask is associated with the first render target; and updating a first sample included in the first render target and associated with the first pixel based on the first color value and the first composite mask.