DISPLAY UPDATES IN A WINDOWING SYSTEM USING A PROGRAMMABLE GRAPHICS PROCESSING UNIT.

摘要

Techniques to effect arbitrary visual effects using fragment programs executing on a programmable graphics processing unit are described. In a first technique (300), visual effects are applied to a buffered window system's assembly buffer prior to compositing a target window. In a second technique (400), visual effects are applied to a target window as it is being composited into the system's assembly buffer. In a third technique (500 and 600), visual effects are applied to a system's assembly buffer after compositing a target window. In a fourth technique (700), visual effects are applied to the system's assembly buffer as it is transmitted to the system's frame-buffer. In a fifth technique (1100 and 1200), arbitrary visual effects are permitted to any one or more windows (e.g., application-specific window buffers) in a manner that updates only a portion of a display.