Programmable graphics system and method using flexible, high-precision data formats

摘要

A programmable graphics system and method for processing high precision graphics data represented in one or more data formats in one or more passes. Graphics program instructions executed by the system control the processing and format conversion of the data. The program instructions and the data are stored in a memory accessible by the system. Within the memory, contiguous memory entries can contain program instructions or data represented in different formats. The format used to represent a particular data element within the data, is specified in the state information maintained in the system and is used to configure format conversion units within the system. High precision data, such as floating color, is processed by the programmable graphics system and output via a digital to analog converter (DAC) for display.