COMPUTER GRAPHICS SYSTEM HAVING HIGH PERFORMANCE MULTIPLE LAYER Z-BUFFER

摘要

A method and apparatus for retaining objects having equal Z-values. A method of retaining objects having equal Z-values in a Z-buffer. The Z-buffer includes a first object. The method comprises the steps of: a) receiving a second object having a second Z-value; b) generating a second tag for the second object; c) storing the second object and the second tag in the Z-buffer; d) receiving a third object causing an overflow (the third object has a Z-value equal to the second Z-value); e) generating a fourth object, the fourth object includes a composite of the first and second objects, the fourth object being stored in the Z-buffer with a fourth tag corresponding to the second tag; f) resubmitting the third object; g) receiving the third object; h) generating a third tag for the third object, and i) storing the third object and the third tag in the Z-buffer responsive to comparing the fourth tag and the third tag.