Methods and systems for transparent depth sorting

Details Methods and systems for transparent depth sorting Methods and systems for transparent depth sorting

2006-04-18

2006-04-18

Bella, Matthew C. (Department: 2676)

Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system

Computer graphics processing

Attributes

C345S422000, C345S426000, C345S539000, C345S561000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07030887

ABSTRACT:
Methods and systems for transparent depth sorting are described. In accordance with one embodiment, multiple depth buffers are utilized to sort depth data associated with multiple transparent pixels that overlie one another. The sorting of the depth data enables identification of an individual transparent pixel that lies closest to an associated opaque pixel. With the closest individual transparent pixel being identified, the transparency effect of the identified pixel relative to the associated opaque pixel is computed. If additional overlying transparent pixels remain, a next closest transparent pixel relative to the opaque pixel is identified and for the next closest pixel, the transparency effect is computed relative to the transparency effect that was just computed.

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