Abstract: A system and method for decoupling graphics operations from a host processor to improve the efficiency of graphics rendering and free the host processor for other essential tasks. A processing system includes a host processor, a memory, a display list processor (DLP), graphics accelerators and display hardware. The host processor builds display lists generated by graphics applications and stores the display lists in the memory. The display lists include hardware function directives and control directives. The DLP accesses the memory to process the display lists, issuing the hardware function directives to the accelerators to generate display data.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing efficiency of command execution from a host processor over an SCSI bus. Arbitration, selection and message out functions of SCSI protocol are implemented using a background arbitration state machine. Additional protocol functions are implemented in a foreground state machine. When the host processor issues a command for access to the SCSI bus, the background state machine can be programmed before the foreground machine completes the protocol function for a previous command. Thus, the background state machine is ready to arbitrate for access to the bus at the very next bus free condition.