Patents Assigned to 3Dfx Interactive, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6242953
    Abstract: Multiplexers are used to generate synchronized slave clocks from a common master clock. A first multiplexer and a second multiplexer generate a first slave clock and a second slave clock, respectively, from the common master clock. A third multiplexer and a fourth multiplexer are configured as a divide-by-n circuit for providing a third slave clock that is a divided version of the second slave clock. A fifth multiplexer provides a matching delay to preserve the synchronization between the first slave clock and the other slave clocks. A sixth multiplexer is used to select between the second slave clock and the third slave clock in response to a select signal. A flip-flop may be used to provide the select signal and to guard against false selection of slave clocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: 3Dfx Interactive, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6230237
    Abstract: A content addressable memory with an internally-timed write operation includes a data input for receiving a input word. Coupled to the data input are a plurality of storage registers comprising stored words. Each storage register includes a comparison circuit for comparing the stored word with the input word and producing therefrom a match output indicating a match when the stored word matches the input word, and indicating a miss when the stored word does not match the input word. Coupled to the storage registers is a miss detector for generating a miss signal responsive to each of the match outputs of the storage registers indicating a miss. Coupled to the miss detector is a write cycle circuit for writing the input word to at least one of the storage registers responsive to receiving the miss signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: 3Dfx Interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Tao, Peter D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5822452
    Abstract: A system and method for compressing and decompressing a texture image that: (1) compresses each texel to 8 bits, and when decompressed, each texel is of a quality comparable to a 256 color palettized image; (2) increases the efficiency of the decompression system and method by eliminating complex operations, e.g., multiplication; and (3) increases the efficiency of the system and method when switching between textures that use different palettes, when compared to conventional system and methods. The invention compresses a texture image, stores the compressed texture image, and quickly and efficiently decompresses the texture image when determining a value of a pixel. The texture image compression technique utilizes a palletized color space that more closely matches the colors in the texture image while allocating an unequal number of bits to the color channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: 3Dfx Interactive, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Tarolli, Scott Sellers, James E. Margeson, III, Murali Sundaresan