Abstract: A system and method for allocating computing resources. The system obtains a current set of connections from the matrix switch and then renders a display which reflects the current state of the connections. Source and destination ports are displayed as icons with each icon bearing a label that describes the corresponding source or destination. In some embodiments, a user clicks on a source icon and drags it onto a destination icon to route a particular source to a destination. Dragging a source icon off of a destination icon breaks the connection between the source and destination. The display uses a variety of icons, colors, and grouping schemes to indicate other attributes of the ports, such information regarding X Server configuration, physical location of destination devices, and user login sessions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a primitive (for potential display as a part of a graphical image on a display device) cause attribute data to be received by a graphics processor as a function of whether the primitive is capable of being viewable in the graphical image on the display device. Before taking that action, however, the method and apparatus assemble the primitive as a function of its positional data, and then determine if the primitive is capable of being viewable in the graphical image on the display device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing graphics applications include the capability to manage the conveyance of graphics data from an aware graphics application to a plurality of graphics pipes and to manage the conveyance of graphics data from an unaware graphics application to a plurality of graphics pipes. The system and method also include the capability to coherently manage the windows for aware and unaware applications.

Abstract: A display is capable of displaying images in response to signals of a plurality of signal formats. The display includes a controller that is coupled to a plurality of image data interfaces. When the plurality of image data interfaces are simultaneously operating, the controller selects one of the plurality of image data interfaces according to preference variables associated with each of the plurality of image data interfaces. Each of the preference variables may indicate a relative priority of an image data signal format associated with the corresponding image data interface. In addition, each of the preference variables may indicate one or more performance metrics associated with the quality of image data signals received from the corresponding image data interface.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein for controlling the white balance and providing gamma correction without compromising gray-scale dynamic range in a flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flat panel LCD includes electronic circuitry for coupling to a host computer to receive a white-balance adjustment control signal, and electronic circuitry for receiving image data to be rendered on the flat panel LCD. Further, the flat panel LCD of one embodiment is configured for coupling to a color-sensing device to receive optical characteristics data of the flat panel LCD detected by the color-sensing device. The white balance adjustment mechanisms include the provision of two or more light sources of differing color temperature, whose brightness can be independently varied (and distributed through a light distribution mechanism) to adjust color temperature without altering the grayscale resolution of the RGB colors.

Abstract: A liquid cooled heat sink for electronic circuit boards is described. A heat sink base includes a liquid cooling arrangement to remove heat from the base. An arrangement of cooling fins extends from the base, and at least one surface of each fin includes a thermal interface layer. The arrangement is adapted so that the fins fit between parallel electronic circuit boards such that for each circuit board, a thermal contact layer of a fin contacts multiple components on the circuit board so as to conduct heat from the components into the fin, which in turn transfers heat to the heat sink base.

Abstract: A cable connector backshell assembly for high frequency applications requiring reduced electromagnetic emissions. Aspects include providing sufficient physical spacing and electrical isolation between the signal conductors and the housing to meet EMI standards for HIPPI-6400 connector assemblies. One embodiment includes spring preloading of the electrical connector. One embodiment includes a longitudinally floating connector.

Abstract: Multiple media devices are synchronized in a multi-media system having a computer system, a plurality of media devices, and a display system. Each media device to be synchronized receives a front-end synchronization signal that periodically increments a front-end counter. The front-end counter represents an unadjusted system time (UST). The media device obtains a frame of data to be displayed from a computer system. The media device also receives a back-end synchronization signal that periodically increments a back-end counter each time a frame of data is to be displayed. The back-end counter represents a media stream count (MSC). UST and MSC data are periodically transmitted to the computer system for analysis and use by a synchronization algorithm. Specifically, UST is transmitted to the computer system each time a frame of data is obtained, and a UST/MSC pair is transmitted to the computer system each time a frame of data is displayed.

Abstract: A method and computer program product, within an optimizing compiler, for precise feedback data generation and updating. The method and computer program uses instrumentation and annotation of frequency values to allow feedback data to stay current during the multiple optimizations that the program code undergoes during compilation. Global propagation of known precise feedback values are used to replace approximate and unavailable values, and global verification of feedback data after optimization to detect discrepancies is employed. The method and computer program also provides improved instrumentation to anticipate cloning when code is cloned during ceratin compiler optimizations and handles inlined procedures. The result is compiled executables with improved SPECint benchmarks.

Abstract: A system and method for encoding page size information has been described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes determining whether a virtual address is stored in a translation lookaside buffer (TLB), the TLB including a plurality of entries, wherein the entries include a minimum virtual page number bit string and a variable bit string. In one embodiment the method also includes determining whether the first bit string matches the minimum virtual page number bit string of one of the entries. In one embodiment, if the first bit string matches the minimum virtual page number bit string of one of the entries, the method includes decoding a page size stored in the variable portion of the matching entry and a 1-bit field associated with the matching entry, wherein the decoding determines a set of bits of the variable bit string.

Abstract: A computerized method for remotely rendering a render job includes receiving a render job submitted by a client at a first rendering site, the render job associated with at least one file stored at the first rendering site. The file stores information necessary to render the render job. The method also includes transferring the render job from the first rendering site to a second rendering site, the second site remote from the first site. The method further includes transmitting a copy of the associated file from the first rendering site to the second rendering site, storing the copy of the associated file at the second rendering site in a secure location inaccessible to entities other than the client, and rendering the render job by one or more render servers at the second rendering site.

Abstract: A method and system for resolving virtual addresses using a page size tag are described herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises translating a virtual memory address into physical memory address. According to the method, the translating includes producing a first page size tag and choosing an entry in a translation lookaside buffer, wherein the entry stores a second page size tag and a page frame number. The method also includes comparing the first page size tag with the second page size tag. The method also includes using the page frame number to form the physical memory address, if the first page size tag is less than or equal to the second page size tag.

Abstract: A modular computing system that includes an enclosure, a rack mounted inside the enclosure and a plurality of modular bricks. The modular bricks each include electronic components and are supported by the rack. The computing system further includes a floor tile supporting the enclosure. The floor tile includes a plurality of fans that exchange air with each of the modular bricks to cool the electronic components in each modular brick.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for culling an object database in a graphics processing system. In one embodiment, the method comprises encoding per-object parameters and culling parameters. The per-object parameters are encoded in texture format thereby creating at least one per-object texture containing the encoded per-object parameters. Next, a fragment program used in a fragment processor of the GPU is optionally updated. The updated fragment program embodies a culling operation. A polygon is then rendered, wherein the rendering step includes per-fragment operations. During the per-fragment operations, the updated fragment program is executed. The culling operation embodied therein (i) accesses the culling parameter, (ii) samples the per-object textures, and (iii) produces cull results for a set of database objects. In this fashion, the fragment processor in the GPU is leveraged to perform computationally intensive culling operations.

Abstract: A processor capable of executing prefetching instructions containing hint fields is provided. The hint fields contain a first portion which enables the selection of a destination indicator for refill operations, and a second portion which identifies a destination.

Abstract: A method and system for managing memory in a multiprocessor system includes defining the plurality of processor coherence domains within a system coherence domain of the multiprocessor system. The processor coherence domains each include a plurality of processors and a processor memory. Shared access to data in the processor memory of each processor coherence domain is provided only to elements of the multiprocessor system within the processor coherence domain. Non-shared access to data in the processor memory of each processor coherence domain is provided to elements of the multiprocessor system within and outside of the processor coherence domain.

Abstract: A compact flat panel color calibration system includes a lens prism optic able to pass a narrow, perpendicular, and uniform cone angle of incoming light to a spectrally non-selective photodetector. The calibration system also includes a microprocessor operable to determine the luminance of the display based upon the information gathered by the photodetector. A software module included in the calibration system is then operable to process the luminance information in order to adjust the flat panel display.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for rendering shadows in a computer graphics system. Textures representing the area of influence resulting from a combination of light sources and shadow casters are pre-computed. Scenes are then rendered using the pre-computed textures. A first step entails generating sets of directions and associated pre-computed textures for each light source and shadow caster pair in a simulation frame. Next, a first scene in the simulation is rendered. During this step one or more of the pre-computed textures are used to darken the area of influence or shadow portion of the scene.

Abstract: A computerized method for rendering images includes receiving a render job having at least one render frame and an associated job profile and inserting the render job into a job queue. The method also includes advancing the render job in the job queue as other render jobs are removed from the job queue, distributing the render frames via a communications medium to at least one of the plurality of render servers based at least in part on the job profile, and rendering the render frames. The method also includes forwarding the rendered render frames to a network storage system.

Abstract: A system and method for generating sequences of triggered events and for generating global interrupts in a clustered computer graphics system is provided. In a sender-receiver dichotomy, one node is deemed the sender and the others act as receivers. The sender determines trigger values for each of the nodes in the system in order to achieve a particular operation sequence. In addition, a synchronization signal generator is provided to synchronize a timing signal between the sender and receiver nodes. Further, the sender designates one or more receiver nodes and causes them to turn on an interrupt enable register. In this way, the receiver nodes are able to be interrupted by the sender.