Abstract: A system and method for distributing data (e.g., imaging data such as pixels, or 3D graphics data such as points, lines, or polygons) from a single or a small number of data sources to a plurality of graphical processing units (graphics processors) for processing and display is presented. The system and method provide a pipelined and multithreaded approach that prioritizes movement of the data through a high-speed multiprocessor system (or a high-speed system of networked computers), according to the system topology. Multiple threads running on multiple processors in shared memory move the data from a storage device (e.g., a disk array), through the high-speed multiprocessor system, to graphics processor memory for display and optional processing through fragment programming. The data can also be moved in the reverse direction, back through the high-speed multiprocessor system, for storage on the disk array.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing data (e.g., imaging data such as pixels, or 3D graphics data such as points, lines, or polygons) from a single or a small number of data sources to a plurality of graphical processing units (graphics processors) for processing and display is presented. The system and method provide a pipelined and multithreaded approach that prioritizes movement of the data through a high-speed multiprocessor system (or a high-speed system of networked computers), according to the system topology. Multiple threads running on multiple processors in shared memory move the data from a storage device (e.g., a disk array), through the high-speed multiprocessor system, to graphics processor memory for display and optional processing through fragment programming. The data can also be moved in the reverse direction, back through the high-speed multiprocessor system, for storage on the disk array.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium having stored thereon an applications programming interface for causing a computer system to render a three-dimensional scene according to a downloaded file. A scene graph is constructed from a number of objects stored in memory. These objects have variables which can be changed by subroutine calls. Furthermore, one or more objects can contain one or more fields. A field is comprised of a data type which represents the state of an object. Engines are used to perform defined functions to the fields. One or more routes can be used to change one field in response to changes made to another field. A class hierarchy is defined to implement a retained mode graphics.