Abstract: The performance of a video game is analyzed using non-intrusive capture and storage of game data. A non-linear capture format is used for capturing run-time game data. The run-time game data includes run-time parameters associated with execution of an application code as well as run-time parameters associated with hardware of a game platform upon which the application code is being executed. The captured data is stored in a storage medium using a non-contiguous storage format.

Abstract: An application renders a visual simulation to a display as a series of visual frames according to a plurality of calls. Each frame contains objects. A particular frame n of the simulation is captured for re-rendering. An identification of the frame n to be captured is received, a run file for the identified frame n is created, and for the frame n each call issued in connection with such frame n by the application is captured. For each issued call in order, all establishing calls necessary to establish state for the issued call are firstly written to the run file, and the issued call is then secondly written to the run file. Thus, the run file as produced represents an ordered list of calls that may be executed by an executable on any of a plurality of computing devices to re-render the frame independent from the application.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the performance of a video game uses a diagnostic tool that is associated with application code of the video game. The diagnostic tool is activated when the video game is in operation, and real-time performance data is captured and displayed. A warning is generated when a performance metric violates a pre-set condition. The warning may be displayed on a display screen that is used to provide information for rectifying the violation.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the performance of a video game uses a diagnostic tool that is associated with application code of the video game. The diagnostic tool is activated when the video game is in operation, and real-time performance data is captured and displayed. A warning is generated when a performance metric violates a pre-set condition. The warning may be displayed on a display screen that is used to provide information for rectifying the violation.

Abstract: The performance of a video game is analyzed using non-intrusive capture and storage of game data. A non-linear capture format is used for capturing run-time game data. The run-time game data includes run-time parameters associated with execution of an application code as well as run-time parameters associated with hardware of a game platform upon which the application code is being executed. The captured data is stored in a storage medium using a non-contiguous storage format.

Abstract: An application renders a visual simulation to a display as a series of visual frames according to a plurality of calls. Each frame contains objects. A particular frame n of the simulation is captured for re-rendering. An identification of the frame n to be captured is received, a run file for the identified frame n is created, and for the frame n each call issued in connection with such frame n by the application is captured. For each issued call in order, all establishing calls necessary to establish state for the issued call are firstly written to the run file, and the issued call is then secondly written to the run file. Thus, the run file as produced represents an ordered list of calls that may be executed by an executable on any of a plurality of computing devices to re-render the frame independent from the application.

Abstract: A standard graphics specification for use by both developers of graphics files as well as of applications developed to execute in a runtime environment is disclosed. The graphics files are developed to conform to the graphics specification and therefore will be executable by applications in any runtime environment that likewise conform to the graphics specification. The specification includes program syntax standards and standards for metadata in the form of semantics and annotations that further describe the code. The specification additionally includes standards to which applications may conform to ensure that the applications will be capable of executing any graphics files that conform to the graphics specification.

Abstract: A shader program capable of execution on a GPU is analyzed for constant expressions. These constant expressions are replaced with references to registers or memory addresses on the GPU. A preshader is created that comprises two executable files. The first executable file contains the shader program with the each constant expression removed and replaced with a unique reference accessible by the GPU. The first file is executable at the GPU. A second file contains the removed constant expressions along with instructions to place the values generated at the associated reference. The second executable file is executable at a CPU. When the preshader is executed, an instance of the first file is executed at the GPU for each vertex or pixel that is displayed. One instance of the second file is executed at the CPU. As the preshader is executed, the constant expressions in the second file are evaluated and the resulting intermediate values are passed to each instance of the first file on the GPU.

Abstract: Complex computer graphics forms and motions can be constructed either by hand or with motion or geometry capture technologies, once they are created, they are difficult to modify, particularly at runtime. Interpolation provides a way to leverage artist-generated source material. Methodologies for efficient runtime interpolation between multiple forms or multiple motion segments enables computers to perform more realistic animation in real-time. Shape interpolation is applied to predefined figures to create smoothly skinned figures that deform in natural ways. Predefined figures are selected using a search technique that reduces the amount of interpolation required to produce real-time animation.

Abstract: Complex computer graphics forms and motions can be constructed either by hand or with motion or geometry capture technologies, once they are created, they are difficult to modify, particularly at runtime. Interpolation provides a way to leverage artist-generated source material. Methodologies for efficient runtime interpolation between multiple forms or multiple motion segments enables computers to perform more realistic animation in real-time. Shape interpolation is applied to predefined figures to create smoothly skinned figures that deform in natural ways. Predefined figures are selected using a search technique that reduces the amount of interpolation required to produce real-time animation.

Abstract: Complex computer graphics forms and motions can be constructed either by hand or with motion or geometry capture technologies, once they are created, they are difficult to modify, particularly at runtime. Interpolation provides a way to leverage artist-generated source material. Methodologies for efficient runtime interpolation between multiple forms or multiple motion segments enables computers to perform more realistic animation in real-time. Shape interpolation is applied to predefined figures to create smoothly skinned figures that deform in natural ways. Predefined figures are selected using a search technique that reduces the amount of interpolation required to produce real-time animation.