Abstract: Systems and methods for using memory usage to pinpoint sub-optimal code for gaming systems are provided herein. Memory usage characteristics, such as latency, cache misses, load-hit-store, memory address misuse, and wasted cache bandwidth are presented, preferably in a graphical format, to provide the developer with information for optimizing source code. A trace analysis is performed on source code undergoing optimization. Relevant data is extracted from the trace analysis, sorted as necessary, and presented to the user. The user may be presented with multiple results sorting mechanisms as well as ways to change the presentation of the results.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing shading effects include a shading network possessing the ability to create, maintain, and incrementally evolve shading techniques and effects. The shader network provides the ability to encapsulate CPU and GPU code into a self-contained node that can be transported between renderers. As a result, authors can develop reusable shading techniques that can express the wide range of effects available via utilization of CPU and GPU code. The shader network also provides the capability to compose multiple nodes into a reusable “macro” node that affords authors the ability to build derivative shading effects without the need to modify an application's renderer or constituent nodes.

Abstract: A high level shader language compiler incorporates transforms to optimize shader code for graphics processing hardware. An instruction reordering transform determines instruction encapsulations of dependent instructions that reduce concurrent register usage by the shader. A phase pulling transform re-organizes the shader's instructions into phases that reduce a measure of depth of texture loads. A register assigning transform assigns registers to lower register usage by the shader.

Abstract: A high level shader language compiler incorporates transforms to optimize shader code for graphics processing hardware. An instruction reordering transform determines instruction encapsulations of dependent instructions that reduce concurrent register usage by the shader. A phase pulling transform re-organizes the shader's instructions into phases that reduce a measure of depth of texture loads. A register assigning transform assigns registers to lower register usage by the shader.

Abstract: A high level shader language compiler incorporates transforms to optimize shader code for graphics processing hardware. An instruction reordering transform determines instruction encapsulations of dependent instructions that reduce concurrent register usage by the shader. A phase pulling transform re-organizes the shader's instructions into phases that reduce a measure of depth of texture loads. A register assigning transform assigns registers to lower register usage by the shader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using memory usage to pinpoint sub-optimal code for gaming systems are provided herein. Memory usage characteristics, such as latency, cache misses, load-hit-store, memory address misuse, and wasted cache bandwidth are presented, preferably in a graphical format, to provide the developer with information for optimizing source code. A trace analysis is performed on source code undergoing optimization. Relevant data is extracted from the trace analysis, sorted as necessary, and presented to the user. The user may be presented with multiple results sorting mechanisms as well as ways to change the presentation of the results.

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: 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.

Abstract: A high level shader language compiler incorporates transforms to optimize shader code for graphics processing hardware. An instruction reordering transform determines instruction encapsulations of dependent instructions that reduce concurrent register usage by the shader. A phase pulling transform re-organizes the shader's instructions into phases that reduce a measure of depth of texture loads. A register assigning transform assigns registers to lower register usage by the shader.

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: Systems and methods for the integration of an effects framework pipeline with one or more programmable shaders of a computer graphics pipeline is provided. In an illustrative implementation, one ore more component interfaces is provided that allow for the communication and processing of data by one or more cooperating components of a computer graphics pipeline. The component interfaces operate on a data file having high level programming computer instruction sets that, inter alia, provide a manner to express one or more constraints and/or variables for desired constraints. In operation, the cooperating components, such as programmable shaders, of the computer graphics pipeline perform one or more steps according to the instruction sets found in the effects data file. The instruction sets are designed to allow a plain language expression of a desired effect without requiring knowledge of the machine level operations of the computer graphics pipeline.

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.