Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are broadly directed to multi-node computer graphics system comprising a plurality of render nodes configured to collectively render a graphics image. The system further comprises a datastore configured to store parameters that are used to control the rendering of the graphics image and a datastore manager configured to manage the parameters stored in the datastore. In addition, the system comprises a plurality of entities associated with the plurality of render nodes, each of the plurality of entities being configured to implement an operation based on at least one parameter. The system also comprises logic associated with the plurality of render nodes for proactively retrieving at least one parameter from the datastore and communicating the retrieved parameter to at least one of the plurality of entities for using the parameter to implement an operation.

Abstract: A system is provided for rendering three-dimensional graphics. The system comprises a host capable of executing an application program that calls for the rendering of a graphics image in an application window and a plurality of render nodes configured to cooperate to render at least a portion of the graphics image in response to graphics input supplied by the host. The system further comprises logic capable of configuring each of the plurality of render nodes to render a plurality of noncontiguous screen-space areas.

Abstract: A system is provided for rendering graphics. The system comprises a plurality or render nodes configured to collectively render a graphics image in response to graphics information supplied from a selected host, at least two hosts operatively coupled to the plurality of render nodes, the at least two hosts comprising the selected host, and logic for selectively configuring the plurality of render nodes to render a graphics image based on content supplied by the selected host.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are broadly directed to novel systems and methods for evaluating a performance aspect in a multi-computer graphics system. One embodiment comprises selection logic capable of enabling a user to specify at least one render node for selection and generating logic associated with the compositor for generating the composite output signal, the generating logic being capable of eliminating, from at least a portion of the composite output signal, content from the video signals from all render nodes not specified for selection.

Abstract: A system is provided for rendering three-dimensional graphics. An embodiment of the system comprises a host capable of executing an application program that calls for the rendering of at least three-dimensional graphics in an application window, and logic associated with the host for apportioning content defining a three-dimensional graphics window to be rendered. The embodiment of the system further comprising a plurality of render nodes configured to collectively render the three-dimensional graphics window in response to the content supplied by the host., and logic associated with a first render node configuring the render node to be capable of rendering only a portion of the three-dimensional graphics window based on apportioned content that the first render node receives from the host and without content comprising a portion of the three-dimensional graphics window apportioned to at least one other of the plurality of render nodes.

Abstract: A system is provided for rendering three-dimensional graphics. The system comprises a host capable of executing an application program that calls for the rendering of three-dimensional graphics in an application window and a plurality of render nodes configured to collectively render a three-dimensional graphics image in response to graphics input supplied by the host. The system further comprises logic associated with the host for generating a plurality of graphics windows that collectively comprise the application window, wherein the graphics windows comprise at least one three-dimensional graphics window and at least one two-dimensional graphics window, and logic associated with the host for communicating to the plurality of render nodes information associated with only the at least one three-dimensional graphics window.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are broadly directed to novel systems and methods for providing reliable multicast of data in a multi-node graphics system. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a multi-node computer graphics system is provided comprising a master node capable of executing a graphics application and a plurality of render nodes configured to collectively render a graphic image, in response to graphics data communicated from the master node. The embodiment further comprises logic associated with the master node for communicating graphics data to the plurality of render nodes in a multicast packet. Additional logic, associated with the master node, is provided for determining whether a predetermined number of render nodes have acknowledged receipt of the multicast packet.

Abstract: Illustrated and described embodiments are broadly directed to novel systems and methods for generating a composite video signal from a plurality of independent video signals. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for swapping from a secondary frame buffer of one of the plurality of computers. This synchnonization is performed by embedding a validity code having a first value in an overscan line of the video signal before beginning the swap and embedding a validity code having a second in the overscan line of the video signal after the swap is complete.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are broadly directed to novel systems and methods for management of parameters in a multi-processor graphics system. In accordance with one embodiment, a plurality of processors is configured to collectively render a graphics image and a datastore is configured to store parameters that are used to control the rendering of the graphics image. A datastore manager is configured to manage the parameters stored in the datastore, and a plurality of entities are associated with the plurality of systems. Each of the plurality of entities comprises logic for communicating to the datastore manager an interest in being notified if there are changes in at least one of the parameters. Logic associated with the datastore manager notifies interested entities that a change has been made to at least one parameter stored in the datastore.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a plurality of graphics pipelines in a computer graphical display system is disclosed. The method comprises displaying a graphical user interface to enable a user to graphically specify at least one parameter for a plurality of pipe rectangles of the computer graphical display system, each of the plurality of pipe rectangles being associated with at least one of the plurality of graphics pipelines, receiving the at least one parameter, and updating a compositor of the computer graphical display system in real-time based at least in part on the at least one parameter.

Abstract: A system for rendering graphical data utilizes a plurality of graphics pipelines, a first process, and a second process. Each of the plurality of graphics pipelines is configured to render graphical data. The first process is configured to receive three-dimensional (3D) graphics commands from a graphics application and to receive input commands from a user input device. The first process is configured to buffer the received 3D graphics commands and to execute the received input commands, and the first process, for each of the buffered 3D graphics commands, is configured to begin processing a newly received command upon buffering the 3D graphics command. The second process is configured to interface the buffered graphics commands with each of the plurality of pipelines, wherein execution of the user input command affects an object defined by the graphics application.