Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the display of graphics data, in which the data are compressed for dense storage in a graphics memory. The densely packed data can be asynchronously read from the memory and reformatted into a format suitable for driving a conventional display device. The memory comprises an array of memory locations, each location having capacity to store a first number of bits. The apparatus includes a graphics controller capable of densely packing compressed data words into the memory locations, where each compressed word comprises a second number of bits corresponding to a pixel. The graphics controller can densely pack the compressed words in the sense that it can write both a first word and a first portion of a second word into one memory location, and a second portion of the second word (with at least a portion of a third word) in a second memory location.

Abstract: This video graphics display system includes an apparatus that allows any portion of the complete image to be displayed independently. Focusing on a specific area of an image, or panning, results in a significant change in the relationship between the data stored in the video memory and the arrangement of the pixels on the monitor. This display system recalculates the timing and location of the multiple data transfers necessary to display any portion of the graphics data held in memory. The required data transfers are performed through a handshake between the SMT02 and the BSR03. This handshake allows data transfers to occur during the monitor blanking period and in spite of restrictions imposed by the video memory specifications.

Abstract: This video graphics display system includes an apparatus that allows any portion of the complete image to be displayed independently. Focusing on a specific area of an image, or panning, results in a significant change in the relationship between the data stored in the video memory and the arrangement of the pixels on the monitor. This display system recalculates the timing and location of the multiple data transfers necessary to display any portion of the graphics data held in memory. The required data transfers are performed through a handshake between the SMT02 and the BSR03. This handshake allows data transfers to occur during the monitor blanking period and in spite of restrictions imposed by the video memory specifications.