Abstract: A method for improving hit rates of a cache memory for storing texture data during graphics rendering is disclosed. In response to a request for a mipmap block from a first mipmap to render a texture, a determination is made whether or not the mipmap block from the first mipmap is already stored in a cache memory. If the mipmap block from the first mipmap is already in the cache memory, the mipmap block from the first mipmap already in the cache memory is utilized to render the texture. Otherwise, if the mipmap block from the first mipmap is not in a cache memory, another determination is made whether or not a bias value associated with the mipmap block from the first mipmap is set. If a bias value associated with the mipmap block from the first mipmap is not set, then the mipmap block is obtained from the first mipmap to render the texture.

Abstract: A method provides a sequence of travel instructions that reports fuel-efficient routes calculated with regard to vehicle specifications, geography of terrain, and complexity of travel route. An operator selects the desired starting and ending location via a client interface of a software application. When the user selects “most fuel efficient route,” the fuel-efficient route (FER) utility of the application prompts for entry of the make, model, and year of the operator's vehicle. If the FER utility is embedded in an in-car navigation system, the information about the vehicle characteristics is preprogrammed during installation (e.g., at the factory). The FER utility uses a number of metrics and the vehicle's characteristics, to generate an optimal route for efficient fuel consumption. The invention provides means for an operator of a route planning application to optimize the driving directions for optimally predicted fuel usage.