Abstract: In a graphics processing pipeline 1, a primitive depth sorting stage 9 is arranged prior to the rasterization stage 3 and rendering stage 6. The primitive depth sorting stage 9 operates to sort successive sub-sets of primitives in a stream of primitives 2 received by the graphics processing pipeline 1 based on their depth values. The so-sorted primitives are then output from the primitive depth sorting stage 9 in their sorted depth order to the rasterizer 3. This makes the depth test stages 4, 13 of the graphics processing pipeline 1 more efficient in their hidden surface removal operations, because the primitives entering the rasterizer 3 will be in depth order.

Abstract: A primitive listing and sorting arrangement for a tile-based graphics rendering system in which primitive lists can be prepared for at least two different sets of sub-regions of the render target area. Two or more alternative solutions for listing the primitive for rendering using the sub-regions of at least two of the at least two different sets of sub-regions of the render target area that primitive lists can be prepared for are determined (S62). A cost function is then used to assess the cost of listing the primitive for each determined alternative primitive listing solution (S63) and the primitive listing arrangement to use is then selected based on the cost assessment (S64). Embodiments use an adaptive cost function that can be modified in use based on analysis of the costs for the primitive listing process actually being experienced in use.

Abstract: A primitive listing and sorting arrangement for a tile-based graphics rendering system in which primitive lists can be prepared for at least two different sets of sub-regions of the render target area. Two or more alternative solutions for listing the primitive for rendering using the sub-regions of at least two of the at least two different sets of sub-regions of the render target area that primitive lists can be prepared for are determined (S62). A cost function is then used to assess the cost of listing the primitive for each determined alternative primitive listing solution (S63) and the primitive listing arrangement to use is then selected based on the cost assessment (S64). Embodiments use an adaptive cost function that can be modified in use based on analysis of the costs for the primitive listing process actually being experienced in use.

Abstract: In a tile-based graphics processor, primitive lists (bins) are prepared for 2×2 blocks of tiles 40. The processor also determines and stores for each primitive in a bin, distribution information indicating the distribution of the primitive within the set of tiles that the bin corresponds to. Thus a primitive 42 that is found by its bounding box 43 to reside in two of the four tiles that make up the set of 2×2 tiles 40 is also associated with a tile coverage bitmap of the form “0101” to indicate that it lies in tiles “1” and “3” of the 2×2 group of tiles 40. The graphics processor uses the coverage bitmap (information) to determine whether a primitive should be processed for the tile currently being processed.

Abstract: A graphics processing system includes a graphics processor 1 that renders output frames that are written to a frame buffer in a memory 2 for display on a display 7. Comparison and control hardware 5 of the graphics processing system operates to compare successive output frames that are being generated for display, and then controls one or more aspects of the way in which the display of the output frames generated by the graphics processor 1 is carried out. In one preferred embodiment, the rate at which the display device 7 is updated (refreshed) from the frame buffer is controlled on the basis of the output frame comparisons. In another preferred embodiment, the format used when storing the output frames in the frame buffer is selected on the basis of the output frame comparisons.

Abstract: In a tile-based graphics processor, primitive lists (bins) are prepared for 2×2 blocks of tiles 40. The processor also determines and stores for each primitive in a bin, distribution information indicating the distribution of the primitive within the set of tiles that the bin corresponds to. Thus a primitive 42 that is found by its bounding box 43 to reside in two of the four tiles that make up the set of 2×2 tiles 40 is also associated with a tile coverage bitmap of the form “0101” to indicate that it lies in tiles “1” and “3” of the 2×2 group of tiles 40. The graphics processor uses the coverage bitmap (information) to determine whether a primitive should be processed for the tile currently being processed.