Patents by Inventor Michael A. Wasserman

Michael A. Wasserman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6784881
    Abstract: A graphics system that is configured to synchronize a slave display channel to a master display channel may include a master display timing generator configured to provide a frame event indication and a slave display timing generator. The slave display timing generator may be configured to receive the frame event indication and, in response to receiving the frame event indication during its active display period, the slave display timing generator may be configured to wait until its current active display period ends and then jump to its synchronization point. Alternatively, the slave display timing generator may be configured to jump to its synchronization point immediately or after the end of the current horizontal line, and any remaining display information in an interrupted frame may be displayed during the next active display period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, Justin Michael Mahan, David Naegle, Glenn J. Gracon
  • Patent number: 6731300
    Abstract: A graphics system may be configured to render anti-aliased dots in terms of samples and to generate pixels by filtering the samples. The pixels are supplied to one or more display devices. The means used to generate the samples may perform the computation of radial distance at positions on a grid in a rendering coordinate space, and interpolate estimates for the radial distances of samples around the dot as needed based on the radii at the grid positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nandini Ramani, Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, Mark E. Pascual, Kevin Tang, Daniel M. Chao
  • Patent number: 6670959
    Abstract: A graphics system that may be shared between multiple display channels includes a frame buffer, an arbiter, and two pixel output buffers. The arbiter arbitrates between the display channels' requests for display information from the frame buffer and forwards a selected request to the frame buffer. The frame buffer is divided into a first and a second portion. The arbiter alternates display channel requests for data between the first and second portions of the frame buffer. The frame buffer outputs display information in response to receiving the forwarded request, and pixels corresponding to this display information are stored in the output buffers. The arbiter selects which request to forward to the frame buffer based on a relative state of neediness of each of the requesting display channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, David C. Kehlet, Glenn Gracon
  • Patent number: 6654021
    Abstract: A graphics system that may be shared between multiple display channels includes a frame buffer, two arbiters, a pixel buffer, and several display output queues. The first arbiter arbitrates between the display channels' requests for display information from the frame buffer and forwards a selected request to the frame buffer. The frame buffer outputs display information in response to receiving the forwarded request, and pixels corresponding to this display information are stored in the pixel buffer. Each display channel has a corresponding display output queue that provides data to a display and generates a request for pixels from the pixel buffer. A pixel request arbiter receives the pixel requests generated by the display output queues, selects one of the pixel requests, and forwards the selected request to the pixel buffer. In response, the pixel buffer outputs pixels to the display output queue that generated the selected pixel request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, David C. Kehlet, Nathaniel David Naegle, Steven Te-Chun Yu, Glenn Gracon
  • Publication number: 20030203843
    Abstract: Disclosed are polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding same. Also disclosed are vectors, host cells, antibodies and recombinant methods for producing the polypeptides and polynucleotides, as well as methods for using same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Carol E. A. Pena, Xiaojia (Sasha) Guo, Richard A. Shimkets, Muralidhara Padigaru, Ramesh Kekuda, Kimberly A. Spytek, Fuad Mehraban, James Newman Topper, Uriel M. Malyankar, Scott Michael Wasserman, Shlomit R. Edinger, Glennda Smithson, Erik Gunther, Laszlo Komuves
  • Publication number: 20030180700
    Abstract: A user-controlled network based learning system allows the user to select an appropriate learning method for the user, as well as the material relevant to the user, to maximize the learning experience for the user. The system provides a mechanism for information sharing within, and out of, the learning system. Upon deciding to participate in a learning lesson, the user first determines whether to participate in an already developed learning lesson, or to create their own learning lesson based on the breakdown of previously developed learning lessons and criteria the user determines relevant to their desired learning objective. Upon selection of the lesson, the user then determines an appropriate learning method in which to conduct the learning lesson. Based on the selection of the learning method, the user will again determine the information relevant to their desired learning objective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Timothy Barry, Guy Gunzberg, Paul Manzano, Michael Wasserman
  • Publication number: 20030142104
    Abstract: A graphics system configured to apply multiple layers of texture information to batches of primitives. The graphics system collects primitives into a batch that share a common set of texture layers to be applied. The batch is limited so that the total estimate size of the batch is less than or equal to a storage capacity of a texture accumulation buffer. The graphics system stores samples (or fragments) corresponding to the batch primitives in the texture accumulation buffer between the application of successive texture layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Michael G. Lavelle, David C. Kehlet, Michael A. Wasserman, Nandini Ramani, Ranjit S. Oberoi
  • Publication number: 20030137528
    Abstract: A graphics system that is configured to synchronize a slave display channel to a master display channel may include a master display timing generator configured to provide a frame event indication and a slave display timing generator. The slave display timing generator may be configured to receive the frame event indication and, in response to receiving the frame event indication during its active display period, the slave display timing generator may be configured to wait until its current active display period ends and then jump to its synchronization point. Alternatively, the slave display timing generator may be configured to jump to its synchronization point immediately or after the end of the current horizontal line, and any remaining display information in an interrupted frame may be displayed during the next active display period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, Justin Michael Mahan, David Naegle, Glenn J. Gracon
  • Publication number: 20030112250
    Abstract: A graphics system includes a frame buffer, a write address generator, and a pixel buffer. A burst of pixels received from the frame buffer may not be in display order. In one embodiment, a write address generator calculates a write address for each pixel in the burst of pixels output from the frame buffer. The write address corresponds to a relative display order within the burst for each respective pixel. Each pixel in the burst is stored to its write address in the pixel buffer. This way, the pixels in the burst are stored in display order within the pixel buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, David C. Kehlet, Yan Yan Tang, Ewa M. Kubalska
  • Publication number: 20030048276
    Abstract: A signature capture and analysis system suitable for use in a high performance computer graphics system is described. The system employs a distributed network of signature analysis registers (SARs) which may be configured to capture and accumulate information from one or more channels of data over pre-defined periods of time. The SARs may be so distributed to allow for the isolation of faults to a sub-system level. The signature values developed in these SARs are, in some cases pre-seeded, and may include contributions from both data and control signals. Checking of the signature values against known good or expected outcomes is provided for. In some cases the SARs may be implemented as linear hybrid cellular automatons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wasserman, Steven Te-Chun Yu, Justin M. Mahan, Michael W. Schimpf, Glenn Gracon
  • Publication number: 20030043158
    Abstract: A graphics system that may be shared between multiple display channels includes a frame buffer, an arbiter, and two pixel output buffers. The arbiter arbitrates between the display channels' requests for display information from the frame buffer and forwards a selected request to the frame buffer. The frame buffer is divided into a first and a second portion. The arbiter alternates display channel requests for data between the first and second portions of the frame buffer. The frame buffer outputs display information in response to receiving the forwarded request, and pixels corresponding to this display information are stored in the output buffers. The arbiter selects which request to forward to the frame buffer based on a relative state of neediness of each of the requesting display channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, David C. Kehlet, Glenn Gracon
  • Publication number: 20030043155
    Abstract: A graphics system that may be shared between multiple display channels includes a frame buffer, two arbiters, a pixel buffer, and several display output queues. The first arbiter arbitrates between the display channels' requests for display information from the frame buffer and forwards a selected request to the frame buffer. The frame buffer outputs display information in response to receiving the forwarded request, and pixels corresponding to this display information are stored in the pixel buffer. Each display channel has a corresponding display output queue that provides data to a display and generates a request for pixels from the pixel buffer. A pixel request arbiter receives the pixel requests generated by the display output queues, selects one of the pixel requests, and forwards the selected request to the pixel buffer. In response, the pixel buffer outputs pixels to the display output queue that generated the selected pixel request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, David C. Kehlet, Nathaniel David Naegle, Steven Te-Chun Yu, Glenn Gracon
  • Publication number: 20030043173
    Abstract: A graphics system and method for panning from one portion of a stored image to another portion of the image includes a frame buffer, one or more display devices, one or more raster parameter registers, and one or more raster parameter updaters. The image is stored in the frame buffer and each display device is configured to display less than the entire image. A panning operation is initiated by requesting an update of one or more of the raster parameter registers during a next blanking period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, Elena M. Ing
  • Publication number: 20020180747
    Abstract: A graphics system configured to apply multiple layers of texture information to primitives. The graphics system receives parameters defining a primitive and performs a size test on the primitive. If the size test cannot guarantee that a fragment size of the primitive is less than or equal to a fragment capacity of a texture accumulation buffer, the primitive is divided into subprimitives, and the graphics system applies the multiple layers of texture to fragments which intersect the primitive. The graphics system switches from a current layer to the layer next when it has applied textures corresponding to the current layer to all the fragments intersecting the primitive. The graphics system stores color values associated with the primitive fragments in the texture accumulation buffer between the application of successive texture layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Lavelle, Wayne A. Morse, Ranjit S. Oberoi, David C. Kehlet, Michael A. Wasserman, Brian D. Emberling, Roger W. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20020171658
    Abstract: A system and method for rasterizing and rendering graphics data is disclosed. Vertices may be grouped to form primitives such as triangles, which are rasterized using two-dimensional arrays of samples bins. Individual samples may be selected from the bins according to different criteria such as memory bank allocation to improve utilization of the system's rendering pipeline. Since the arrays may have more bins than the number of evaluation units in the rendering pipeline, the samples from the bins may be stored to FIFO memories to allow invalid or empty samples (those outside the primitive being rendered) to be removed. The samples may then be filtered to form pixels that are displayable to form an image on a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Nandini Ramani, David C. Kehlet, Ewa M. Kubalska, Michael G. Lavelle, Michael A. Wasserman, Kevin Tang, Yan Yan Tang
  • Publication number: 20020171665
    Abstract: A graphics system may be configured to render anti-aliased dots in terms of samples and to generate pixels by filtering the samples. The pixels are supplied to one or more display devices. The means used to generate the samples may perform the computation of radial distance at positions on a grid in a rendering coordinate space, and interpolate estimates for the radial distances of samples around the dot as needed based on the radii at the grid positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nandini Ramani, Michael A. Wasserman, Michael G. Lavelle, Mark E. Pascual, Kevin Tang, Daniel M. Chao