Abstract: A method to correct the drift in the phase shift between first and second signals, the first and second signals generated by a signal having frequency Fe, the drift in the phase shift resulting from a drift in the frequency Fe, according to a given relationship. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (1) determining a value of the phase shift from a phase of the first signal and a phase of the second signal, (2) estimating the value of the frequency Fe, and (3) adjusting the phase shift to a value within an interval of angular values containing the angular value obtained for a reference value, using the phase shift, the estimated value of the frequency, and the given relationship.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically alerting a flight crew of an airplane when takeoff is attempted on a wrong runway. Identification data for an origin runway from which takeoff of an airplane is desired is entered via an operator interface. Stored position data for the origin runway is retrieved. Sensed position data for the airplane is input from a plurality of sensors. The stored position data for the origin runway is compared with the sensed position data for the airplane. A determination is made whether the sensed position of the airplane is within a predetermined position difference from the stored position of the origin runway, and a determination is made whether takeoff is attempted. An indication of wrong runway is provided when takeoff is attempted and the sensed position of the airplane is greater than the predetermined position difference away from the stored position of the origin runway.

Abstract: An antenna structure includes a surface-mounted antenna which has a base member. A radiating electrode and an antenna-side control electrode are disposed on the base member. A capacitance is generated between the antenna-side control electrode and an open end of the radiating electrode, and the antenna-side control electrode electrically floats. A board-side control electrode which is electrically connected with the antenna-side control electrode and which electrically floats is disposed on a mounting board. The board-side control electrode is connected with a ground conductor at high frequencies through a resonant frequency adjuster. The resonant frequency adjuster has a capacitance or an inductance. By changing the capacitance or the inductance, the resonant frequency of the radiating electrode can be changed without changing the surface-mounted antenna.

Abstract: An antenna for wireless communication devices provides resonance over at least two frequency bands with a directional radiation pattern and reduced specific absorption rate (SAR). The antenna structure includes of a formed conducting plate resonator spaced from a larger substantially rectangular ground plane conductor. The antenna structure can be located near one end of ground plane conductor. Single feed and ground connections are provided on adjacent edges of the resonator. Two or more tuning capacitors cause the resonator to resonate over two or more frequency ranges. Tuning of the higher frequency band may be done without affecting the lower frequency band in the case of a dual band version. The sizes and shape of the resonator and ground plane are compatible with the dimensions of wireless communications devices such as cell phones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a built-in folded PIFA antenna for a radio communication device (400, 450) and a mobile phone (400) containing the same antenna. The built-in antenna comprises a first part (500) tuned to a first and a second frequency band, and a second part (600) electro-magnetically interacting with the first part (500) and galvanically separated from the first part. While the second part (600) interacts with the first part, the antenna is tuned to a third frequency band. The first part (500) is folded to form a first element (510) and a second element (520), wherein the second element (520) is folded approximately 180 degrees in relation to the longitudinal axis of the first element (520).

Abstract: An antenna-electrode structure includes a feeding radiant-electrode and a grounded portion arranged such that an open-end of the feeding radiant-electrode defines a capacitance to the grounded portion therebetween, and a non-feeding radiant-electrode arranged to electromagnetically couple the feeding radiant-electrode. The non-feeding radiant electrode is arranged such that an open-end thereof defines a capacitance to the grounded portion therebetween to produce a dual-frequency resonance state together with the feeding radiant-electrode. In response to a signal supplied from a signal-supply source, the feeding radiant-electrode performs an antenna action and the non-feeding radiant-electrode in turn performs an antenna action by signal transmission from the feeding radiant-electrode, such that by being excited from these actions, the grounded portion also performs an antenna action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile transmission antenna (1) for vehicles that comprises a monopole (8) having a reflector (15) associated therewith. The unit thus formed is mounted on or adjacent to the inner surface of members of the vehicle which are permissive to electromagnetic waves, mainly the vehicle windows (3), so that said reflector (15) is directed towards the inside of the vehicle as seen from the monopole (8). During a transmission, this configuration reduces simply and economically to a harmless level the incident radiation of high-frequency energy that penetrates into the vehicle. The antenna is further protected from potential unauthorised handling from the outside and does not look like an radio-telephone antenna. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the radio-telephone antenna (1) is integrated with a device intended for other purposes, mainly with the third stoplight (4) mounted on the rear window (3) of the vehicle.

Abstract: Radiation synthesizer systems provide efficient wideband operation with an antenna, such as a loop, which is small relative to operating wavelength. Energy dissipation is substantially reduced by cycling energy back and forth between a high-Q radiator and a storage capacitance under control of a switching circuit. In addition to transmit operation using an energy source such as a battery, by reciprocity receive systems deliver received signals to an output device, such as a speaker or other audio or visual transducer device. By efficient direct processing, via controlled activation of switch devices of switch modules, incident RF signals are converted to baseband signals. Commercial type AM receivers may be provided without IF processing and detection or analog filters.

Abstract: According to the invention, a multi-beam radar sensor for microwaves is proposed, in which between a lens and the transmitter/receiver elements (6), focusing bodies (1) are disposed in such a way that they prefocus the radiation of an applicable transmitter/receiver element (6) with respect to the dielectric lens (8). The focusing bodies (1) are retained by a dielectric plate (2), into which a mount (4) is inserted. The mount (4) is embodied with regard to its material and geometric dimensions such that the least possible coupling between the individual focusing bodies (1) occurs. To attain this object, the mount (4) is embodied by recesses (5) in the regions between the focusing bodies (1). For simpler assembly and adjustment, bores (3) and adjustment openings (10) are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to frame structures, particularly to mobile stations and other small-sized portable devices operating at high frequencies. The frame structure according to the invention is formed by extrusion, whereby the fixing means required for fastening components are formed into it during the extrusion. Such fixing means are preferably pin-like projections which can be compressed to a rivet fixing the component. Such fixing means can also be strip-like fixing edges which are bent over the component edges. With such fixing means it is possible to form at the same time both a mechanical fixing and a good electrical contact between the component and the frame structure. During the extrusion it is also possible to fasten to the frame structure parts made of other materials, such as fixing means of other types or other components, such as antennas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling far-field radio-frequency communications with an implantable medical device in which an antenna is embedded within a dielectric around the periphery of the device. Such a circumferential antenna saves space while still permitting far-field telemetry over a desired range of frequencies.

Abstract: A virtual image system is disclosed comprising: a passive optical unit for interfacing with portions of a user's head; and an optical projection unit directing a retinal scanning beam into the passive optical unit, the optical projection unit detached from the passive optical unit.

Abstract: A novel system for a new kind of electronic news gathering and videography is described. In particular, a camera that captures light passing through the center of a lens of an eye of the user is described. Such an electronic newsgathering system allows the eye itself to, in effect, function as a camera. In wearable embodiments of the invention, a journalist wearing the apparatus becomes, after adaptation, an entity that seeks, without conscious thought or effort, an optimal point of vantage and camera orientation. Moreover, the journalist can easily become part of a human intelligence network, and draw upon the intellectual resources and technical photographic skills of a large community. Because of the journalist's ability to constantly see the world through the apparatus of the invention, which may also function as an image enhancement device, the apparatus behaves as a true extension of the journalist's mind and body, giving rise to a new genre of documentary video.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a glare shielding device. The glare shielding device includes a microprocessor for controlling an activation time and a driving time of a liquid crystal panel. The microprocessor generates an activation control signal of a liquid crystal activating portion, a driving control signal of a liquid crystal driving portion, and a power off control signal in response to a simultaneous detection of a welding light and a high frequency generated during a welding process. The liquid crystal activating portion becomes a floating state in a standby mode and activates the liquid crystal panel using a minus voltage between a high voltage and an activation voltage. The liquid crystal driving portion becomes a floating state in a standby mode and drives the liquid crystal panel in response to the driving control signal.

Abstract: A PALC panel is operated by driving a channel electrode to a positive voltage relative to the data drive electrode to initiate an AC discharge in the channel and thereafter maintaining a sufficient voltage between the channel electrodes to sustain a DC discharge in the channel.

Abstract: A plasma address display apparatus is composed of a flat panel, a scanning circuit, and a signal circuit. The flat panel has a layered structure wherein a plasma cell having scanning electrodes disposed in rows and a display cell having signal electrodes disposed in columns are placed one on the other. The scanning circuit successively applies a selection pulse to the scanning electrodes to effect scanning of the display cell. The signal circuit supplies image data to the signal electrodes in synchronism with the scanning to write the image data for individual scanning lines. The plasma cell has discharge channels formed in rows such that they are isolated from each other, and a plurality of scanning electrodes are allocated to each of the discharge channels. The scanning circuit successively applies a selection pulse to the scanning electrodes allocated to a discharge channel to cause discharge to occur so that, for example, at least two scanning lines are formed in each one discharge channel.

Abstract: To provide a plasma display panel which improves the write characteristics, luminous luminance, and luminous efficiency and which has a longer life. On a back glass substrate, data electrodes are formed in the substrate column direction. Over the data electrodes, a dielectric layer is formed. On the dielectric layer, scan electrodes are formed in a substrate row direction. Over the scan electrodes, a dielectric layer is formed. On the dielectric layer, partitions are formed in the substrate column direction. On the dielectric layer including the partitions, a protection layer and a fluorescent material layer are formed. On the other hand, on a front glass substrate, common electrodes and bus electrodes electrically connected to the common electrodes are formed in the substrate row direction so as to be opposed to the scan electrodes. Over the common electrodes and the bus electrodes, a dielectric layer and a protection layer are formed.

Abstract: A method of driving a plasma display panel capable of improving the contrast with reduced power consumption while suppressing a pseudo-contour. In each of a plurality of subfields divided from a display period of one field, a pixel data writing stage is executed for selectively erasing and discharging wall charges formed in discharge cells in accordance with pixel data to set the discharge cells to light emitting cells and non-light emitting cells, and a light emission sustaining stage is executed for allowing the light emitting cells to sustain light emission for a time corresponding to weighting for each subfield. Also, a simultaneous resetting stage is provided for simultaneously resetting or discharging all discharge cells to form wall charges only in the first subfield in a group of subfields including at least two mutually consecutive subfields, and the erasing discharge is performed only in the pixel data writing stage in any subfield in the group of subfields.

Abstract: A display unit displays an image on a display screen like a plasma display panel in a number of sub-fields. The display unit is arranged to control the intensity values of one of the color values of a pixel, in particular to control whether the highest weighted sub-field is switched on or off, by changing that color signal. The effect of this change on the luminance of the pixel is compensated by a change to one or both of the other color signals.

Abstract: A display apparatus features an optical modulation device including a plurality of pixels and a pair of electrodes to which a voltage is applied, and an illumination device for illuminating the optical modulation device instantaneously and successively with a plurality of monochromatic lights of different colors in a frame period to provide a full-color image in combination with application of the voltage to the electrodes of the optical modulation device thereby effecting a full-color display over a succession of the prescribed period. A controller divides each frame period into two periods including a first period for displaying a full-color image at each pixel and a second period immediately after the first period and for placing the optical modulation device in a non-display state, thus effectively suppressing an after image phenomenon adversely affecting a full-color image display in a subsequent frame period.

Abstract: A wave A1 is used as a signal inputted to a liquid crystal panel via an operational amplifier OP. The wave A1 is a superimposed wave made up of, for example, a first rectangular wave to be the base of a driving signal and a second wave capable of increasing respective amplitudes of the first wave in rising and falling directions. Because a wave A3 is superimposed, using the wave A1 as the driving signal of the liquid crystal panel surely results in increase in a quantity of charges with which respective pixels of the liquid crystal panel are supplied at early stages of writing, more than simply applying the wave A2 to the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: The invention provides for the efficient use a substrate region in a liquid crystal device with built-in driving circuits which simultaneously drives a plurality of data lines, etc. One of substrates used for the liquid crystal device may include a plurality of latch circuits for sequentially outputting transfer signals, buffer circuits for outputting sampling-control signals via signal lines by performing wave shaping on the transfer signals input via wires, and sampling switches for sampling, in accordance with the sampling-control signals, video signals supplied to video-signal lines, and for supplying the sampled signals to the corresponding data lines. The buffer circuits each comprise inverters connected in series in three stages in a direction in which the data lines extend, and the inverter in each stage comprise seven inverters connected in parallel in a direction intersecting the extended direction of the data lines.

Abstract: Power consumption is reduced by decreasing the frequency of image rewriting to pixels in displaying images which have a portion of a screen that does not vary between frames. On the other hand, to cope with the phenomenon that image information (for instance, pixel voltages) deteriorates over time, a refresh operation is performed regularly. Interlaced scanning is performed skipping a plurality of rows. The refresh operation is performed over several frames in which part of the rows are refreshed in one frame. A flicker is thus prevented which occurs when the entire screen is refreshed in one frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for labeling one or more control keys, knobs or switches positioned adjacent to a display screen using a combination of both “Secret Until Lit” labeling and soft on-screen labeling with each single control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual axis articulated computer input device. Position sensors are configured to provide position information indicative of a position of two handle members relative to one another.

Abstract: A computer input device including a keyboard with built in pointing device, and left- and right-pointer control buttons operable by the thumbs includes additional left- and right-pointer control buttons located to each side for easy operation by the outer edge of the hands.

Abstract: A user inputs digital data to a companion system such as a PDA, a cell telephone, an applicance, device using a virtual input device such as an image of a keyboard. A sensor captures three-dimensional positional information as to location of the user's fingers in relation to where keys would be on an actual keyboard. This information is processed with respect to finger locations and velocities and shape to determine when virtual keys would have been struck. The processed digital information is output to the companion system. The companion system can display an image of a keyboard, including an image of a keyboard showing user fingers, and/or alphanumeric text as such data is input by the user on the virtual input device.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a touch pad against wear, spills and abuse. An apparatus may include a cover for placement over a touch pad and adhesive, adhering to the cover, not adhering to the touch pad and for adhering to a surface surrounding the touch pad. The cover may have upper and lower surfaces. Then the adhesive adheres to the lower surface of the cover. An apparatus may include a touch pad with x and y orthogonal dimensions and at least one edge in each dimension, an overlay above the touch pad and with the touch pad forming a contour, and a plastic-film cover, above and adhering to the overlay, fitting the contour of the touch pad and overlay and covering two edges of the touch pad in each of the x and y dimensions. An edge of the touch pad may be the line at which the touch pad becomes accessible from under any overlying material.

Abstract: A data transmitting apparatus and method minimizes the electromagnetic interference (EMI) when transmitting parallel data via transmission lines. A controller receives data inputs synchronized to an input clock signal. The controller frequency-divides the input clock signal by a desired number, and separates the data into a plurality of separated data in such a manner to that one group of separated data has a phase difference relative to another group of separated data and is synchronized to the frequency-divided clock signal. Drive circuits receive the separated groups of data and sample the data at a falling edge or a rising edge of the frequency-divided clock signal such that sampling of one group occurs at different times than sampling of another group.

Abstract: A system and method for converting bitmapped data, for example, weather data or thermal imaging data, to polygons is disclosed. The conversion of the data into polygons creates smaller data files. The invention is adaptive in that it allows for a variable degree of fidelity of the polygons. Matrix data is obtained. A color value is obtained. The color value is a variable used in the creation of the polygons. A list of cells to check is determined based on the color value. The list of cells to check is examined in order to determine a boundary list. The boundary list is then examined to determine vertices. The determination of the vertices is based on a prescribed maximum distance. When drawn, the ordered list of vertices create polygons which depict the cell data. The data files which include the vertices for the polygons are much smaller than the corresponding cell data files.

Abstract: A method for displaying simulated 3D space as an image includes the steps presenting a different image to each eye of a viewer by use of a 3D image display apparatus having an image display section, and using a convex lens to present as a real image within reach of the viewer's hands a 3D image produced from the images displayed at the image display section by parallax between the eyes. A device is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A process whereby a sequence of geometric transformations is applied to a three-dimensional data set so that the resulting stereogram has one image plane made congruent with one plane in the viewer's space. The image plane is usually, but not necessarily, the X-Z or ground plane of the image made congruent with some X-Z plane in the viewer's spatial environment, typically a desk top, table top or floor. When viewed from an angle of view and angle of regard which duplicates that used to create the stereogram, the resulting stereoscopic image appears as a virtual, erect, orthoscopic stereo environment whose X-Y-Z coordinates are congruent with the X-Y-Z coordinates of the viewer's space.

Abstract: A space-time level of detail coder converts a time dependent geometry stream into a hierarchical structure, including levels of detail in the space and time dimensions, and expansion records. The expansion records specify how to reconstruct a mesh from deltas representing differences between levels of detail. For low bandwidth transmission, only selected expansion records need be sent depending on the appropriate level of detail of the object being represented for the current time sample.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in systems and methods for determining structure and motion of a three-dimensional (3D) object using two-dimensional (2D) images of the object obtained from multiple sets of views with different projection models, such as from a full perspective view and a weak perspective views. A novel fundamental matrix is derived that embodies the epipolar geometry between a full perspective view and a weak perspective view. The systems and methods of the present invention preferably uses the derived fundamental matrix together with the 2D image information of the full and weak perspective views to digitally reconstruct the 3D object and produce results with multi-resolution processing techniques. These techniques include recovering and refining motion parameters and recovering and refining structure parameters of the fundamental matrix. The results can include, for example, 3D positions of points, camera position between different views, texture maps, and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanical data exchange between parametric computer aided design systems (“CAD”). According to an embodiment, computer-implemented methods, techniques and structures are employed to extract parametric specification data from a source CAD file and create a second parametric-based CAD file for a different CAD system. In one embodiment, an intermediate data structure is utilized. An objective is creation of a second parametric-based CAD file that preserves design intent of the parametric-based source CAD file.

Abstract: A method for shading polygon surfaces in a real time rendering system. Providing at least one polygon surface to be shaded. The polygon surface having a plurality of pixels and including at least one surface angle. Providing at least one point light source. Calculating using computer hardware, for substantially each drawn pixel of said polygon surface, a substantially normalized 3D surface direction vector and a 3D point light vector.

Abstract: A method renders a graphical object for display on a destination raster of pixels having a destination resolution by rendering the graphical object at a resolution higher than the destination resolution to generate one or more pieces, the pieces in the aggregate representing the graphical object at the higher resolution, and each of the pieces having a position with respect to the destination raster, whereby each piece overlaps one or more pixels; for each of the pieces, calculating a contribution made by the piece to each of one or more pixels according to a selected algorithm, the algorithm being selected by a process applying a plurality of factors; and aggregating all the contributions made to each pixel to determine a value for the pixel.

Abstract: A method and system for distributed, dynamic generation of graphics files. A database server system is configured and arranged with a service application and a graphics requester. The service application is arranged to generate a graphics file request that includes data to be graphed and a graph code indicative of a graph style. The graphics requester is coupled to the service application and arranged to provide transmission of the graphics request and receive a generated graphics file. A graphics server system is coupled to the database system and includes a graphics socket server and a graphics server application. The graphics socket server is arranged to receive graphics requests and transmit graphics files, and the graphics server application is coupled to the graphics socket server and arranged to generate a graphics file in response to the graphics request.

Abstract: A method for controlling a digital oscilloscope locates a crossing level in an eye diagram (also including a crossing time), of a communications signal. The method includes the steps of locating the crossing time using a horizontal histogram box; and locating the crossing level using a vertical histogram box placed at a horizontal location substantially at the located crossing time.

Abstract: A method of control of playback of motion for playing back motion of a character more realistically, including determining a motion playback routine in accordance with a value of a parameter expressing the condition of the character, for example, a stress value reflecting the cumulative amount of a plurality of instances of damage and being restored along with the elapse of time after damage is sustained, when a factor affecting movement of the character or an incident in the game arises due to another game element during the playback of the motion of the character, for example, when being attacked by another character; playing back new motion in accordance with the determined routine; and playing back motions B and C based on motion data stored in advance when the stress value is “large” or “intermediate” and combining the motion data defining the motion being played back and other motion data stored in advance when the stress value is “small”.

Abstract: An image generation device and information storage medium that make it possible to increase the realism and degree of variety of the motion of a target object. When a shot has hit a target object within an object space, the motion of the target object varies with the direction of the trajectory of the shot that hit the target object. If a plurality of players are playing the game, the motion of the target object varies depending upon which player's shot has hit the target object. The system determines which of a plurality of angular ranges contains the angle between the direction of the shot trajectory and the direction in which the target object is facing, and plays motion data that has been set for the angular range that contains that angle. The orientation of the target object is corrected on the basis of this angle. Images as seen from first and second viewpoints are generated and output to first and second display screens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for efficient memory utilization in an electronic system comprises a memory divided into memory units of equal size, a data source, and an interface between the memory and the data source, which manages storage and retrieval of data in the memory. The data source generates first data components and second data components, each of the first data components being larger than each of the second data components. Each memory unit is sized to contain one of the second data components. The memory units are configured as a continuous memory ring. The interface stores the data components sequentially in the memory ring as the data components are generated by the data source. The interface also retrieves the data components sequentially from the memory ring. A control module sends control signals to the interface to control read and write operations for the data components.

Abstract: A data-processing arrangement [DPA] is capable of processing different types of data [I, II, III] such as, for example, luminance (Y) and chrominance (UV) pixels from various pictures. The data-processing arrangement [DPA] comprises a controller [MCP] for executing a set of program items [PI]. A program item [PI] causes the data-processing arrangement [DPA] to fetch and process [F&PR] a block of data [DB] of a certain type [I, II, III]. The data-processing arrangement [DPA] further comprises an interface [INT] for temporarily storing a block of data [DB] in one of a plurality of memory sections [MS]. The memory section in which the block of data [DB] is stored is defined by the position that the program item [PI] for the block of data [DB] has within in the set of program items.

Abstract: A multiple images display system includes a plurality of image data input portions, for receiving image data from a plurality of image sources, a display device for simultaneously displaying all of the image data that are received by the image data input portions, an external action input portion, a frame memory for storing the image data received by the image data input portions, a transfer portion. In addition, a comparator compares the sum obtained for the input data transmission rates with a data transmission rate for the frame memory, a priority allocation portion determines and allocates display priorities for the image data sets to be displayed on the display device in accordance with the external action and a control portion controls the display, on the display device, of the received image data sets in accordance with the display priorities and the result obtained by the comparison of the data transmission rate for the frame memory with the sum detected for the input data transmission rates.

Abstract: A pull-model system and method provides display data over a network to a plurality of display devices having the same or different video format requirements. Utilization of image memory bandwidth is balanced between the plurality of display devices. Based on image memory bandwidth requirements for the plurality of display devices, a bandwidth allocation table is generated to indicate a servicing priority for the display devices. A plurality of requests for pixel data are received and stored in a request buffer. The requests are then serviced in an order indicated by the bandwidth allocation table.

Abstract: A hardware-based graphics controller for processing video data in a computer system. Such graphics controller may include a video capture engine which captures fields of video data from a video source for storage in video buffers in sequential order, and generates video capture parameters from the video data for determining proper flipping operations of display contents of one image to another on a display monitor; and a video overlay engine coupled to the video capture engine, which determines proper flipping operations of display contents of one image to another from the video buffers and adjusts display settings of the display contents for a visual display on the display monitor based on the video capture parameters from the video capture engine.

Abstract: A macroblock tiling format method and system for implementing the method during an MPEG decoding process is disclosed. The macroblock tiling format groups picture data samples into tiles, each tile including a combination of luminance and/or chrominance data samples corresponding to a given number of macroblocks. Picture data samples in a tile is mapped to memory locations within a single memory page of a buffer memory which temporarily stores decoded pictures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mapping graphics data of a texture map into virtual two-dimensional (2D) memory arrays implemented in a one-dimensional memory space. The texture map is partitioned into 2u+v two-dimensional arrays having dimensions of 2m bytes×2n rows. The graphics data is then mapped from a respective two-dimensional array into the one-dimensional memory space by calculating an offset value based on the coordinates of a respective texel of the texture map and subsequently reordering the offset value to produce a memory address value. The order of the offset value is, from least to most significant bits, a first group of m bits, a second group of u bits, a third group of n bits, and a fourth group of v bits. The order of the offset value is reordered to, from least to most significant bits, first, third, second, and fourth groups. The resulting value produces a memory address for the one-dimensional memory space.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rendering 3D graphics images. The apparatus include a port for receiving commands from a graphics application, an output for sending a rendered image to a display and a fragment-operations pipeline, coupled to the port and to the output, the pipeline including a stage for performing a fragment operation on a fragment on a per-pixel basis, as well as a stage for performing a fragment operation on the fragment on a per-sample basis. The stage for performing on a per-pixel basis is one of the following: a scissor-test stage, a stipple-test stage, an alpha-test stage or a colorest stage, and the stage for performing on a per-sample basis is one of the following: a Z-test stage, a blending stage or a dithering stage. The apparatus programmatically selects whether to perform a stencil test on a per-pixel or a per-sample basis and performs the stencil test on the selected basis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the quality of images that include aliased pixels is provided. For the method of the present invention, one or more portions of an image are selected for antialiasing. Each selected portion is rendered at a higher than normal resolution into a frame buffer and then read back into as a texture in to a cache or other memory. The texture is then filtered back to its original size. The filtering operation supersamples the texture. The resulting texture is antialiased and anisotropic to a degree that matches the resize. The antialiased texture is then applied to a quadrilateral in the frame buffer.