Software emulator for optimizing application-programmable vertex processing

TL;DR: In this article, a system for improving performance during graphics processing that involves application-programmable vertex processing is presented, which is adapted for directing the graphics ASIC to perform the graphics processing.

Abstract: A system is provided for improving performance during graphics processing that involves application-programmable vertex processing. First included is a central processing unit (CPU) including an operating system for executing code segments capable of performing graphics processing on the CPU. Associated therewith is a graphics application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) including a hardware-implemented graphics pipeline capable of performing graphics processing in accordance with a graphics processing standard. Also provided is software written in accordance with the graphics processing standard. Such software is adapted for directing the graphics ASIC to perform the graphics processing. An extension to the software is included that identifies a first portion of the graphics processing to be performed on the graphics ASIC and a second portion of the graphics processing to be performed on the CPU. Such second portion of the graphics processing includes application-programmable vertex processing unavailable by the graphics ASIC. Next included is a compiler for compiling the software to execute the first portion of the graphics processing on the graphics ASIC and the second portion of the graphics processing on the CPU in accordance with the extension.