Decompressing Perceptually Adaptive Normal Map Compression (PANMC) images in hardware

3D games use normal mapping techniques to improve the realism and visual detail of scenes when lighting models are applied. Normal map data is typically compressed to reduce the data storage requirements of a normal map image for a complex object. This paper presents a hardware implementation of a decompression algorithm for a recently proposed compression technique for normal map images. The hardware design was developed using VHDL and prototyped on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) development board. The design is suitable for implementation in modern graphics processing hardware. Experimental results demonstrate that the design is capable of achieving the frame rates required for high definition gaming experiences.