Transparency and antialiasing algorithms implemented with the virtual pixel maps technique

The benefits of the virtual pixel maps technique in the support of high-quality rendering operations are described. A dedicated frame buffer with a fixed number of bits per pixel is inappropriate for implementing high-quality rendering techniques within the framework of a graphics computer system. The virtual pixel maps feature is an elegant abstraction for solving problems that inherently require a large number of bits per pixel. A system implementation is presented to illustrate the types of hardware rendering algorithms that benefit from the concept of virtual pixel maps. Two specific algorithms, namely, transparency and antialiasing, are used as examples, but many other algorithms could easily be adapted to such an environment.<>