3Dlabs Wildcat4 User Manual

Terms and DefinitionsTerms and DefinitionsAGPAdvanced Graphics Port. A dedicated graphics bus that transfers data at significantly higher speeds thanthe PCI bus.Alpha BlendingThis means to create transparent objects by allowing for the blending of pixels to simulate thetransparency characteristics of an object. With alpha information, an object can be designed from beingtotally transparent to opaque.Alpha BufferA portion of the frame buffer used to define the transparency value of a pixel in the frame buffer. Thisdata can be used to blend the frame buffer pixel with the pixel to be drawn to create a composite pixel.AntialiasingA technique employed to remove any jagged edges from an object to appear smooth. This isaccomplished by gradually modifying the hue and saturation of pixels. (See also: SuperSceneAntialiasing)APIApplication Programming Interface. The API translates the instructions from the application program intodevice commands that are specific to the screen’s display controller, the graphics board.Atmospheric EffectsThe effect derived from adding one or more layers around an object.Bilinear SamplingThe process whereby texture mapping is done through filtering.Bit DepthBit depth is another way of expressing the numbers of colors available. A color bit depth of 8 isequivalent to 256 colors, a bit depth of 16 (15 bit of color plus a 1 bit overlay) yields 32768 colors, and abit depth of 32 (24 bit RGB plus 8 bit of overlays) equals 16.7 million colors. The latter is often referredto as true color.ClippingRemoval of elements or sections not contained within the active viewing area.CPU (Central Processing Unit)The part within a PC that executes programs in main memory.DACDigital to Analog Converter.DDR SDRAMDouble Data Rrate SDRAM is synchronous dynamic RAM that improves memory clock speed.Depth CueingA technique used to give the illusion of depth. With depth cueing, the part of an object that is farther awayis displayed with a lower intensity to give the effect of depth.3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card User's Guide 41