What is the purpose of a display processor in a computer system? Give the architecture of a raster graphics system with a display processor.

Introduction

A display processor, also known as a graphics processing unit (GPU), is a specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display device. It plays a crucial role in a computer system, especially in tasks that involve graphics and images.

Detailed Explanation of the Purpose of a Display Processor

Conversion of Digital Input to Analog Signals

The primary function of a display processor is to convert the digital input from the CPU into analog signals that can be understood by the display device. This conversion is necessary because most display devices, such as monitors and projectors, use analog signals to display images.

Storing and Managing the Display List

The display processor is responsible for storing and managing the display list, which is a list of commands that tell the display device what to display. The display list can include commands for drawing shapes, setting colors, and other tasks related to displaying images.

Refreshing the Screen

Another important function of the display processor is refreshing the screen. This involves redrawing the image on the screen at a certain rate, usually many times per second. This is necessary to keep the image on the screen stable and to update it when changes occur.

Performing Complex Tasks

The display processor can also perform complex tasks such as zooming, panning, rotating, and other transformations. These tasks are computationally intensive and would take up a lot of the CPU's resources if they were performed by the CPU.

Reducing the Load on the Main CPU

By performing these tasks, the display processor reduces the load on the main CPU, allowing it to focus on other tasks. This can significantly improve the overall performance of the computer system, especially in tasks that involve graphics and images.

Architecture of a Raster Graphics System with a Display Processor

The architecture of a raster graphics system with a display processor typically includes the following components:

1. Input Devices: These are devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch screen that allow the user to interact with the computer system.

2. CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main processor of the computer system. It performs most of the processing inside the computer.

3. Display Processor: As explained above, the display processor performs tasks related to displaying images.

4. Frame Buffer: The frame buffer is a portion of RAM containing a bitmap that is driven to the video output of the computer system.

5. Display Device: This is the device, such as a monitor or projector, that displays the images produced by the computer system.

Diagram of the Architecture

It is necessary to draw a diagram to illustrate the architecture of a raster graphics system with a display processor. The diagram should clearly show all the components listed above and how they are connected.

Detailed Explanation of the Diagram

In the diagram, the input devices send input to the CPU. The CPU processes this input and sends commands to the display processor. The display processor performs tasks related to displaying images, such as converting digital input to analog signals, storing and managing the display list, refreshing the screen, and performing complex tasks. The results of these tasks are stored in the frame buffer. The display device then displays the images stored in the frame buffer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a display processor plays a crucial role in a computer system, especially in tasks that involve graphics and images. It performs a variety of tasks, including converting digital input to analog signals, storing and managing the display list, refreshing the screen, and performing complex tasks. By doing so, it reduces the load on the main CPU and improves the overall performance of the computer system. The architecture of a raster graphics system with a display processor includes input devices, a CPU, a display processor, a frame buffer, and a display device.

References

• Foley, J. D., van Dam, A., Feiner, S. K., & Hughes, J. F. (1996). Computer graphics: principles and practice in C. Addison-Wesley Professional.
• Hearn, D., & Baker, M. P. (1997). Computer graphics, C version. Prentice Hall.

Summary

A display processor, also known as a graphics processing unit (GPU), is a specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display device. It converts digital input to analog signals, stores and manages the display list, refreshes the screen, and performs complex tasks. The architecture of a raster graphics system with a display processor includes input devices, a CPU, a display processor, a frame buffer, and a display device.

Analogy

A display processor is like a translator between the CPU and the display device. It takes the digital instructions from the CPU and converts them into analog signals that the display device can understand, allowing it to display images.