Intel Blurs GPU, Preparing for a Vista Vs. Video Card Duel

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Intel has a new trick to get the most of out of lower quality video cards, like their integrated graphics. Their recent patent filing suggests that Intel is at the drawing board trying to design cheap solutions to rendering high quality 3D desktops, like those promised in future operating systems. To render the video, the chipmaker has planned a smoothing technology to lower framerates.

Intel’s recent patent filed for “spatio-temporal generation of motion blur” sounds like some kind of time travel device. In this case though, the spatial and temporal motion is designed to create a smoothing blur in video. By blurring the frames together, fewer frames per second need to be processed. This eases the processing load on overburdened graphics cards, such as Intel’s own integrated graphics.

Gamers and PC builders may snicker whenever they read about integrated graphics, since they are known for being useless to anyone doing graphics intensive tasks. However, this could boost the usefulness of GPUs in laptops, tablet PCs, and budget computers. On the other hand, it could be a dire necessity for even ordinary users when you consider the increasing demands of basic programs.

The new Windows Vista is a prime example of where this sort of technology could prove to be useful. Microsoft is proud to announce that Vista will include a more graphics intensive interface, including 3D navigation of the operating system. So instead of using the CPU to create flat bitmaps, the OS will rely on the graphics processor to crunch vectors.

The new method for video rendering will allow Windows to use new eye candy and 3D features such as Flip 3D, shown above. This allows a user to dig through their open programs in a visual stack and find items more quickly.

Next: Limitations of Current Integrated GPUs >>
 

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