Patent US 6,707,463

A graphics processor performs graphical operations on graphical objects represented in an external data format. The graphics processor includes a setup unit, first and second mapping units, and a calculator. The setup unit sets up one or more registers reflecting a current instruction. The first mapping unit maps, responsive to the current instruction, the external data format to at least one corresponding internal data format selected from a set of internal data formats. The calculator performs graphical operations on the graphical objects when in one of the selected internal data formats. The second mapping unit maps, responsive to the current instruction, each internal data format in the set of internal data formats to the external data format after the graphical operations have been performed.