Microsoft to License TriTech Microelectronics 3-D Graphics Technology
ORLANDO, Fla., March 25, 1998 — Microsoft Corp. and TriTech Microelectronics Inc. today announced that Microsoft intends to license TriTech’s proprietary bump-mapping technology for use in future versions of the Microsoft® DirectX® set of APIs, beginning with DirectX 6.0. The announcement was made at a joint press conference held today at the WinHEC 98 conference and show in Orlando, Fla.
Bump mapping is a complex graphics technique that helps create realistic three-dimensional graphics effects. The incorporation of the TriTech Pyramid3D
™
bump-mapping technology into DirectX will allow developers to increase surface detail in their multimedia applications, bringing consumers more visually compelling content.
“By including a high-performance bump-mapping technique such as TriTech’s in DirectX, we can provide a standard method for developers who want to begin exploiting this exciting new technology immediately,” said Kevin Bachus, product manager for DirectX at Microsoft. “As a result of this license, consumers will see more realistic 3-D graphics in their applications for Microsoft Windows® ; developers can be confident of widespread, consistent hardware support for bump mapping; and hardware manufacturers can expect a large volume of new applications that will make use of bump-mapping effects.”
DirectX is a group of API technologies designed by Microsoft to make the Windows operating system an ideal platform for running and displaying applications rich in multimedia elements, such as full-color graphics, video, 3-D animation and surround sound. DirectX brings a common set of multimedia APIs to developers, so consumers can benefit from seamless compatibility across devices including joysticks and sound cards in applications such as games. DirectX helps ensure that similar features provided by a number of different hardware companies are presented consistently to the application developer.
Bettina Briz, vice president of marketing for TriTech, said, “Microsoft’s selection of the Pyramid3D bump-mapping technology is a testimonial to our expertise in real-time 3-D graphics. Bump mapping enhances APIs to benefit software developers who are looking for their own product differentiation. This agreement highlights TriTech’s ability to develop enabling technologies, as well as highly integrated products with value-added features.”
TriTech first developed its bump-mapping technology as part of its Pyramid3D family of 3-D graphics accelerators introduced in 1997. For the first time in almost two decades, TriTech’s bump-mapping approach overcomes computational limitations, making real-time bump mapping possible in low-cost 3-D graphics hardware.
Pyramid3D chips offer high visual quality, resulting in photorealistic images once possible only in workstations. The devices are targeted at high-end business workstations as well as consumer PCs. Available now in high volumes, the Pyramid3D TR25202 device is priced below $17 each in quantities of 10,000 devices. The Pyramid3D TR25204 device is priced below $20 each in quantities of 10,000 devices. Both devices are packaged in 304-pin thermally enhanced ball grid arrays (BGAs). Evaluation kits are also available for systems designers.
About the Companies
TriTech Microelectronics Inc. designs and markets innovative mixed-signal ASICs, multimedia and communications integrated circuits for personal computers, consumer electronics
and communications products. Formed in 1990, TriTech is based in Singapore, with subsidiaries in the United States, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. TriTech is owned by Singapore Technologies Semiconductors, a business unit of Singapore Technologies. Additional information about TriTech is available on the World Wide Web at (http://www.tritechmicro.com/) .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, DirectX and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Pyramid3D is a trademark of TriTech Microelectronics Ltd. and TriTech Microelectronics Inc.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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