Method and apparatus for creating and performing graphics operations on device-independent bitmaps

This invention relates generally to computer graphics. More particularly, this invention relates to method and apparatus for enabling an application program to efficiently draw bitmapped images in a standard format that is independent of the device on which the images are created or displayed. Bitmaps of this format are known as device-independent bitmaps, or DIBs. The invention also relates to method and apparatus for simplifying the design of graphics drivers such as display drivers for displaying such bitmaps. Operating system enhancements that enable an application program to create and perform graphics operations on device-independent bitmaps (DIBs) efficiently. The enhancements are in the form of functions that return to the application program a handle to the DIB and a pointer to the location of the DIB in memory. With the handle, the application program can use the capabilities of the operating system to perform graphics operations on the DIB. With the pointer, the application program can use its own drawing capabilities and address the DIB directly. The operating system enhancements also streamline the design and content of graphics drivers such as display drivers by placing basic graphics functions in a graphics engine that communicates with the graphics driver. Simple graphics operations are passed from the graphics driver to the graphics engine, allowing the driver to be limited to more complex operations that utilize special characteristics of graphics hardware associated with the driver.