The optimized primitive filler is used in a computer system, such as a
computer system that displays graphic images. A first step of the method
it is determined if a primitive is totally outside a predetermined screen
region or at least partially within the predetermined screen region. The
primitive is then discarded if the primitive is totally outside the
screen region. If the primitive is not totally outside the screen region,
at least a portion of the primitive is identified that lies within the
screen region. Then only those pixels in the portion of the primitive
that is inside the screen region are filled. These steps are executed for
each primitive of a plurality of primitives that forms a scene of which
the screen region is the portion that the computer system displays. No
pixels are filled in primitives which are totally outside the screen
region, and no pixels are filled in portions of primitives that are
outside the screen region. The optimized primitive filler and its
associated method provide a fast and efficient rasterization of
primitives.