bmap_preload (bmap);

Preallocates texture memory for the given bitmap even if it's not yet visible on screen. Useful for accessing the bitmap texture from a DLL.

Parameters:

bmap - Name or pointer of a bitmap

Returns:

Pointer to the Direct3DTexture9 used by the bmap. This texture can be manipulated by DirectX functions.

Modifies

Bitmap bmap will preloaded in the video card texture memory.

Speed:

low, depends on bitmap size

Remarks:

When preloading a bitmap, it does not 'know' yet whether it's intended for an overlay panel, and thus black won't be transparent.

Example:

bmap splashmap = "splash.pcx";
bmap* dummy;

//...
dummy = bmap_preload(splashmap); // preload the splash screen 

See also:

bmap_purge