Adaptive Search Engine Buffers for Hardware Data Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data compression methods, whether hardware-based or software-based, face inefficiencies in resource utilization and performance, particularly when dealing with large datasets, with hardware-based methods being inflexible and software-based methods consuming excessive CPU and memory resources.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a compression unit, search engine, and compression controller that dynamically adjusts the structure of a search engine's buffers based on data characteristics to optimize compression, using a combination of hardware and software components to enhance efficiency and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If hardware-based data compression is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but flexibility is lost due to reliance on specific algorithms implemented in hardware

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic compression system where the compression algorithm and buffer configurations can be adjusted in real-time based on data characteristics. The controller selects from multiple compression algorithms (LZ77, LZ78, Huffman) and dynamically configures buffer sizes and connections, allowing the hardware to adapt to different data types while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If software-based data compression is used, then flexibility is improved, but CPU and memory usage increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidCPU and memory usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based compression with a dedicated hardware compression engine that implements compression algorithms in circuitry. The search engine with comparators, buffers, and control logic is implemented as hardware, eliminating the need for CPU execution of compression algorithms and significantly reducing processor and memory usage while maintaining flexibility through configurable design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a fixed search engine structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but compression performance deteriorates when dealing with diverse data types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidcompression performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal compression engine that can handle multiple data types and compression scenarios. The search engine includes configurable buffer structures, multiple compression algorithms, and dynamic parameter adjustment capabilities, allowing a single hardware device to efficiently compress various data types (text, images, audio) without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts compression parameters such as buffer sizes, connection configurations, and algorithm selection based on data characteristics. The controller analyzes input data and modifies operational parameters in real-time, enabling the fixed hardware structure to adapt its behavior for optimal compression performance across different data types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of information

If compression algorithms perform extensive searching to identify patterns, then compression ratios improve, but system resources are depleted and performance reduces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression ratioVSAvoidsystem resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the compression process into distinct hardware modules: input buffer, search engine with comparators, output buffer, and controller. Each module performs a specific function, allowing parallel processing and efficient resource utilization. The search engine is segmented into multiple comparators that can simultaneously search for patterns, improving compression capability while distributing resource consumption across dedicated hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250355939A1Electronic device for compressing data and operation method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device for compressing data includes a compression unit, a search engine, and a compression controller. The search engine includes a first buffer, a second buffer, and a plurality of comparators configured to perform matching between data stored in the first buffer and data stored in the second buffer. The compression controller is configured to determine a structure of the search engine, adjust a connection between the first buffer and the second buffer based on the determined structure and cause the compression unit to perform compression on target data using the search engine.