Cascading Region-Based Memory Filter for Bandwidth Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image filtering methods require repeated access to the main buffer for multiple points of interest in an image, leading to inefficient data access and increased bandwidth usage.
Innovation Solution
A memory system with cascading region-based filters that loads data into a buffer, copies it within memory stages, and transfers it between stages to minimize bandwidth and recycle operands, providing a consistent logical view for clients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the same image data is read from the main buffer multiple times for multiple points of interest, then each point can be filtered independently, but the bandwidth usage increases and access efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter operations into a single buffer access cycle by implementing a cascading region-based filter system where data is loaded once and then processed through multiple filter stages. This merging of operations eliminates redundant buffer accesses and reduces bandwidth usage while maintaining the ability to filter multiple points of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data loading into the buffer before the actual filtering operations begin. By pre-loading the image data once at the start of the filter cycle, the system prepares all necessary data in advance, eliminating the need for repeated buffer accesses during subsequent filtering operations for multiple points of interest.
2Loss of energy
If data is copied within memory stages and transferred between stages, then bandwidth usage is minimized and operands are recycled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into multiple distinct regions (first region, second region, output region, input region) within the buffer, allowing different portions of data to be stored and accessed independently. This segmentation enables efficient data recycling and minimizes bandwidth usage by organizing data in a structured manner that supports multiple filter operations without requiring complex external memory accesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the memory system by implementing cyclic buffer operations where data flows through different regions in a structured sequence. The buffer regions are arranged to support cyclic access patterns, allowing data to be reused across multiple filter cycles without increasing spatial complexity or bandwidth requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for moving data in a memory system of a cascading region-based filter is disclosed. The method generally includes steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may load a first portion of the data from a buffer to the memory system at a start of a given cycle using a control circuit. The memory system generally has multiple first memories. A first region of a particular first memory may receive the first portion of data. Step (B) may copy the data in a second region of the particular first memory to a third region of the particular first memory at an end of the given cycle. Step (C) may copy the data in an output region of the particular first memory to an input region of a next first memory at the end of the given cycle. The output region generally overlaps both the first region and the second region.