Common Sectored Cache for Graphics Stream Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional graphics processors require additional die area and resources for per-data-stream compression blocks, limiting efficiency and scalability in handling graphics data streams.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a common sectored cache for all graphics streams to consolidate data compression, replacing individual compression blocks with a unified compression/de-compression block that strategically follows the sectored cache, allowing for stream-independent compression and efficient bandwidth matching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If per-data-stream compression blocks are implemented for each graphics stream, then data compression capability is provided, but die area and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata compression capabilityVSAvoiddie area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple per-data-stream compression blocks into a single common compression block that services all graphics streams. This merging approach maintains compression functionality for depth, color, and texture streams while eliminating redundant compression hardware, thereby reducing die area while preserving compression capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common compression block is designed to handle multiple types of graphics data streams (depth, color, texture) through a unified architecture. This multi-functional block replaces specialized compression blocks for each stream type, providing universal compression capability that reduces overall resource usage while maintaining support for diverse graphics data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If per-data-stream compression blocks are implemented, then compression is performed for each stream, but resource usage and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompression functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple compression blocks into a single common compression block, the patent reduces the total number of active compression units. This consolidation decreases power consumption while maintaining compression functionality across all graphics streams through shared hardware resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual compression blocks are used for each graphics stream, then stream-specific compression is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestream-specific compressionVSAvoidnumber of compression blocks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The common compression block is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle different graphics stream types (depth, color, texture) through a unified architecture. This universal block reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate compression blocks for each stream type while maintaining adaptability to handle stream-specific compression requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11610564B2Consolidation of data compression using common sectored cache for graphics streams

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A mechanism is described for facilitating consolidated compression/de-compression of graphics data streams of varying types at computing devices. A method of embodiments, as described herein, includes generating a common sector cache relating to a graphics processor. The method may further include performing a consolidated compression of multiple types of graphics data streams associated with the graphics processor using the common sector cache.