Compiler Area Operator Instruction Placement in Shader Control Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shader programs are inefficient due to the need to keep area operator definition instruction statements outside data dependent control flow structures, leading to increased processing time and resource drain, as developers cannot place them within these structures to ensure proper execution across all data paths.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that identify and move area operator definition instruction statements into data dependent control flow structures, using source instruction blocks and mirror blocks to ensure execution across all pixels, while maintaining live memory location information to prevent data overwrite.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If area operator definition instruction statements are placed outside data dependent control flow structures, then execution reliability is ensured across all data paths, but processing time increases and execution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the area operator definition instruction execution into multiple parts: (1) executing the area operator definition instruction in the first data dependent branch to generate first resultant data, and (2) executing the area operator definition instruction in the second data dependent branch to generate second resultant data. This segmentation allows the instruction to be executed only where needed in each branch, improving efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the execution of area operator definition instructions branch-specific. In the first data dependent branch, the instruction executes with first operand data to produce first resultant data, while in the second data dependent branch, it executes with second operand data to produce second resultant data. This localized execution approach ensures that each branch receives the appropriate data treatment, improving overall execution efficiency without compromising reliability.
2Productivity
If area operator definition instruction statements are placed inside data dependent control flow structures, then processing time is reduced and execution efficiency improves, but data dependency management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by identifying and resolving data dependencies before executing the area operator definition instructions within the data dependent control flow structures. The system determines which operand data (first or second) should be used in each branch based on data dependency analysis performed prior to instruction execution. This preliminary resolution of dependencies simplifies the management complexity while enabling efficient in-structure execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms (such as temporary storage locations or register allocations) to manage the data dependencies between different branches. These intermediaries hold the operand data and resultant data, allowing the area operator definition instructions to execute within the control flow structures without creating complex direct dependencies between branches, thus reducing management complexity.
3Reliability
If separate code parts are used to handle area operators, then proper execution across all pixels is ensured, but program complexity increases and developer intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the area operator definition instruction execution into the unified data dependent control flow structure, eliminating the need for separate code parts. The same area operator definition instruction is executed in both the first and second data dependent branches, with each execution using the appropriate operand data for that branch. This merging approach maintains execution correctness across all pixels while reducing program structure complexity and eliminating the need for special handling or separate code sections.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for use in compiling data for a program shader identifies within data representing control flow information an area operator definition instruction statement located outside the data dependent control flow structures. The method identifies within one of the data dependent branches at least one area operator use instruction statement that has the resultant of the area operator definition instruction statement as an operand. After identifying the area operator use instruction statement, the area operator definition instruction statement is placed within the data dependent branch.