Data Re-arrangement Processor for Graphics Pixel Coordinate Transformation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current graphics processing systems face inefficiencies due to limited bandwidth for transferring graphics data and the need for data re-arrangement, which is often inefficiently handled by central processing units or results in overhead inefficiencies when off-loaded.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing a processor and lookup table to derive input pixel coordinates and offset values, allowing for efficient data re-arrangement by retrieving and writing input pixels to a shader, thereby reducing CPU processing cycles and improving data transfer efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data re-arrangement is performed by a central processing unit, then data transfer efficiency is improved, but CPU processing cycles are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidCPU processing cycles
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated data re-arrangement processor as an intermediary component between the CPU and the graphics processing system. This specialized processor handles the pixel coordinate transformation and data re-arrangement tasks, freeing the CPU from these operations while maintaining efficient data transfer. The intermediary processor uses lookup tables to perform coordinate transformations without requiring CPU intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a large number of small primitives are created for data movement, then data transfer is simplified, but overhead inefficiencies increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata movement simplicityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data re-arrangement process into distinct functional components: coordinate transformation, lookup table generation, and pixel data retrieval. Each component operates independently and efficiently, avoiding the overhead of creating numerous small primitives. The segmentation allows for optimized processing at each stage rather than handling many small data movement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the processor performs data re-arrangement on a pixel by pixel basis, then data format requirements are met, but system efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata format precisionVSAvoidsystem efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing coordinate transformation values in lookup tables before the actual pixel processing begins. The lookup tables contain pre-computed offset values that enable rapid pixel retrieval without real-time calculation overhead. This preliminary preparation maintains precise data formatting while dramatically improving processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7769247B2Method and apparatus for data re-arrangement
Publication Date: 2010.08.03 ATI TECHNOLOGIES ULC
  • US7769247B2 patent drawing
  • US7769247B2 patent drawing
  • US7769247B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and method and apparatus for data re-arrangement includes the steps of receiving output pixel coordinates (X, Y) and obtaining an input pixel offset value (ΔS, ΔT), wherein the output pixel coordinate represents a location for a two dimensional matrix. The input pixel offset value is obtained in reference to initial input pixel coordinates (S, T) which may be received with the output pixel coordinates or calculated based on the input and/or output pixel coordinates. The input pixel offset value may be any type of representation that provides for a delta value, for example, (ΔS, ΔT) may represent a shift representation for the offset within a matrix array. The method and apparatus for data re-arrangement further includes retrieving an input pixel based on the initial input pixel coordinates and the offset value.