Entropy Decoding Layout for Parallel Bit-Boundary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data compression techniques for GPUs and CPUs face challenges in achieving high-speed entropy encoding and decoding, particularly in reducing latency and power consumption, due to the complexity of variable-length coding schemes and the need for parallel processing of data values.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method for entropy encoding and decoding using a predetermined variable-length coding scheme, where prefix bits and suffix bits are interleaved or grouped separately, allowing for parallel analysis of bit-boundaries and efficient decoding of multiple data values in a single clock cycle, thereby reducing latency and improving processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If variable-length entropy coding scheme is used for data compression, then data transfer amount is reduced, but decoding latency increases due to complexity of determining bit-boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bit stream into fixed-length units by introducing synchronization markers (sync words) at predetermined intervals. This segmentation allows the decoder to identify bit-boundaries at regular intervals rather than having to analyze variable-length codes sequentially, thereby reducing decoding latency while maintaining compression efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-inserting synchronization markers and length indicators into the encoded bit stream during the encoding phase. These markers are placed at predetermined positions before decoding occurs, enabling the decoder to quickly locate bit-boundaries without complex analysis, thus reducing decoding latency.
2Device complexity
If traditional sequential decoding is used for entropy encoded data, then implementation complexity is reduced, but processing speed decreases due to inability to process multiple values in parallel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bit stream into fixed-length units using synchronization markers, which enables parallel processing of multiple data values simultaneously. Each segment can be decoded independently by separate decode units operating in parallel, dramatically increasing processing speed while keeping individual decoder units simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential single-value decoding to parallel multi-value decoding by organizing the bit stream into fixed-length units with synchronization markers. This dimensional change allows multiple decode units to operate simultaneously on different segments, achieving high-speed parallel processing without increasing the complexity of individual decode units.
3Quantity of substance
If compression rate is increased to reduce data transfer, then memory bandwidth pressure is reduced, but power consumption increases due to compression overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and inserting length indicators and synchronization markers during encoding. This allows the decoder to quickly skip to relevant segments without complex analysis, reducing decoding time and power consumption while maintaining high compression ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by inserting synchronization markers at regular intervals in the bit stream. This periodic structure enables the decoder to efficiently locate and process data segments at regular intervals, reducing overall decoding time and power consumption compared to continuous sequential analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Data values can be entropy encoded, as part of a data compression process, according to a predetermined variable-length entropy coding scheme (e.g. based on exponential Golomb coding) such that they have ≧1 prefix bits and ≧0 suffix bits. A corresponding entropy decoding process can be performed, whereby the prefix bits are analysed to determine bit-boundaries between the received entropy encoded data values. The suffix bits and the determined bit-boundaries are used to decode the entropy encoded data values. In this way, multiple bit-boundaries can be found during the same clock cycle, e.g. by analysing the prefix bits in parallel decode units, thereby allowing for multiple entropy encoded data values (encoded using a variable-length coding scheme) to be decoded in the same clock cycle.