Frame Buffer Pixel Value Storage Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image generating systems require significant storage capacity in frame buffers for pixels with predetermined values, such as no color and full transparency or black, which is not necessary for all pixels, leading to inefficient use of storage resources.
Innovation Solution
An image generating apparatus and method that utilize acquisition management data to determine whether to acquire pixel values for each pixel, allowing for the storage of predetermined values for pixels outside specific regions, thereby optimizing storage capacity by reducing the need for full storage in frame buffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pixel values for all pixels in the frame buffer are stored, then complete image data is available, but storage capacity is wasted on pixels with predetermined values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between pixels that require stored values and those that use predetermined values. The acquisition management data identifies specific regions (e.g., rectangular regions for UI elements, circular regions for 3D image fields of view) where pixel values should be acquired from storage, while other regions use predetermined values without requiring storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the frame buffer into multiple regions with different storage requirements. By dividing the image into regions that need stored pixel values and regions that use predetermined values, the system optimizes storage usage. The acquisition management data structure enables this segmentation by specifying which pixel regions require value acquisition.
2Quantity of substance
If storage capacity is reduced by not storing predetermined pixel values, then memory efficiency improves, but additional processing is required to determine pixel values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining regions in the acquisition management data that require pixel value acquisition. This allows the system to prepare storage requirements in advance based on known image structures (such as predetermined UI regions or 3D field of view boundaries), avoiding the need to store values for all pixels while ensuring correct values are acquired for necessary regions.
3Quantity of substance
If pixel values are acquired only for specific regions, then storage efficiency increases, but determination of which regions need acquisition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure called acquisition management data that mediates between the frame buffer and the image generation process. This intermediary data structure stores information about which regions require pixel value acquisition, simplifying the determination process by providing a clear reference rather than requiring complex real-time analysis of which pixels need stored values.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an image generating apparatus, an image generating method, and a program that are capable of saving the storage capacity of a frame buffer for storing pixel values of pixels determined in advance to have a predetermined value as their pixel values. An acquisition management data storing unit stores acquisition management data. A pixel value storing unit stores a pixel value of a pixel determined to have a pixel value acquired from the pixel value storing unit. An acquisition determining unit determines, based on the acquisition management data, whether or not to acquire a pixel value of each of pixels from the pixel value storing unit. A pixel value determining unit determines, with regard to the pixel determined to have the pixel value acquired from the pixel value storing unit, a pixel value acquired from the pixel value storing unit as the pixel value of the pixel. The pixel value determining unit determines, with regard to a pixel determined to have a pixel value not acquired from the pixel value storing unit, a predetermined value as the pixel value of the pixel.