Graphics Processor Pixel Processing Reuse for Stereo Views

Solution Overview

Problem

Current graphics processing systems face inefficiencies in rendering three-dimensional scenes for both eyes, particularly in scenarios where the left and right eye views share significant visual commonalities, leading to redundant computations and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

The proposed method involves processing input data in a graphics processing pipeline to generate primitive data for both views, determining whether to reuse pixel-processed data from one eye for the other eye based on similarity analysis, and performing additional processing accordingly, thereby optimizing pixel processing stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pixel processing is conducted separately for both eyes, then processing accuracy is maintained, but processing time and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges pixel processing operations for both eyes by determining that when the first and second primitive data are identical, the pixel processing stage can reuse the processed data from the first eye for the second eye, thereby combining what would otherwise be separate processing operations into one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the pixel processing stage multi-functional by enabling it to either process primitive data for both eyes separately or to reuse processed data for the second eye based on similarity determination, allowing the same processing infrastructure to serve multiple purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If pixel processing is conducted separately for both eyes, then processing completeness is ensured, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing completenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges pixel processing operations for both eyes by determining that when the first and second primitive data are identical, the pixel processing stage can reuse the processed data from the first eye for the second eye, thereby combining what would otherwise be separate processing operations into one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a reference to the first primitive data when the second primitive data is identical, allowing the system to copy the processed result rather than reprocessing, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining completeness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If redundant pixel processing is performed, then processing thoroughness is maintained, but processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing thoroughnessVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges pixel processing operations for both eyes by determining that when the first and second primitive data are identical, the pixel processing stage can reuse the processed data from the first eye for the second eye, thereby combining what would otherwise be separate processing operations into one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing pixel processing only when necessary (when primitive data differ between eyes) rather than always processing both eyes separately, thereby avoiding excessive processing while maintaining thoroughness where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10432914B2Graphics processing systems and graphics processors

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 ARM LTD

AI summary

A graphics processing system includes a graphics processing pipeline, which includes a primitive generation stage and a pixel processing stage. The graphics processing system is arranged to process input data in the primitive generation stage to produce first primitive data associated with a first view of a scene and second primitive data associated with a second view of the scene. The graphics processing system is arranged to process the first primitive data in the pixel processing stage to produce first pixel-processed data associated with the first view. The graphics processing system is arranged to determine, for second pixel-processed data associated with the second view, whether to use the first pixel-processed data as the second pixel-processed data or whether to process the second primitive data in the pixel processing stage to produce the second pixel-processed data, and perform additional processing in the graphics processing pipeline based on the determining.