Graphics Layer Rotation via Compressed UBWC Format in Video Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display processing systems face inefficiencies in rotating both video and graphics layers, particularly due to operational constraints such as data format, which restrict optimal performance and power efficiency, especially when handling different formats like Universal Bandwidth Compression (UBWC) and linear RGB.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a display processing unit (DPU) that converts and rotates graphics and video layers from their respective formats, generating a rotated composite image by performing orthogonal rotations on both layers, optimizing power efficiency and handling both compressed (UBWC) and uncompressed (linear RGB) formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If graphics layer rotation is performed on uncompressed linear RGB format, then rotation quality is maintained, but power consumption increases and processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the data format parameter from uncompressed linear RGB to compressed UBWC format specifically for the graphics layer rotation operation. This parameter change enables the DPU to perform rotation more efficiently while maintaining acceptable visual quality, thus reducing power consumption without completely sacrificing rotation quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary conversion process where the uncompressed graphics layer is first converted to compressed UBWC format, then rotated by the DPU, and finally the rotated compressed layer is composited with the video layer. This intermediary compressed format acts as a mediator that enables efficient rotation processing while maintaining integration with the video playback pipeline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If graphics layer is converted to compressed format for rotation, then power efficiency improves, but processing complexity increases due to format conversion requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the graphics layer format conversion and rotation operations into a unified two-pass processing pipeline handled by the DPU. Instead of separate conversion and rotation steps, the system combines these operations where the DPU directly rotates the compressed graphics layer and composites it with the video layer in an integrated manner, reducing overall processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary compression of the graphics layer to UBWC format before rotation, preparing the data in advance for efficient DPU processing. This preliminary action ensures that the rotation operation can be performed on pre-compressed data, avoiding the need for real-time conversion during rotation and simplifying the overall processing flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If separate processing is used for video and graphics layers, then each layer maintains its optimal format, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformat optimizationVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the processing of video and graphics layers into a unified two-pass pipeline where both layers are handled together by the DPU. In the first pass, the video layer is prepared, and in the second pass, the compressed graphics layer is rotated and composited with the video layer, maintaining format optimization while reducing total processing time through combined operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous processing where the graphics layer compression, rotation, and compositing operations flow continuously without interruption. The two-pass processing ensures that video and graphics layers are processed in a continuous pipeline manner, eliminating idle time and maintaining optimal format handling while minimizing processing delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS20250014146A1Rotation of graphics layer in video application

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to rotation of the graphics layer in video application. In accordance with one aspect, the apparatus includes a memory configured for storing a video layer in a compressed format and the graphics layer in an uncompressed format; and a display processing unit (DPU) coupled to the memory, the DPU configured for converting the graphics layer into an original compressed graphics layer, and for performing a graphics rotation on the original compressed graphics layer for generating a rotated compressed graphics layer. And, the method for rotation of a graphics layer includes converting the graphics layer into an original compressed graphics layer using a processing engine; and generating a rotated compressed graphics layer by using the processing engine to perform a graphics rotation on the original compressed graphics layer.