Graphics Processor Logic for Monotonic Value Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphics processors face inefficiencies in encoding pixel data and metadata due to the rapid growth of per-sample coverage masks with increasing sample rates, leading to poor scalability and increased memory storage and bandwidth requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of graphics processor logic that assumes values are either increasing or decreasing within a pixel tile, optimizing the encoding by using fewer bits than traditional binary encoding methods, specifically by encoding breakpoints across scan lines with a lookup table-based approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional binary encoding is used for per-sample coverage masks, then encoding accuracy is maintained, but memory storage and bandwidth requirements increase rapidly with sample rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the encoding parameters by assuming monotonic (increasing or decreasing) value sequences within pixel tiles. This allows using differential encoding where only changes in values are stored, reducing the number of bits required per sample while maintaining encoding accuracy for the specific case of monotonic depth or coverage values in rasterization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different encoding strategies to different regions: monotonic encoding is used within local pixel tile regions where depth/coverage values are assumed to be monotonic, while traditional encoding is used elsewhere. This local optimization reduces overall memory storage requirements without sacrificing accuracy in regions where the monotonic assumption holds
2Measurement precision
If per-sample coverage masks are stored for all samples, then processing accuracy is maintained, but bandwidth requirements increase with sample rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the data representation parameters by encoding coverage masks more compactly. By assuming monotonic sequences, the encoding stores only the necessary information to reconstruct the original values, reducing bandwidth requirements while maintaining the ability to accurately process pixel data during rasterization and depth testing
3Reliability
If full precision encoding is used for all pixel data, then data integrity is maintained, but processing efficiency decreases due to larger data sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using monotonic encoding that reduces data size while maintaining integrity for monotonic sequences. The encoding transforms the data representation to use fewer bits per value by exploiting the monotonic property, thereby improving processing throughput without losing integrity of the depth or coverage information needed for correct rendering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial precision encoding where full precision is maintained only when necessary (when monotonic assumption breaks or at tile boundaries), while using reduced precision encoding for the majority of pixels within tiles where monotonic sequences are common. This partial application optimizes overall processing efficiency while maintaining data integrity where required
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide for a graphics processing apparatus comprising a graphics processing unit including bounding volume logic to encode a first bounding volume and a second bounding volume for a bounding volume hierarchy, wherein the first bounding volume is to be encoded at a higher numerical precision relative to the second bounding volume and the first bounding volume encloses the second bounding volume.