Image Data Storage for Fast Memory Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image data storage methods in memory result in significant time delays due to the need for multiple accesses across rows, especially when accessing image data for motion compensation, which requires data from multiple macroblocks.
Innovation Solution
Storing image data in a way that neighboring macroblocks are included in the same storage region, allowing access to all required data within a single row of memory, thereby reducing the number of memory accesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If image data is stored in conventional row-by-row format in memory, then the memory structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but substantial time delay occurs when accessing image data from multiple rows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges image data from multiple macroblocks that would normally be stored in different memory rows into a single memory row. By combining neighboring macroblock data (e.g., 4×4 macroblocks) into one continuous storage region, the system eliminates the need for multiple row access operations, thereby reducing memory access time while maintaining a relatively simple memory structure.
2Loss of time
If image data is stored in units of macroblock to reduce access time, then access time is reduced slightly, but additional row accesses are still required when motion compensation data spans multiple macroblocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-organizing and storing image data from multiple neighboring macroblocks together in the same memory row before processing is needed. This advance preparation ensures that when motion compensation requires data spanning multiple macroblocks, all necessary data is already positioned in a single accessible location, eliminating the need for additional row access operations during actual processing.
3Reliability
If multiple rows of memory are accessed for motion compensation data, then complete image data is available, but substantial time is required for accessing the memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional organization of stored data by transitioning from a row-based storage scheme to a block-based storage scheme where multiple macroblocks are grouped together within the same row. This dimensional reorganization allows the system to maintain complete image data for motion compensation while accessing all required data within a single row, thereby eliminating time delays associated with switching between rows.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method, medium and system for storing image data for fast memory access. The method includes setting a storage range over neighboring macroblocks of a macroblock to allow for storage with the macroblock in a storage region of a memory, and storing first image data of the macroblock and second image data corresponding to the storage range over the neighboring macroblocks in the storage region of the memory, wherein the second image data includes data of portions of the neighboring blocks that fall within the storage range.