Image Processing Apparatus Memory Access Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods for superimposing multiple windows on a display unit often result in unnecessary memory access, as they uniformly set transmission attributes for windows, leading to the reading of pixels that are not visible or do not require updating, which wastes memory bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that assigns transmission attributes to frame buffers and windows, uses mask information to determine memory access areas, and performs superposition processes based on these attributes, reducing unnecessary memory access by only reading and processing pixels within defined mask areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform transmission attributes are set for windows, then the superposition process is simplified, but unnecessary memory access occurs reading pixels that are not visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different transmission attributes to different regions within a window rather than uniformly to the entire window. Specifically, each pixel or region can be marked with attributes such as opaque, transparent, or semitransparent, allowing the superposition process to selectively access memory only where necessary. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simplicity in the overall process while optimizing local memory access behavior to avoid reading unnecessary pixels.
2Ease of operation
If transmission attributes are set according to windows, then processing is easier, but pixels in opaque areas are read unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission attribute setting from the window level to the pixel or region level. Instead of setting a single transmission attribute for an entire window, the system divides the window into multiple regions or pixels, each with its own transmission attribute. This segmentation allows the system to easily operate with fine-grained control, reading memory only for pixels that are actually visible, thus reducing the quantity of memory access while maintaining ease of operation through programmable attribute assignment.
3Reliability
If all pixels are read from lower layers, then complete image data is obtained, but useless pixels are processed increasing memory access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the transmission attributes of pixels or regions before performing the actual memory read operation. The system first identifies which pixels are opaque, transparent, or semitransparent, and then uses this information to guide subsequent memory access. This preliminary classification ensures that only necessary pixels are read from lower layers, maintaining image data completeness for visible regions while eliminating unnecessary memory access to hidden pixels, thus improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus and graphics memory unit which reduces useless memory access to a graphics memory unit. When an image data read section reads image data from frame buffers or windows, a mask area inside/outside determination section determines by reference to mask information stored in a mask information storage section whether image data which is being scanned is in a memory access mask area. If the image data which is being scanned is in the memory access mask area, then a superposition process section performs a superposition process according to a transmission attribute assigned to the memory access mask area regardless of transmission attributes assigned to the frame buffers or the windows.