Image Processor Memory Bank Access Control for Sequential Pixel Reading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processors require frequent bank switching when reading pixel data sequentially in a vertical direction, leading to complex memory access processes.
Innovation Solution
The image processor splits pixel data into groups aligned in multiple columns within the same memory bank, allowing for sequential reading without bank switching, both horizontally and vertically, and optimizes data transfer sizes to minimize latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pixel data pieces are stored in different memory banks for different rows, then memory capacity is efficiently utilized, but bank switching frequency increases and access complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into multiple groups of unit pixel data pieces, where each group contains pixel data of multiple columns by multiple rows. This segmentation allows sequential reading of multiple groups without bank switching, as each group is stored contiguously within the same memory bank, thereby reducing access complexity while maintaining efficient memory utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the storage dimensionality by storing groups of unit pixel data pieces aligned in at least two columns in a pixel space in the same unit storage area. This dimensional reorganization enables horizontal and vertical sequential reading without bank switching, transforming the access pattern from row-based bank switching to group-based contiguous access
2Ease of operation
If pixel data pieces are stored in different memory banks for sequential row access, then data organization follows natural row structure, but bank switching commands increase and reading process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into multiple groups of unit pixel data pieces, where each group maintains the natural row structure internally but groups multiple rows together. This allows the data to be organized naturally by rows within each group while enabling sequential reading of entire groups without bank switching, thus maintaining organizational simplicity while reducing access complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The access controller preliminarily organizes pixel data into groups of unit pixel data pieces before storage, ensuring that multiple rows of pixel data are pre-grouped and stored contiguously in the same memory bank. This preliminary grouping action enables subsequent sequential reading without requiring bank switching commands during the reading process
3Productivity
If multiple pixel data pieces are read sequentially in vertical direction, then complete image data is retrieved, but frequent bank switching increases access time and latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vertical pixel data into multiple groups of unit pixel data pieces, where each group contains multiple rows. By storing these groups contiguously in the same memory bank, the system enables sequential reading of complete image data without frequent bank switching, thus maintaining data retrieval completeness while reducing access time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by organizing memory storage so that sequential reading of pixel data in vertical direction can proceed continuously within the same memory bank without interruption for bank switching. This continuous access pattern eliminates idle time associated with bank switching commands, thereby reducing overall access time
Data Source
AI summary
An image processor includes a memory including multiple memory banks each having multiple unit storage areas and holding an image, an image processing unit that processes an image, and an access controller that controls an access from the image processing unit to the memory. In storing the image in the memory, the access controller splits the image in multiple groups of unit pixel data pieces including pixel data of multiple columns by multiple rows, and stores groups of unit pixel data pieces aligned in at least two columns in a pixel space in the same unit storage area in the same memory bank.