Interface Device for Memory Data Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data processing, especially in video applications, the processor load increases when data from external storage needs to be formatted according to the requirements of the processing algorithm, as conventional methods require direct transfer to internal memory without format conversion, leading to increased workload and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an interface device to perform format conversion simultaneously with data transfer between memories, applying a mathematically bijective circular shift function to adapt data formats, allowing data to be stored and processed in a format suitable for the processor, thereby reducing processor load and enabling efficient data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If data are transferred from external storage to internal memory using a conventional DMA device, then data transfer is achieved without processor intervention, but the processor load increases when format conversion is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data transfer function and format conversion function into a single integrated interface device. The interface device performs both operations simultaneously - transferring data from external to internal memory while concurrently converting the data format according to processing requirements, eliminating the need for separate processor intervention for format conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a data transfer mechanism (DMA function) and as a format conversion unit. This universal device handles multiple tasks that would traditionally require separate components, including data movement and format adaptation for different processing algorithms
2Reliability
If the processor directly manages data format conversion during transfer, then data are processed in the correct format, but the processor load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The format conversion function is extracted from the processor and relocated to a dedicated interface device. This separation allows the processor to focus solely on core processing tasks while the interface device independently handles format conversion, ensuring data correctness without burdening the processor
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device acts as an intermediary between external storage and internal memory, mediating the data transfer process by automatically converting formats. This intermediary handles the format adaptation task, allowing the processor to receive pre-formatted data without direct involvement in format management
3Ease of operation
If data are stored in a fixed format in internal memory, then processing is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to different storage formats
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device implements dynamic format conversion capabilities, adapting the data format based on the specific processing algorithm requirements. The system can dynamically adjust between different storage formats (e.g., interleaved vs. non-interleaved) and processing formats, maintaining both simplicity and versatility
Data Source
AI summary
Data stored in a first memory are processed by a processing device comprising a processor, a second memory, and an interface device interfacing the processing of data from the first memory. In the interface device, in order to facilitate transfer of data from the first memory where data are stored in a first data format to the second memory where data are stored in a second data format, a first group of data is received from the first memory, with said group ordered into a sequence corresponding to the first data format. Then at least one second group of data is obtained by ordering said data in the first group into a new sequence which is a function of the first and second data formats. The second group of data is stored in the second memory.