Lock-Free Graphics Resource Streaming Without Synchronization Waits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional graphics memory systems encounter performance challenges due to serial operations and synchronization, leading to increased latency when transferring large amounts of data, which is particularly evident in high-throughput applications like PC games and large dataset visualization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a lock-free, high-throughput resource streaming mechanism using concurrent threads that bypass synchronization and explicit wait operations, enabling parallel execution of graphics resource transfers and animations by utilizing residency maps and tile state machines to manage resource states efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional synchronized operations are used to transfer graphics resources, then data transfer accuracy is ensured, but system latency increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the graphics resource transfer process into independent concurrent threads (e.g., change detection thread, batch upload thread, map thread, notification thread, residency update thread) that operate independently without mutual exclusion locks. Each thread handles specific aspects of resource management, allowing parallel execution while maintaining data integrity through structured state transitions and event-driven coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms such as residency maps, tile state machines, and event queues that mediate between concurrent threads. These intermediaries coordinate thread actions and manage resource states without requiring direct thread synchronization, thereby eliminating lock operations and wait states while ensuring consistent resource management.
2Stability of the object's composition
If serial operations with synchronization are implemented, then resource management consistency is maintained, but processing throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where concurrent threads autonomously manage resource transfers without external synchronization. Each thread independently performs its designated function (e.g., change detection, batch uploading, mapping, notification, residency updates) and transitions resource states through well-defined state machines, enabling high-throughput parallel processing while maintaining consistency through self-coordinating logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing residency maps and tile state machines that define valid state transitions before concurrent operations begin. This preliminary structuring allows threads to operate independently with confidence that their actions will maintain consistency, eliminating the need for runtime synchronization while preserving resource management integrity.
3Reliability
If lock operations are used to manage concurrent access, then data integrity is protected, but execution speed is reduced due to wait states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lock-based synchronization system with an event-driven, state-machine-based coordination system. Instead of using mutual exclusion locks that cause threads to block and wait, the system uses residency maps and tile state machines to coordinate concurrent access, allowing threads to proceed without waiting while maintaining data integrity through structured state transitions and event notification.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatuses may provide for technology that conducts, via a plurality of concurrent threads, transfers of graphics resources into and out of graphics memory, wherein the transfers bypass lock operations between the plurality of concurrent threads, generates frames based on the graphics resources in the graphics memory, and streams the frames to a display. In one example, the transfers also bypass explicit wait operations for the graphics resources to be fully resident in the graphics memory.