Multi-Core GEMM Scheduling with Grid Splitting to Cut I/O

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Solution Overview

Problem

The optimization of General Matrix Multiplication (GEMM) on multi-core systems is challenging due to varying core organizations and storage configurations, leading to inefficiencies in task splitting and increased I/O bottlenecks, which affect performance.

Innovation Solution

A task scheduling method for multi-core systems that optimizes matrix multiplication-type operations by determining the number of schedulable computing units, splitting tasks using a row-column grid method, and minimizing data interaction with external circuits to improve parallel processing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If task splitting is performed on multi-core systems with varying core organizations and storage configurations, then the system can support different architectures, but the task splitting efficiency deteriorates leading to increased I/O bottlenecks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different multi-core architecturesVSAvoidtask splitting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the matrix multiplication task into sub-tasks that are distributed across multiple computing units. Each computing unit processes a specific portion of the matrix operation, reducing the I/O burden on individual units while maintaining overall system efficiency. The task is divided into smaller chunks that can be processed independently and in parallel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes task splitting by considering the specific characteristics of each computing unit's local storage capacity. Different computing units receive different amounts of data based on their local memory size, allowing each unit to operate at optimal efficiency without being constrained by uniform task allocation. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If more computing units are utilized for parallel processing, then processing efficiency improves, but data interaction with external circuits increases causing I/O bottlenecks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparallel processing efficiencyVSAvoiddata interaction overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-loading data into the local storage of computing units before the actual parallel processing begins. Each computing unit receives and stores the necessary data portions in advance, based on its local storage capacity. This preliminary data preparation reduces the need for frequent external I/O operations during the parallel computation phase, thereby reducing energy loss from data interaction while maintaining high parallel processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform task splitting is applied across all computing units, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but performance optimization is reduced due to varying storage capacities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidprocessing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics into the task splitting process by making the data allocation flexible based on each computing unit's local storage capacity. Instead of uniform static allocation, the system dynamically adjusts the amount of data assigned to each computing unit according to its specific storage characteristics. This dynamic approach maintains reasonable implementation complexity while significantly improving processing performance by optimizing data utilization across heterogeneous computing units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4693041A1Multi-core system-based task scheduling method and apparatus, and related product
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 CAMBRICON TECH CO LTD
  • EP4693041A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4693041A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4693041A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses a task scheduling method based on a multi-core system, a task scheduling apparatus and related products. The task scheduling apparatus is included as a processing apparatus in a combined processing apparatus, and the combined processing apparatus further includes an interface apparatus and a computing apparatus. The computing apparatus interacts with the processing apparatus to jointly complete a computing operation specified by a user. The combined processing apparatus further includes a storage apparatus, which is connected to the computing apparatus and the processing apparatus respectively and is configured to store data of the computing apparatus and the processing apparatus. The solution of the present disclosure provides a method for scheduling a matrix multiplication-type operation task on a multi-core system, which may effectively reduce data IO and improve processing efficiency.