Common Pixel Compression Scheme for Multimedia Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current multimedia systems face increased power consumption and memory bandwidth limitations due to the need to transfer and process large amounts of pixel data across multiple application layers in modern computer user interfaces, especially with higher refresh rates and screen resolutions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a common compression and decompression scheme across all functional units in a multimedia system, allowing pixel data to be transmitted and stored in a compressed format, reducing the amount of data transferred and processed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pixel data is transmitted and processed in uncompressed format across multiple application layers, then processing speed and image quality are maintained, but power consumption increases and memory bandwidth becomes a limiting factor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning pixel data between compressed and uncompressed formats at specific stages in the processing pipeline. Pixel data is stored and transmitted in compressed format to reduce bandwidth and power consumption, then decompressed only when needed for processing operations, and recompressed after processing to maintain efficiency throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the pixel data processing into distinct compressed and uncompressed phases. Different components of the system (memory interface, processing units, display controllers) operate on data in different formats according to their specific needs, allowing each component to optimize its operation while reducing overall system power consumption and bandwidth requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If pixel data is transmitted and processed in uncompressed format across multiple application layers, then processing speed is maintained, but memory bandwidth becomes a limiting factor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidmemory bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the compression parameter of pixel data based on the operational stage. Data is kept compressed during storage and transmission phases to minimize memory bandwidth usage, then temporarily decompressed during active processing phases when speed is critical, and recompressed afterward to restore bandwidth efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary compression of pixel data before it enters the processing pipeline, reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted through memory interfaces. This preliminary action maintains processing speed by ensuring data is decompressed and ready when needed, while significantly reducing overall memory bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple application layers contribute to user interface composition, then user interface richness and functionality are improved, but the amount of pixel data required to be read from and written to memory increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface richnessVSAvoidpixel data volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple compressed pixel data streams from different application layers into a single composite output. By maintaining compression throughout the merging process and only decompressing when necessary for composition operations, the system can handle rich multi-layer user interfaces without proportionally increasing memory bandwidth requirements or power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal compression scheme that works across all application layers and processing stages. This single compression format can handle diverse pixel data from multiple sources and applications, allowing the system to support rich multi-layer interfaces while maintaining efficient data transmission and storage across all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9245491B2First de-compressing first compressing schemes for pixels from/to bus interface

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A multimedia system includes a processor coupled to a memory, a three-dimensional (3D) graphics engine to generate 3D graphics content, and a display controller to process and transport pixel data for transmission to a display via a display interface. Each of the processor, the 3D graphics engine, and the display controller accesses pixel data stored in the memory using a common decompression scheme. Additionally, each of the processor, the 3D graphics engine, and the display controller stores pixel data in the memory using a common compression scheme.