Graphics Processor Shader Instruction Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Graphics processing systems face inefficiencies in executing shader programs due to redundant instructions caused by input data values, leading to increased energy consumption and performance degradation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for a graphics processor to dynamically replace instructions in shader programs with alternative, more energy-efficient instructions based on the nature of the instruction and the value of input operands, allowing for conditional substitution without modifying the compiler operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the graphics processor executes all instructions in the shader program as written, then the execution is simple and straightforward, but redundant instructions cause increased energy consumption and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshader program execution efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of input operands before instruction execution to identify redundant operations. By evaluating operand values in advance and determining which instructions can be skipped, the system avoids executing unnecessary instructions, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining execution efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system selectively executes only the necessary subset of instructions based on input operand analysis. Instead of executing all instructions unconditionally, it performs partial execution by skipping redundant instructions identified through operand evaluation, optimizing the balance between completeness and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the graphics processor analyzes and replaces instructions dynamically during execution, then energy efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidprocessor complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The graphics processor performs self-optimization by autonomously analyzing its own instruction stream and identifying redundant operations. The processor uses its existing execution resources to evaluate input operands and determine instruction redundancy, eliminating the need for external optimization systems while reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex external optimization hardware with a software-based instruction analysis and selection mechanism. By using programmable logic and algorithms to analyze operands and skip redundant instructions, the system achieves energy efficiency without requiring additional complex hardware circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the system modifies the instruction stream dynamically, then performance improves through redundant instruction elimination, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution performanceVSAvoidshader program simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary instruction analysis stage between instruction fetch and execution. This intermediary layer evaluates input operands and determines instruction redundancy without altering the original shader program code, allowing performance optimization while maintaining the simplicity and integrity of the original program

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10853905B2Instruction execution in graphics processor shader programs

Publication Date: 2020.12.01 ARM LTD

AI summary

When executing a shader program to perform graphics shading operations in a graphics processor, the graphics processor determines for instructions to be executed for the shader program, whether to replace the instructions with alternative instructions, based on the nature of the instructions and the values of input operands to be processed by the instructions, and either retains an instruction or replaces the instruction with an alternative instruction, accordingly.