Shader Statistics Gathering Without Reduction Pass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shader technologies are inefficient in gathering statistics due to the need for an additional reduction pass after data processing, which increases storage and processing resources and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that control a shader to gather statistics directly through programmable instructions, allowing for order-independent operations and outputting statistics to memory without an additional processing pass, utilizing a shader capable of performing rendering tasks and statistics gathering concurrently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parallel processing is used in shaders, then processing speed and efficiency are improved, but the ability to gather statistics is worsened due to lack of data availability during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shader processing into multiple independent threads that can execute in parallel, with each thread contributing to statistics gathering. By dividing the workload into discrete, manageable units, the system maintains parallel processing efficiency while enabling incremental statistics collection throughout the processing pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous statistics gathering throughout the entire shader processing pipeline, rather than performing statistics collection as a separate post-processing step. This allows statistics to be accumulated continuously during parallel processing, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the system.
2Measurement precision
If an additional reduction pass is implemented for statistics gathering, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the statistics gathering function with the primary shader processing operations. By combining these previously separate functions into a unified processing pipeline, the system eliminates the need for additional reduction passes while maintaining statistical accuracy, thereby reducing device complexity and processing overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the shader processing pipeline multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously perform both primary processing tasks and statistics gathering. This universal approach allows a single processing pass to accomplish multiple objectives, eliminating the need for separate dedicated reduction passes.
3Measurement precision
If an additional reduction pass is used, then statistics gathering is improved, but loss of time and processing efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs statistics gathering actions preliminarily during the main processing operations, rather than waiting until processing is complete. By collecting statistics incrementally as data flows through the processing pipeline, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing reduction passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by gathering statistics throughout the entire processing duration rather than adding a separate time-consuming reduction pass. This continuous collection approach ensures statistical completeness is achieved without the time penalty of additional processing passes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for controlling a shader to gather statistics. In use, instructions are received utilizing a programmable interface. A shader is then controlled to gather statistics based on the instructions. Such statistics are further output to memory utilizing the shader.