Graphics Texture Encoding Partitioning Pattern Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing texture compression techniques for computer graphics systems face challenges in efficiently determining the optimal partitioning pattern for encoding texture data, especially when the number of possible patterns is large, leading to increased computational load and reduced performance, particularly in mobile devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that generate a reference partitioning pattern using a partitioning function and compare it to predefined patterns to select the most suitable one for encoding, reducing the need for brute-force testing and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If brute-force testing of all possible partitioning patterns is used to determine the optimal pattern, then encoding accuracy is improved, but computational load and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a set of candidate partitioning patterns before encoding begins. Instead of testing all possible patterns exhaustively, the system prepares a limited set of predefined patterns in advance, which are then tested and selected from. This reduces the computational burden while maintaining encoding accuracy by ensuring the optimal pattern is among the predefined candidates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of partitioning pattern selection from exhaustive search to predefined pattern selection. By modifying the search space from all possible patterns to a limited set of predefined patterns, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining sufficient encoding accuracy. This parameter change transforms the encoding process from time-consuming brute-force testing to efficient pattern matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of predefined partitioning patterns is increased to cover more encoding scenarios, then encoding versatility is improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoding versatilityVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selecting a representative subset of predefined partitioning patterns that covers the most common and important encoding scenarios. Instead of including all possible patterns (excessive action), the system chooses a carefully curated set of patterns that provides sufficient versatility for practical applications. This partial approach reduces computational complexity while maintaining adequate encoding versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the encoding process into distinct phases: predefined pattern selection, pattern testing, and final pattern selection. By dividing the complex task of pattern determination into manageable segments, the system reduces overall computational complexity. The segmentation allows the device to handle pattern selection systematically rather than through exhaustive search, reducing the burden on mobile and handheld devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If texture data is compressed using traditional compression techniques, then storage requirements are reduced, but image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage requirementsVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by dividing the texture data into blocks and applying different partitioning patterns to different blocks based on their specific characteristics. Each block can be encoded using the most suitable predefined pattern for its content, allowing optimal compression and quality preservation locally. This localized approach maintains image quality better than uniform compression while reducing overall storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8891886B2Method of and apparatus for encoding data
Publication Date: 2014.11.18 ARM LTD
  • US8891886B2 patent drawing
  • US8891886B2 patent drawing
  • US8891886B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A graphics texture data encoding arrangement in which the texels in a texel block 30 to be encoded are divided into different partitions within the block. A reference partitioning pattern for a texel block to be encoded is generated by using a partitioning function 32 to partition the data values for the texels into a number of data value partitions, and then sorting the individual texels in the texel block into respective partitions 33 based on their values. A set of predefined partitioning patterns 35 that the encoding scheme supports is then compared 36 to the generated reference partitioning pattern. The predefined partitioning pattern that best matches 39 the generated reference partitioning pattern is then used 42 to encode the block of texels.