Variable Shading Rate Graphics Processing via Motion Blur Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern graphics processing systems face inefficiencies in power consumption and performance due to fixed shading rates, particularly in areas with motion blur, camera defocus, and peripheral blur, where reduced shading rates can be applied without significant loss of detail, but existing anti-aliasing techniques do not effectively manage variable shading rates across different regions of a frame.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a variable shading rate technique that adjusts the size of shading quads and grid cells based on scale factors, allowing for flexible shading rates by interpolating and quantizing these factors to maintain image quality while reducing computational load, and using lookup tables or programmable shading rates to adapt shading rates based on focus, motion, and viewer attention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed shading rate is used across the entire frame, then image quality is maintained consistently, but power consumption increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different shading rates to different regions of the frame based on local image characteristics. Motion blur maps and depth of field maps identify regions where reduced shading is acceptable, allowing high shading rates only in critical areas while using lower rates in peripheral or blurred regions, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining necessary image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts shading rates based on runtime conditions such as motion detection, focus depth, and viewer attention. The system modifies shading quads and grid cell sizes adaptively during frame rendering, transitioning from static fixed-rate shading to dynamic variable-rate shading that responds to scene content and device state.
2Device complexity
If a fixed shading rate is used across the entire frame, then processing is simplified, but performance and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame into multiple regions with different shading rates based on motion blur maps, depth of field maps, and saliency information. By dividing the rendering task into zones requiring different computational effort, the system optimizes processing efficiency without overwhelming complexity, as each segment can be handled independently with appropriate shading rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the shading rate parameter dynamically across different frame regions and time moments. By adjusting parameters such as quad size, grid cell dimensions, and sample density based on local image characteristics, the system achieves variable-rate shading that improves processing efficiency while managing complexity through parameterized control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If variable shading rates are applied in regions with motion blur and peripheral blur, then power consumption is reduced, but image detail may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis before shading by generating motion blur maps and depth of field maps that identify regions where detail is already degraded by optical effects. This preliminary characterization allows the system to safely reduce shading rates in these pre-identified regions without losing perceptible detail, as the blur effects already mask fine details that would require high-rate shading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from motion detection, focus depth analysis, and saliency mapping to guide variable shading rate decisions. The system continuously monitors image characteristics and adjusts shading rates accordingly, ensuring that detail is preserved in regions where it matters while reducing power consumption in regions where optical effects or peripheral vision reduce perceptibility.
4Use of energy by moving object
If shading rates are reduced in peripheral regions, then power consumption decreases, but visible grid transitions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs smooth transition zones between regions of different shading rates, avoiding abrupt boundaries that would create visible grid artifacts. By using curved or gradual transition regions rather than sharp geometric boundaries, the system maintains visual continuity while still achieving power savings through variable rate shading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate transition regions between high and low shading rate areas that smoothly blend the different sampling densities. These intermediary zones act as buffers that prevent visible grid transitions by gradually adjusting the shading rate, ensuring visual continuity across the frame while maintaining the power efficiency benefits of variable-rate shading.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a given frame or picture may have different shading rates. In one embodiment in some areas of the frame or picture the shading rate may be less than once per pixel and in other places it may be once per pixel. An algorithm may be used to determine how the shading rate changes across the frame.