X-Y Stack Memory for 2D Array Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current memory architectures for processing image data require additional address calculations and incur significant overhead when accessing 2D arrays, as they are typically loaded into a 1D memory space, leading to inefficient memory access patterns between row and column directions.
Innovation Solution
A computing apparatus with a multidimensional memory space defined by X and Y axes, utilizing a memory access unit with stack pointer registers to access 2D array data in a last-in first-out (LIFO) manner, allowing data to be pushed or popped along rows or columns without additional computations, thereby simplifying memory access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If image data is loaded into a 1D memory space, then memory can be accessed sequentially, but additional address calculation is required for column direction access increasing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the memory address space from one-dimensional to two-dimensional by introducing row and column pointers. This allows image data to be accessed directly in both row and column directions without additional address calculation, as the 2D address space naturally accommodates both access patterns. The memory unit is configured with a 2D address space having row pointer and column pointer, eliminating the need for complex address transformation calculations.
2Ease of operation
If 2D array data is accessed in row direction, then data can be processed sequentially, but memory access pattern differs from column direction requiring great overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal memory access mechanism that handles both row and column direction accesses through the same 2D address space structure. The memory unit can access data in either direction using identical pointer manipulation operations, making the system multi-functional for different access patterns without requiring separate access mechanisms. This universality eliminates the need for different access routines for row and column operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing apparatus is provided. The computing apparatus includes a memory unit configured to have an address space defined as a multidimensional space having at least two axes, and a memory access unit configured to include a first pointer register storing a first pointer pointing to a row corresponding to the first axis and a second pointer register storing a second pointer pointing to a column corresponding to the second axis.