Pixel value compaction for graphics processing

摘要

In general, aspects of this disclosure describe example techniques for efficient usage of the fixed data rate processing of a graphics processing unit (GPU) for a variable data rate processing. For example, the GPU may be coupled to a pixel value processing unit that receives pixel values for pixels in an image processed by the GPU. The pixel value processing unit may determine whether the pixel values are for pixels that require further processing, and store the pixel values for the pixels that are required for further processing in a buffer.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
receiving, with a fixed-function pixel value processing unit coupled to a graphics processing unit (GPU) and external to the GPU, an output stream from the GPU that includes pixel values for one or more pixels in an image processed by the GPU, wherein the fixed-function pixel value processing unit is perpetually ready to receive the output stream from the GPU and process the output stream without scheduling; evaluating, with the fixed-function pixel value processing unit, the pixel values in the output stream; determining, with the fixed-function pixel value processing unit, which pixels require further processing by the GPU based on the evaluation of the pixel values in the output stream, wherein determining which pixels require further processing by the GPU comprises determining which pixels require further processing by the GPU in a single computational cycle of the fixed-function pixel value processing unit and without synchronization between the fixed-function pixel value processing unit and the GPU; and storing, in a buffer that is external to the fixed-function pixel value processing unit and coupled to the fixed-function pixel value processing unit, the pixel values for the pixels that require further processing by the GPU.