Video decoder memory bandwidth compression

Abstract

A method, system and computer program for decompressing video data, storing the compressed video data in such a way that random access is possible and the data can be mapped efficiently into existing memory systems and interface protocols. The compression is accomplished via lossless compression using an algorithm optimized for video data. Due to the compressed format, data transmission consumes less bandwidth than using uncompressed data and prevents degradation in the decoded video.

1 . A method for interfacing between a processing unit and memory, the method comprising:
 dividing data into a plurality of data chunks;   losslessly compressing the plurality of data chunks individually, wherein the plurality of compressed data chunks comprises a percentage of uncompressed data;   storing the plurality of compressed data chunks at a same memory location as an uncompressed data chunk would occupy;   reading the plurality of stored compressed data chunks from memory; and   decoding the data.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein reading comprises linear reading. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein reading comprises random access reading. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises compressing at one of eighty seven and a half percent (87.5%), seventy five percent (75%) and fifty prevent (50%). 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises randomly accessing the data chunks from a buffer. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises fetching a first part of the data chunk in a read operation and fetching a second part of the data chunk if it is present. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each data chunk comprises multiple four by four (4×4) video blocks. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises indicating whether the data chunks are compressed. 
     
     
         9 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A system for interfacing with a processing unit, the system comprising:
 a compressor operable to compress a plurality of data chunks individually, wherein the plurality of compressed video data chunks comprise a percentage of uncompressed data; and   memory operable to store each compressed data chunk at a same memory location as an uncompressed data chunk would occupy.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the memory is operable to be read in a linear fashion. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the memory is operable to be read by random access. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the compressor is operable to apply two levels of compression. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the compressor is operable to randomly access the data chunks from a buffer. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the compressor is operable to fetching a first part of the data chunk in a read operation and fetch a second part of the data chunk if it is present. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein each data chunk comprises multiple four by four (4×4) video blocks. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the compressor is operable to indicating whether the data chunks are compressed. 
     
     
         22 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . An interface comprising:
 a compressor operable to compress a plurality of data chunks individually, wherein the plurality of compressed data chunks comprise a percentage of uncompressed data; and   memory operable to store each compressed data chunk at a same memory location as an uncompressed data chunk would occupy.   
     
     
         41 . The interface of  claim 40 , wherein the compressor is operable to apply two levels of compression. 
     
     
         42 . The interface of  claim 40 , wherein the compressor is operable to randomly access the data chunks from a buffer and indicate whether the data chunks are compressed. 
     
     
         43 . The interface of  claim 40 , wherein each data chunk comprises at least one video block.