Method and apparatus for combining multiple line elements to produce resultant line data

Abstract

A method and apparatus is presented for combining multiple data elements to produce resultant data elements, where the data elements used for combination are reused after being loaded into memory on an integrated circuit. The apparatus includes a memory, where the memory stores a plurality of lines of data. The apparatus further includes a circular line buffer operably coupled to the memory, where the circular line buffer stores a plurality of line elements from a portion of the plurality of lines of data. A read addressing block operably coupled to the circular line buffer generates a number of read pointers corresponding to the circular line buffer. Each of the read pointers is used to address the circular line buffer to retrieve one of the data elements from a different line stored in the circular line buffer. A combination block combines the line elements selected by the read pointers to produce a result element. A write pointer coupled to the circular line buffer is utilized to store data from the memory to the circular line buffer, where data stored in the circular line buffer replaces data which has already been read and used by the combination block. A controller operably coupled to the memory, the combination block, the circular line buffer, the read dressing block, and the write pointer provides control information such that the line element data in the circular buffer is read and replaced in an optimized manner that reduces the amount of memory required to store the line data elements for processing.