Sony patents memory system that cuts power use in AI image sensors
Sony describes a data processing device that tracks which parts of its memory are currently being used for deep neural network tasks. Once a section of memory is no longer needed, the system automatically switches it to a low-power or off state to save energy.
In the filing’s own words
The present disclosure relates to a data processing device, a data processing method, a data processing system, and a sensor system aimed to reduce memory power consumption. Provided is a data processing device including: a memory that is partitioned into a plurality of memory banks and stores data used in DNN processing; a holding unit that is provided for each of the memory banks and retains usage status information indicating a usage status of the data stored in each memory word; and a power management unit that brings power to the memory bank where all the pieces of data stored in each memory word have been used from an on state into an off state or a low-power state where the memory banks operate with reduced power compared to the on state on the basis of the usage status information that has been retained. The present disclosure is applicable to, for example, a sensor system including an image sensor.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A data processing device comprising: a memory that is partitioned into a plurality of memory banks and stores data used in DNN processing; a holding unit that is provided for each of the memory banks and retains usage status information indicating a usage status of the data stored in each memory word; and a power management unit that brings power to the memory bank where all the pieces of data stored in each memory word have been used from an on state into an off state or a low-power state where the memory banks operate with reduced power compared to the on state on a basis of the usage status information that has been retained.
Facts
- Company
- Sony (SONY GROUP CORPORATION)
- Official title
- DATA PROCESSING DEVICE, DATA PROCESSING METHOD, DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND SENSOR SYSTEM
- Publication number
- US20260259594A1
- Application number
- 19159624
- Filed
- Feb 20, 2024
- Published
- Sep 3, 2026
- Inventors
- 1
- Claims
- 13
Classified under
G06F 1/3275 Physics & computingG06F 1/3296 Physics & computingMore from Sony in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.