Performimg convolution operations in graphics texture mapping units

A texture mapping apparatus (110) (i.e. not a GPU shader 104 as per usual) receives a set of weight values for a convolution operation (e.g. image post-processing or as part of artificial neural network processing) to be performed and fetches from memory a set of input data values on which the convolution operation is to be performed. The texture mapping unit then performs the convolution operation on the fetched set of input data values using the received set of weight values. The texture mapping apparatus may comprise texture fetching circuitry 112 to receive the set of weight values for the convolution operation and fetch from memory 108 a set of input data values on which the convolution operation is to be performed. The texture mapping apparatus 110 may further comprise texture filtering circuitry 122 operable to perform the convolution operation using the set of received weight values and fetched input data values. The texture mapping apparatus 110 can allow a graphics processing unit 100 to perform a variety of convolution operations in an efficient manner.