Adjunct Processor Command Filtering for Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing environments face inefficiencies in command processing due to the need to switch between multiple adjunct processors to execute different types of commands, leading to increased complexity and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that enable an adjunct processor to dynamically determine, on a per-command basis, whether to process a command, using filtering indicators set based on computing policies, allowing the processor to operate in different modes without reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjunct processors are used to handle different command types, then command processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand processing capabilityVSAvoidprocessor configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal adjunct processor that can handle multiple command types (secure-key commands, clear-key commands, hash commands, query commands, random number generator commands) through a single processor instance. The processor dynamically determines whether to process each command based on filtering indicators, eliminating the need for multiple specialized processors while maintaining full command type support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjunct processor employs dynamic command-type filtering that is determined on a per-command basis rather than being statically configured. The processor dynamically evaluates filtering indicators in command requests to decide whether to process each specific command, allowing flexible adaptation to different command types without reconfiguration or multiple processor instances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjunct processors are configured for different modes, then processing versatility is improved, but program complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing mode capabilityVSAvoidprogram complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single adjunct processor that supports multiple operating modes (Common Cryptographic Architecture mode, accelerator mode, Enterprise Public Key Cryptographic Standards mode) through dynamic filtering. The same processor instance can operate in different modes by evaluating command-specific filtering indicators, eliminating the need for separate processors for each mode and reducing program complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processor dynamically switches between different operational modes based on per-command filtering indicators rather than requiring static configuration. The filtering mechanism allows the processor to adapt its behavior on a per-command basis, supporting multiple modes without requiring multiple configured processor instances or complex mode-switching programs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjunct processors are used to handle different command types, then command processing coverage is improved, but execution time and performance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand type coverageVSAvoidcode execution time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates command-type filtering indicators into the command request structure itself, performing the filtering determination as part of the command submission process. This preliminary action allows the adjunct processor to immediately know whether it should process the command without requiring context switching or communication with other processors, reducing execution time while maintaining comprehensive command type coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4264419B1Command-type filtering based on per-command filtering indicator
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • EP4264419B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4264419B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4264419B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

An adjunct processor dynamically determines, on a per-command basis, whether commands obtained by the adjunct processor are to be processed by the adjunct processor. The adjunct processor obtains a command request of a requester. The command request includes at least one filtering indicator indicating at least one valid command type for processing by the adjunct processor for the requester. The adjunct processor determines using the at least one filtering indicator whether a command of the command request is valid for processing by the adjunct processor for the requester. Based on determining that the command is valid for processing by the adjunct processor, the command is processed by the adjunct processor.