Configurable Processor Interrupts for Application Exception Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Processing of interrupts by supervisor software in computer systems can negatively impact performance, especially when handling exception conditions, as it requires passing control from applications to supervisor software, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where applications can request and handle specific exception types via lightweight interrupts, with the supervisor software approving or denying these requests based on the application's capabilities, allowing certain exceptions to be routed to the application instead of the supervisor, using system calls like REQUEST NOTIFICATION and GRANT NOTIFICATION.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If supervisor software handles all interrupts, then system control and security are maintained, but system performance deteriorates due to frequent context switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments interrupt handling by dividing exception types into two categories: those handled by supervisor software and those handled by the application itself. The application can request to handle specific exception types (such as floating-point exceptions, alignment exceptions, and system calls) independently, while the supervisor retains control over other exceptions. This segmentation reduces context switches and improves performance by allowing the application to handle routine exceptions without supervisor intervention.
2Productivity
If application handles exceptions independently, then system performance improves, but system security and control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the application sends a request to the supervisor software indicating which exception types it wishes to handle. The supervisor software evaluates this request based on system policies and security considerations, then approves or denies each exception type. This feedback loop ensures that the application can handle exceptions independently when appropriate, while the supervisor maintains ultimate control and security oversight.
3Reliability
If all exception types are routed to supervisor software, then system security is maintained, but processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability where the exception handling arrangement is not fixed but can be adjusted based on the application's needs and the supervisor's security policies. The application can dynamically request to handle specific exception types, and the supervisor can dynamically approve or deny these requests. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize processing efficiency for legitimate applications while maintaining security control when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to configurable processor interrupts. An aspect includes sending, by an application to supervisor software in a computer system, a request, the request including a plurality of exception types to be handled by the application. Another aspect includes determining, by the supervisor software, a subset of the plurality of exception types for which to approve handling by the application. Yet another aspect includes sending a response from the supervisor software to the application notifying the application of the subset of exception types.