Exception Simulator for Software Interrupt Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Software routines lack the capability to handle exceptions and generate hardware interrupts, as they do not have direct control over hardware-implemented exception handling mechanisms, which is necessary for managing exceptions such as invalid operations or overflow during floating-point operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a computer-readable program code logic that simulates exception handling by using instructions like Load Floating Point Control and Signal, which saves control register contents, determines if an interruption is needed, and provides status indications for exceptions, allowing software routines to manage exceptions and invoke interrupts as necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a function is implemented in software to simulate hardware operations, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the capability to handle exceptions and generate hardware interrupts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware flexibilityVSAvoidexception handling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary mechanism is introduced between software routines and hardware interrupt systems. The software-generated interrupt signal acts as a mediator that translates software exception conditions into hardware-compatible interrupt formats, allowing software to indirectly control hardware interrupt generation without direct hardware dependency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a copy of the hardware interrupt generation capability within the software exception simulator. By replicating the essential interrupt signaling functionality in software, the system maintains hardware-like exception handling capabilities while operating within the software execution environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If exception handling is implemented in hardware, then exception detection and signaling are improved, but control over exception handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexception detectionVSAvoidsoftware control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of hardware controlling exception handling and software passively receiving interrupts, the invention inverts the control flow by allowing software to actively generate and control interrupt signals. Software routines can deliberately invoke hardware interrupts based on their internal logic and exception conditions, reversing the traditional hardware-to-software control direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The software exception simulator implements self-service by autonomously monitoring its own execution conditions, detecting exceptions within the software routine, and independently generating appropriate interrupt signals without requiring external hardware exception detection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If software routines simulate hardware functions, then implementation flexibility is improved, but mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation flexibilityVSAvoidexception handling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The software exception simulator is designed with universal functionality that can handle multiple types of exceptions and generate various interrupt types through a single unified mechanism. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be multiple separate software components into one cohesive exception handling system, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7765389B2Management of exceptions and hardware interruptions by an exception simulator

Publication Date: 2010.07.27 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Exception handling is simulated. An exception simulator is employed to simulate exceptions generated from routines simulating operations. The exception simulator provides an indication of the exception and invokes an interruption, when appropriate. The exception simulator includes an instruction invoked to handle the exception and any interruption.