Interrupt Routing via Processor Type Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices face inefficiencies and increased complexity in processing interrupts due to overhead, design complexity, inflexibility, and additional hardware requirements when using multiple processors, as current techniques often route interrupts suboptimally and lack flexibility in mapping interrupts to appropriate processors.
Innovation Solution
A computing device that classifies processors into types and dynamically associates interrupts with processor types, using tables to determine the most suitable processor for each interrupt, allowing for efficient and flexible interrupt processing without significant additional hardware or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If interrupts are routed to processors using straightforward load-balancing algorithms or manual configuration, then interrupt processing can be distributed across multiple processors, but the routing is suboptimal and lacks flexibility in matching interrupt types to processor capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of interrupt routing by introducing processor type classification and dynamic association between interrupt types and processor types. Instead of using static load-balancing algorithms or manual configuration, the system dynamically selects processors based on matching interrupt characteristics with processor capabilities, thereby improving both efficiency and flexibility simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic interrupt routing where the association between interrupts and processors is not fixed but can be changed based on system conditions. The interrupt controller dynamically determines which processor type should handle which interrupt type, allowing the system to adapt to varying workloads and processor availability, thus resolving the contradiction between efficient routing and flexibility
2Productivity
If purpose-specific auxiliary processors or embedded processors with custom logic are added to handle interrupts, then interrupt processing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing processors multi-functional by classifying them into different processor types based on their capabilities. Instead of adding dedicated auxiliary processors for specific interrupt types, the system enables general-purpose processors to handle different interrupt types dynamically through software configuration and type matching, thereby improving interrupt processing capability without increasing hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters of existing processors through software-based type classification rather than through hardware specialization. By modifying how processors are categorized and selected (through processor type tables and dynamic association), the system achieves specialized interrupt handling capabilities without adding specialized hardware, thus improving capability while maintaining simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If static remapping of interrupts to processors is implemented, then some interrupt routing flexibility is achieved, but the remapping is limited in scope and requires synchronization with asynchronous activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static interrupt remapping into a dynamic system where processor-type associations can be changed at runtime. The interrupt controller can dynamically select which processor type should handle which interrupt type based on current system state, eliminating the need for complex synchronization mechanisms while providing broader routing flexibility than static remapping
Data Source
AI summary
The described embodiments include a computing device with multiple interrupt processors for processing interrupts. In the described embodiments, each of the multiple processors is classified as one or more processor types based on factors such as features and functionality of the processor, an operating environment of the processor, the characteristics of some or all of the available interrupts, etc. During operation, an interrupt controller in the computing device receives an indication of an interrupt. The interrupt controller then determines a processor type for processing the interrupt. Next, the interrupt controller causes the interrupt to be processed by one of the plurality of processors that is the determined processor type.