Device-Specific Kernel Mode Driver IRP Dispatch Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing systems face performance limitations in handling input/output request packets (IRPs) due to restrictions imposed by the operating system in graphics co-processing, particularly when using heterogeneous graphics processing units (GPUs).
Innovation Solution
Implementing a device-specific kernel mode driver that receives and manages IRPs by creating a dispatch table with function pointers, allowing for customized handling of IRPs between device-specific and operating system dispatch handlers, enabling flexible IRP management independent of operating system limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operating system handles all input/output request packets (IRPs) for graphics devices, then system stability and compatibility are maintained, but overall performance is limited by operating system restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IRP handling process by creating a dual-path architecture: one path through the operating system for general stability, and another path through a device-specific kernel mode driver for performance-critical operations. The dispatch table is segmented to contain both OS function pointers and device-specific function pointers, allowing selective routing of IRPs based on their requirements.
2Productivity
If a device specific kernel mode driver creates a customized dispatch table with device-specific function pointers, then IRP handling performance is improved by bypassing operating system restrictions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device-specific kernel mode driver acts as an intermediary layer between the input/output manager and the graphics device. It receives IRPs from the input/output manager, consults the customized dispatch table to determine the appropriate handling path, and routes IRPs accordingly. This intermediary approach allows performance optimization without completely replacing the operating system's IRP handling mechanism.
3Productivity
If heterogeneous graphics processing units (integrated and discrete GPUs) are utilized to improve overall performance, then processing capability is enhanced, but coordination and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different handling strategies for different types of IRPs based on their specific requirements. The dispatch table enables certain IRPs to be handled by device-specific functions optimized for heterogeneous GPU coordination, while other IRPs continue to use standard operating system handlers. This selective approach manages the complexity of heterogeneous GPU coordination without affecting the entire IRP handling system.
Data Source
AI summary
The input/output request packet (IRP) handling technique includes determining if a received input/output request packet should receive a given handling. If the input/output request packet should receive the given handling, the input/output request packet is dispatched to a device specific dispatch input/output request packet handler. Otherwise, the input/output request packet is redirected to an operating system dispatch input/output request packet handler.