Load Count to Block Boundary Instruction for Memory Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data processing techniques are inefficient when handling data near memory boundaries, as they often result in problematic operations and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a Load Count to Block Boundary (LCBB) instruction that determines the number of bytes to a specified memory boundary from a given address, allowing data to be loaded without crossing a specified boundary, using a boundary size that can be explicitly specified or dynamically determined by the machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If current data processing techniques are used to handle data near memory boundaries, then data processing can be performed, but operational efficiency deteriorates and problematic operations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidoperational reliability near memory boundaries
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the distance to the memory boundary before executing the data loading operation. The LCBB instruction computes the number of bytes that can be loaded without crossing a boundary, allowing the system to prepare appropriate handling logic in advance. This prevents problematic operations by knowing the boundary constraints before they are encountered during data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If special handling is implemented for data near memory boundaries, then operational reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliability near memory boundariesVSAvoidcomplexity of boundary handling mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the processor itself to calculate the distance to memory boundaries through the LCBB instruction. Rather than requiring external control logic or complex boundary management hardware, the processor autonomously determines how many bytes can be loaded without crossing a boundary. This reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability by embedding the boundary awareness directly in the processing unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2769382B1Instruction to compute the distance to a specified memory boundary
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • EP2769382B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP2769382B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2769382B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A Load Count to Block Boundary instruction is provided that provides a distance from a specified memory address to a specified memory boundary. The memory boundary is a boundary that is not to be crossed in loading data. The boundary may be specified a number of ways, including, but not limited to, a variable value in the instruction text, a fixed instruction text value encoded in the opcode, or a register based boundary; or it may be dynamically determined.