Platform Performance Emulation for Binary Backward Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Porting binary code of computer applications, such as games, from one generation platform to another is costly and time-consuming due to the complexity of computer games, necessitating binary-level backward compatibility across platform generations.
Innovation Solution
A new generation platform is configured to operate in a native and foreign mode, using programmable configuration knobs to emulate the performance of an old generation platform by setting configuration knobs based on system feature values measured through diagnostic tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If binary code is ported from one generation platform to another, then compatibility is improved, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a performance model that copies and replicates the performance characteristics of the target platform (old generation) on the source platform (new generation). By measuring and replicating performance parameters through configuration knobs, the system enables binary code to execute on the new platform while maintaining the same performance behavior as the old platform, eliminating the need for time-consuming porting processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes configurable parameters (knobs) that can be adjusted to match the performance characteristics of the target platform. By changing these parameters dynamically, the source platform can emulate the performance behavior of the old generation platform, allowing binary code compatibility without requiring code modifications or recompilation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If binary code is ported from one generation platform to another, then compatibility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The performance model copies the essential performance characteristics of the target platform, enabling compatibility without expensive porting operations. This approach eliminates the need for manual code analysis, modification, and testing that would otherwise be required to achieve binary-level compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of porting (manual code modification and compilation) with an automated performance emulation system. Instead of physically modifying the binary code or source code, the system uses software-based performance modeling and configuration to achieve compatibility, significantly reducing labor costs and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If performance emulation is implemented, then binary-level backward compatibility is achieved, but platform complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a performance model as an intermediary layer between the binary code and the platform execution environment. This mediator captures and replicates the performance characteristics of the target platform, allowing the binary code to execute on a different hardware platform without direct modifications. The intermediary handles the complexity of performance matching internally, presenting a simple interface to the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for emulating, in a platform, the performance of a target platform. Techniques disclosed include receiving, by the platform, values of system features, associated with a target performance of the target platform; and setting, by the platform, one or more configuration knobs, based on the received values of system features, to match a performance of the platform to the target performance of the target platform.