Runtime Metadata Logging With Single-Instruction Low Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Logging information during software development can result in high overhead due to large memory footprint and slowed program execution, especially with traditional logging methods that involve copying full log strings and using additional hardware tracing devices.
Innovation Solution
A low overhead logging mechanism that uses single machine instructions to capture metadata during runtime into a software configurable buffer, which is then processed offline to generate log messages, combining programmer-controlled logging with reduced overhead and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional logging methods copy full log strings into buffers, then complete logging information is captured, but memory footprint increases and program execution slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential metadata components from complete log strings - specifically instruction pointers, timestamps, and optional data - storing these compact representations in a buffer instead of full log messages. This extraction principle reduces memory footprint while preserving the core information needed for post-processing analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of copying full log strings, the patent copies only critical metadata fields (instruction pointer, timestamp, optional data) into the logging buffer. This selective copying approach maintains the essential logging functionality while significantly reducing the quantity of data stored in memory during program execution.
2Loss of information
If traditional logging methods copy full log strings into buffers, then complete logging information is captured, but program execution speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential metadata components from complete log strings - specifically instruction pointers, timestamps, and optional data - storing these compact representations in a buffer instead of full log messages. This extraction principle reduces memory footprint while preserving the core information needed for post-processing analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from full log strings to compact metadata structures with fixed fields (instruction pointer, timestamp, optional data). This parameter transformation reduces the computational overhead of logging operations and accelerates program execution while maintaining logging functionality.
3Productivity
If hardware tracing devices are used to observe system state, then logging overhead is reduced, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service logging where the program automatically captures its own execution state by storing metadata (instruction pointers, timestamps, optional data) in a buffer during normal execution. This eliminates the need for external hardware tracing devices while maintaining low overhead, as the logging functionality is embedded within the software itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal logging mechanism that works across different programming languages and platforms through standardized metadata capture. The single-machine-instruction approach provides a multi-functional solution that replaces various hardware tracing devices while maintaining compatibility across diverse computing environments.
4Quantity of substance
If tokenized logging is used to reduce memory usage, then local memory usage decreases, but logging flexibility and programmer control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different logging capabilities at different locations in the code - programmers can insert logging instructions at specific points where detailed information is needed, while other sections use minimal metadata capture. This localized approach optimizes memory usage while maintaining flexibility where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic logging where the amount and type of metadata captured can vary based on program state and requirements. The optional data field and configurable logging instructions allow the system to adapt between minimal and detailed logging modes, providing flexibility while maintaining low memory overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) device may obtain machine instructions for a program that include a logging machine instruction to store metadata in a buffer. The IC device may execute the machine instructions for the program, and store the metadata in the buffer upon executing the logging machine instruction. The logging machine instruction may be generated by compiling code for storing the metadata into a single machine instruction. The metadata may include an instruction pointer maintained by the IC device, and a timestamp indicating a time of execution of the logging machine instruction.