US5537541A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System independent interface for performance counters
Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Filing: 1994-08-16
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Granted: 1996-07-16
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Expires: 2014-08-16
Abstract
Abstract In a computer system, events indicative of the performance of the system are generated by system hardware and software. A user requests control of counters of different designs for counting the events. If the request for control of the counters is granted, a set of events is selected for monitoring according to predetermined attributes which characterize the events. A determination is made if the events of the set are valid, and they are determined to be valid, each event of the set are coupled to a corresponding one of the counters. The counters are then enabled to count the events of the set.
Inventors
- 👤 Brian F. Wibecan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:23
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/30; G06F11/34; G06F11/3466; G06F11/348; G06F11/3409; G06F2201/00; G06F2201/86; G06F2201/88
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for monitoring a performance of a computer system, comprising: generating a plurality of events indicative of the performance of the computer system, each event capable of being counted by at least one of a plurality of counters, said plurality of counters including counters of different designs; requesting control of said plurality of counters; in response to control being granted, selecting a set of events from said plurality of events; determining if said set of events is valid to be counted by said plurality of counters; in response to said set of events being valid, coupling each event of said set of events to a corresponding counter of said plurality of counters; enabling said corresponding counters of said plurality of counters to count said set of events to monitor the performance of the computer system.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for monitoring a performance of a computer system, comprising: generating a plurality of events indicative of the performance of the computer system, each event capable of being counted by at least one of a plurality of counters, said plurality of counters including counters of different designs; requesting control of said plurality of counters; in response to control being granted, selecting a set of events from said plurality of events; determining if said set of events is valid to be counted by said plurality of counters; in response to said set of events being valid, coupling each event of said set of events to a corresponding counter of said plurality of counters; enabling said corresponding counters of said plurality of counters to count said set of events to monitor the performance of the computer system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method of claim 1 wherein each counter of said plurality of counters and each event of said plurality of events is associated with a plurality of attributes for characterizing each counter and each event, and further comprising: for each event of said set of events and corresponding counter of said plurality of counters selecting a set of attributes from said plurality of attributes; determining if said sets of attributes is valid for said set of events and corresponding counters; enabling said corresponding counters of said plurality of counters according to said set of attributes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said plurality of attributes include frequency attributes and interrupt attributes, and further comprising: selecting a specific frequency attribute and a specific interrupt attribute.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: in response to control being granted, allocating a memory buffer, and stirring, for each event of said set of events, a count in said memory buffer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said memory buffer includes a sample buffer and a histogram buffer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the computer system includes a plurality of processes, and further comprising: selecting a specific process of said plurality of processes to monitor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 6 wherein each process of said plurality of processes can execute in a plurality of modes, and further comprising: selecting a specific mode of said plurality of modes to monitor.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for monitoring a performance of a computer system, comprising: querying an interface of the computer system to supply a set of events which represent a performance of the computer system; said interface accessing an attribute table which characterize said set of events; each event of said set of events associated with at least one counter of a plurality of counters of the computer system, said plurality of counters for counting said set of events; coupling each event of said set of events to a corresponding counter of said plurality of counters; enabling said corresponding counters to count said set of events to monitor the performance of the computer system.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for monitoring a performance of a computer system, comprising: querying an interface of the computer system to supply a set of events which represent a performance of the computer system; said interface accessing an attribute table which characterize said set of events; each event of said set of events associated with at least one counter of a plurality of counters of the computer system, said plurality of counters for counting said set of events; coupling each event of said set of events to a corresponding counter of said plurality of counters; enabling said corresponding counters to count said set of events to monitor the performance of the computer system.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
101 words
A system for monitoring a performance of a computer system, comprising: a plurality of event signals indicative of a performance of the computer system; means for counting said plurality of event signals; means for characterizing attributes of said plurality of event signals and said means for counting; means for selecting a set of event signals from said plurality of events; means for coupling each event signal of said set of event signals to said means for counting; enabling said means for counting according to said attributes to count said set of event signals to determine the performance of the computer system.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
101 words
A system for monitoring a performance of a computer system, comprising: a plurality of event signals indicative of a performance of the computer system; means for counting said plurality of event signals; means for characterizing attributes of said plurality of event signals and said means for counting; means for selecting a set of event signals from said plurality of events; means for coupling each event signal of said set of event signals to said means for counting; enabling said means for counting according to said attributes to count said set of event signals to determine the performance of the computer system.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-07-16 | 2000-01-15 | 2000-07-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-16 | 2004-01-15 | 2004-07-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-16 | 2008-01-15 | 2008-07-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |