US5613129A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Adaptive mechanism for efficient interrupt processing
Assignee: Enterasys Networks Inc
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Filing: 1994-05-02
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Granted: 1997-03-18
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Expires: 2014-05-02
Abstract
Abstract Postponing the interrupt for an I/O event can increase system throughput by amortizing the cost of the interrupt service routine over multiple I/O events. In current systems that provide interrupt postponement, the time parameter is fixed. Fixed values can lead to parameter configuration errors, excessive characterization work to generate parameter values, and a failure to automatically re-configure to system changes or to external load changes. The proposed mechanism measures actual system experience and eliminates the parameter configuration effort by filtering its own experience to derive a target value for interrupt postponement. A current postponement value with the potentially greater variance than the target is used to rapidly respond to abrupt change in offered load. The invention also benefits tasks with real-time deadlines to provide correct system operation.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert J. Walsh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 23:53
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F13/00; G06F13/14; G06F13/20; G06F13/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus for adaptively processing interrupts, comprising: a memory for storing a delay value for interrupt processing and for storing a target value; means for determining system idle time; means for comparing said delay value and said target value; and, means for altering said delay value in response to said comparing and in response to said means for determining system idle time.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
62 words
An apparatus for adaptively processing interrupts, comprising: a memory for storing a delay value for interrupt processing and for storing a target value; means for determining system idle time; means for comparing said delay value and said target value; and, means for altering said delay value in response to said comparing and in response to said means for determining system idle time.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
38 words
A method for adaptively processing interrupts, comprising the steps of: determining system idle time; comparing a delay value for interrupt delay to a target value; and, altering said delay value in response to said comparing and said determining.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
38 words
A method for adaptively processing interrupts, comprising the steps of: determining system idle time; comparing a delay value for interrupt delay to a target value; and, altering said delay value in response to said comparing and said determining.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 where said means for determining system idle time comprises: means for measuring idle time during a predetermined time unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a counter responsive to a received interrupt, said counter counting a delay interval equal to said delay value.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: means for signaling that a delay interval equal to said delay value is passed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: means for adjusting said target value in response to said delay value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said determining system idle time comprises determining system idle time in a predetermined time unit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 2 further comprising: adjusting said target value in response to said delay value.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
70 words
An apparatus for adaptively processing interrupts, comprising: a memory for storing a delay value for interrupt processing and for storing a target value; means for determining system idle time; means for comparing said delay value and said target value; and, means for altering said delay value in response to said comparing and in response to said means for determining system idle time without altering a priority level of said interrupts.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
70 words
An apparatus for adaptively processing interrupts, comprising: a memory for storing a delay value for interrupt processing and for storing a target value; means for determining system idle time; means for comparing said delay value and said target value; and, means for altering said delay value in response to said comparing and in response to said means for determining system idle time without altering a priority level of said interrupts.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for adaptively processing interrupts, comprising the steps of: determining system idle time; comparing a delay value for interrupt delay to a target value; and, altering said delay value in response to said comparing and said determining without altering a priority level of said interrupts.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for adaptively processing interrupts, comprising the steps of: determining system idle time; comparing a delay value for interrupt delay to a target value; and, altering said delay value in response to said comparing and said determining without altering a priority level of said interrupts.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-03-17 | 2000-09-16 | 2001-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-03-17 | 2004-09-16 | 2005-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-03-17 | 2008-09-16 | 2009-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |