Processor and data processing method with non-hierarchical computer security enhancements for context states
US8850557B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/2105
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed are a processor and processing method that provide non-hierarchical computer security enhancements for context states. The processor can comprise a context control unit that uses context identifier tags associated with corresponding contexts to control access by the contexts to context information (i.e., context states) contained in the processor's non-stackable and/or stackable registers. For example, in response to an access request, the context control unit can grant a specific context access to a register only when that register is tagged with a specific context identifier tag. If the register is tagged with another context identifier tag, the contents of the specific register are saved in a context save area of memory and the previous context states of the specific context are restored to the specific register before access can be granted. The context control unit can also provide such computer security enhancements while still facilitating authorized cross-context and/or cross-level communications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.