JP3498702B2 - Computer system and trace information control method used therefor - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer system and a trace information control method used for the same, and more particularly to a system for controlling recording of trace information which is information indicating the state of the system itself in the computer system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a computer system has a function of recording trace information, which is information indicating the state of the system itself, regardless of hardware or software.

The trace information is information such as an operation / state performed by the system, which is stored in a memory area or the like within the system. For example, in which module the system performs normal system processing in the order of time series or event occurrence. It is possible to know whether or not abnormal system processing was performed. Therefore, the trace information is used for debugging during development or for investigation when a failure occurs.

Here, as a trace information recording method, generally, a memory area having a certain size is provided as a trace area, and the latest trace information is sequentially written into the area, and this area becomes full. At the time
There are many methods to overwrite old trace information.

[0005]

In the above-mentioned conventional trace information recording method, the same pattern is generally stored as the configuration pattern of the trace information stored in the trace area when the system is operating normally. Often.

Further, the trace information can store only the trace information proportional to the size of the trace area. Therefore, for example, when investigating a faulty part such as a system fault investigation, the trace information is checked, but since only the normal operation pattern is often stored in the trace area, what should be done when identifying the faulty part? It is necessary to change the trace pointer every time and collect the trace information.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, to provide a computer system that can collect more trace information, and can efficiently investigate, and a trace information control method used therefor. It is in.

[0008]

A computer system according to the present invention is a computer system having a trace information collection function of sequentially writing trace information in a trace area of a certain size in the system. The trace information stored in the trace area is monitored and this trace information is stored in the system.
Each is the trace information of a specific pattern, and the uneven length
Means for comparing with each of the plurality of pattern information with, its
Is compared with any one of the plurality of pattern information.
And a means for converting the stored trace information into trace information in a simple format as the trace information of a specific pattern and storing the trace information in the trace area.

[0009] Other computer system according to the present invention, the trace information storage section and, respectively JP <br/> heterogeneous Ri trace information der constant pattern for temporarily storing the trace information to be written from the system to the trace area Have a certain length
A plurality of patterns stored a plurality of pattern information and the pattern storage means for previously storing to, the trace information and the pattern storage means to be stored in the trace information storage means
Comparing means for comparing the respective chromatography emissions information, the comparison result is created a new trace information including information indicating that the matched when showing a match with any of the plurality of pattern information the said comparison means And a writing means for writing in the trace area.

A trace information control method for a computer system according to the present invention is a trace information for a computer system having a trace information collection function of sequentially writing trace information in a trace area of a certain size in the system. a control method, the tray monitors trace information stored in the trace region
Information of each specific pattern stored in the system.
Multiple patterns with race information and non-uniform length
The step of comparing each of the information and the result of the comparison
And a step of converting the stored trace information into trace information in a simple format as the trace information of a specific pattern and storing the trace information in a trace area when showing a match with any of a plurality of pattern information .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a trace information control method for a computer system in which trace information written from a system to a trace area is temporarily stored in a trace information storage means and a pattern storage means. has been comparing a respective <br/> of the plurality of pattern information each have a trace information der Ri uneven length of a particular pattern, the comparison result of said plurality Pas
When a match with any of the turn information is shown, a step of newly creating trace information including information indicating the match and writing the trace information in the trace area is provided.

That is, according to the trace information control method of the present invention, in a system having a trace information collecting function of sequentially writing trace information to a trace area of a certain size in the system, the It has a function to monitor the trace information stored in the trace area, and when some of the stored trace information matches a specific trace information pattern stored in the system, identify some of the stored trace information. The pattern trace information is converted into a simple form of trace information and stored in the trace area.

More specifically, in the trace information control method of the present invention, the trace information written by the system is temporarily stored in the trace information storage unit, and the trace information of some specific patterns is stored in the pattern storage unit. The pattern information is stored and the control unit constantly monitors the trace information storage unit in which the trace information is stored.

Here, when the trace information that matches the trace information pattern stored in the pattern information storage unit is stored, the control unit newly creates trace information including information indicating that the trace patterns match. And write to the trace area. This makes it possible to store more trace information in the trace area than in the conventional method.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a partial configuration according to the present invention of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The computer system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a trace information storage unit 1, a control unit 2, a pattern storage unit 3, and a trace area 4. Here, the trace information storage unit 1 is an area for temporarily storing the trace information which is written on the system side at any time, and the storage unit 12 for storing the trace information and the trace information stored in this area. It is composed of a pointer 11 that stores information indicating the start and end addresses.

The pattern storage unit 3 is an area capable of storing some trace information patterns, and stores pattern information 31, 32, 33 for storing trace patterns, a start address of each pattern information and an end address of the pattern information. It is composed of an address section 30 for storing. The pattern information 31, 32, and 33 are ID portions 311, 321, and 331 that are identification information of each pattern information, and flag portions 312 and 32 that indicate validity / invalidity of this pattern information.
2, 332 and pattern portions 313, 323, 333 in which trace information patterns are actually stored.

The control unit 2 has a function of creating trace information from the information of each of the trace information storage unit 1 and the pattern storage unit 3 and storing it in the trace area 4, and is composed of a comparison unit 22 and a judgment unit 21. .

Here, the comparison unit 22 uses the pointer 11 of the trace information storage unit 1 to the trace information stored in the storage unit 12 and each pattern unit 31 in the pattern storage unit 3.
3, 323, 333 are sequentially compared with the trace patterns stored therein, and the comparison result is flag portions 312, 322.
332 and stores all pattern information 31, 32, 33
It has a function of notifying the judgment unit 21 when the check of is completed.

The judgment unit 21 manages the writing of the trace information in the trace area 4, and when the comparison unit 22 notifies that there is a valid trace pattern, the judgment unit 21 stores in the corresponding pattern information 31, 32, 33. ID parts 311 and 32
Trace information in a simple format is newly created from the information of 1,331, and the trace information is written in the trace area 4.

When the judgment section 21 is notified that there is no valid trace pattern, the pattern information 31,
Trace information is newly created from the information indicating that there is no pattern set in 32 and 33 and one trace information stored in the storage unit 12, and the trace information is written in the trace area 4. Further, the judgment unit 21 has a function of updating the head pointer in the pointer 11 to the address of the next trace information after writing the trace information.

As a result, when the trace information stored in the trace information storage unit 1 written by the system matches the trace pattern written in the pattern storage unit 3, it is stored in the trace area 4. Since the trace information requires a smaller capacity than before, the traceable range (period) becomes large, and it is possible to efficiently investigate when collecting trace information for failure investigation.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example on the computer system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a process operating in the computer system according to the present embodiment. When each process A to I is executed, the trace information composed of 4 bytes is referred to by referring to the address information of the pointer 11. It is assumed that the data is written in the storage unit 12 as needed.

For example, in FIG. 2, the system processes A, B,
When operating in the order of C and D (steps S1 to S in FIG. 2)
4), the trace information A, B, C, D is written in the storage unit 12 in this order. In the case where the processes A, E, C, F, and G operate in this order (steps S1, S5, S3, S6 in FIG.
S7), the trace information A, E, C,
It is stored in the order of F and G. Similarly, processes A, E, C,
When operating in the order of F, H, I (FIG. 2, steps S1, S
5, S3, S6, S8, S9), and the trace information A, E, C, F, H, I is stored in the storage unit 12 in this order.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the trace information storage unit 1 of FIG. In FIG. 3, the pointer 11 stores the start address and the end address of the trace information stored in the storage unit 12. In this case, the trace information is already at address' 012F.
It is assumed that h'is written.

It is assumed that the storage unit 12 has a size of "0400h", and after writing up to "04FFh", the storage unit 12 has "0400h".
It is a system in which the trace information is written back to the address of 100h '.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the pattern storage unit 3 of FIG. In FIG. 3, pattern portions 313,
It is assumed that the pattern information stored in 323 and 333 is preset. In this example, three patterns are stored.

The start address of each pattern information is sequentially stored in the address section 30. Also, the address part 3
The final address of 0 stores the final address of the pattern information. In this case, it is “2039h”.

A different value is assigned to the ID portion in the pattern information for each pattern. Here, ID = 01, 02,
It is 03. Further, either “FFh” indicating valid or “00h” indicating invalid is set in the flag portion.

5 and 6 are flow charts showing the processing operation of the comparison unit 22 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing trace information newly created by the computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A shows the end # 1
7B shows the new trace information, and FIG. 7B shows the new trace information in the case of end # 2. The operation of the computer system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The comparison unit 22 shown in FIG.
All flag parts 312, 322, 3 in 1, 32, 33
Write “FFh”, which indicates validity, to 32. continue,
The comparison unit 22 sets the value of the start address of the pointer 11 to “010”.
From 0h ', the trace information A of the storage unit 12 and the trace information of the first trace information pattern unit 313 in which the flag units 312, 322, 332 of each pattern information 31, 32, 33 are valid from the information of the address unit 30. A, the trace information A of the pattern portion 323, and the trace information A of the pattern portion 333 are compared. In this case, since all the comparison results match, the next trace information is compared.

Next, the comparison unit 22 outputs the trace information B which is the second trace information from the storage unit 12, the trace information B of the pattern unit 313 which is the second trace information, the trace information E of the pattern unit 323 and the pattern. The trace information B of the unit 333 is compared. Here, the pattern 323
Since the trace information of No match, the flag section 322
'00h', which indicates invalidity, is written.

Further, the comparing unit 22 stores the trace information C which is the third trace information from the storage unit 12 and the trace information C of the pattern unit 313 which is the third trace information.
The trace information C of the pattern portion 333 is compared.

In this way, the comparison unit 22 sequentially compares the trace information, and when the fourth comparison is completed, the flag unit 3
12, 322 and 332 are valid only in the flag part 312, and the comparison part 22 notifies the determination part 21 at this point that the comparison is completed.

That is, the comparison unit 22 first sets L = N = 1,
A = 1 (step S11 in FIG. 5), pattern information 3N
Is stored (step S1 in FIG. 5).
2). If the pattern information 3N is not stored, the comparison unit 22 notifies the end # 1.

Further, the comparator 22 sets all the flag parts to valid ('FFh') (step S13 in FIG. 5), and the L-th trace information (Z
1) is read (step S14 in FIG. 5). After that, the comparison unit 22 sets L = L + 1 (see step S1 in FIG. 5).
5), the flag section 3N2 is read (step S1 in FIG. 5).
6), it is determined whether the flag portion 3N2 is valid (step S17 in FIG. 5).

If the flag section 3N2 is valid, the comparison section 22 determines the A-th trace information (Z2) from the pattern section 3N.
(Step S18 in FIG. 5) and trace information (Z
1, Z2) are compared to determine whether they match (step S19 in FIG. 5). If the trace information (Z1, Z2) does not match, the comparing unit 22 determines the flag unit 3
Set N2 to invalid ('00h') (step S in FIG. 5).
20).

If the flag portion 3N2 is not valid or if the trace information (Z1, Z2) match, the comparing portion 22 sets N = N + 1 (step S21 in FIG. 6) and determines whether the pattern information 3N still exists. Determine (step S in FIG. 6)
22). If the comparison unit 22 still has the pattern information 3N,
Returning to step S16, the above processing is repeated.

If there is no pattern information 3N, the comparing section 22 sets N = 1 and A = A + 1 (step S in FIG. 6).
23), it is determined whether or not all flag portions 3N2 are invalid (step S24 in FIG. 6). The comparison unit 22 uses the flag unit 3N2.
If all are invalid, end # 1 is notified.

If all the flag portions 3N2 are invalid, the comparing portion 22 determines whether only one flag portion 3X2 is valid (step S25 in FIG. 6). The comparison unit 22 uses the flag unit 3
If only one X2 is not valid, the process returns to step S14 and the above process is repeated. The comparison unit 22 uses the flag unit 3
If only one X2 is valid, it is determined whether or not there is A-th trace information (step S26 in FIG. 6).

If there is the A-th trace information, the comparing section 22 returns to step S14 and repeats the above processing. If there is no A-th trace information, the comparison unit 22 notifies the end # 2.

When the judging section 21 is notified of the end # 1 from the comparing section 22, it judges that there is no corresponding trace pattern and creates new trace information. Figure 7 (a)
Shows an example of new trace information format. In this case, ID information = '00h' is set as information indicating that the trace pattern is not applicable, and the first trace information in the storage unit 12 is combined to create new trace information.

After storing the new trace information in the trace area 4, the judging section 21 sets the start address in the pointer 11 to the second trace information address' 104.
Update to h '.

Further, the judgment unit 21 ends the comparison unit 22 with the end #
When 2 is notified, it is determined that there is a corresponding trace pattern, and new trace information is created. FIG. 7B shows a format example of new trace information. In this case, ID information of the corresponding trace pattern = '01h' is set, and then dummy information is set to create new trace information.

After storing the new trace information in the trace area 4, the judging section 21 sets the start address in the pointer 11 to the address of the trace pattern, '110.
Update to h '. When reading the trace information stored in the trace area 4, the ID information is referenced to expand the trace pattern, restore the trace information to the original form, and output the trace information.

As described above, by defining the trace pattern to be stored in the trace area 4 and storing the trace information of this pattern in the trace area in a simple format, more trace information than the conventional method can be obtained. Can be collected.

Therefore, the trace information can be collected in a larger range (period) even when investigating a defective portion such as a system failure investigation. Therefore, the number of times of setting the trace pointer can be made smaller than before. It is possible to investigate efficiently.

The trace pattern stored in the trace area 4 in the judging section 21 is monitored, a new trace pattern is created from the trace information stored as end # 1 (no trace pattern is applicable), and the pattern storing section 3 The pattern storage unit 3 is provided with a function for adding pattern information.
It is also possible to store the trace information 31, 32, 33 in the trace area 4 without setting it in advance.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention, for a trace area of a certain size in the system,
In a computer system having a trace information collection function of sequentially writing trace information, the trace information stored in the trace area is monitored, and the trace information stored in the trace area is stored in the system. When the trace information matches with the information pattern, the trace information is converted into a trace information in a simple format as the trace information of the specific pattern and stored in the trace area, so that more trace information can be collected, and efficient investigation is possible. The effect is that you can.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example on a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a trace information storage unit in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a pattern storage unit in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a comparison unit in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a comparison unit in FIG.

7A and 7B are diagrams showing trace information newly created by a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Trace information storage 2 control unit 3 pattern storage 4 Trace area 11 pointers 12 Storage 21 Judgment Department 22 Comparison section 30 address section 31, 32, 33 pattern information 311, 321, 331 ID part 312, 322, 332 Flag part 313, 323, 333 pattern part

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A computer system having a trace information collecting function of sequentially writing trace information to a trace area of a certain size in the system, wherein the trace information is stored in the trace area. Monitor this trace information stored in the system
Each is the trace information of a specific pattern, and the uneven length
Means for comparing with each of the plurality of pattern information with, its
Is compared with any one of the plurality of pattern information.
And a means for converting the stored trace information into trace information in a simple format as trace information of a specific pattern and storing the trace information in a trace area. 2. A temporarily and trace information storing means for storing, each non-uniform length Ri trace information der specific pattern trace information is written to the trace area from the system
Double stored a pattern storage means for previously storing a plurality of pattern information, the trace information stored in the trace information storage means to said pattern storing means having of
Comparing means for comparing each of the plurality of pattern information, and the comparison result of the comparing means is any one of the plurality of pattern information.
And a creating means for newly creating trace information including information indicating the match and writing the trace information in the trace area. 3. The creating means newly creates trace information including information indicating the mismatch when the comparison result of the comparing means indicates a mismatch and the trace information stored in the trace information storing means, and The computer system according to claim 2, wherein the computer system is configured to write in the trace area. 4. The creating means is configured to store the trace information stored in the trace information storing means as new pattern information in the pattern storing means when the comparison result of the comparing means indicates a mismatch. A computer system according to claim 2 or claim 3 characterized in that. 5. A trace information control method for a computer system having a trace information collection function of sequentially writing trace information to a trace area of a certain size in the system, wherein the trace area is stored in the trace area. Monitor the stored trace information and display this trace information.
Trace information of each specific pattern stored in the system
Each of a plurality of pattern information having a non-uniform length
And the result of the comparison.
And a step of converting the stored trace information into trace information in a simple format as trace information of a specific pattern and storing the trace information in a trace area when it indicates a match with any of the turn information. Way . Trace information Der according to claim 6, wherein each previously stored from the system temporarily stores the trace information stored in the trace information storage means for the pattern storage unit trace information is written to the trace area specific pattern Ri not Uniform
Comparing a respective plurality of pattern information having a length, the comparison result of said plurality of pattern information
A trace information control method comprising the step of newly creating trace information including information indicating the coincidence with any one of the coincidences and writing the trace information in the trace area. 7. The step of newly creating the trace information and writing the trace information in the trace area includes the information indicating the mismatch when the comparison result indicates the mismatch and the trace information stored in the trace information storage means. 7. The trace information control method according to claim 6, wherein the trace information including the new information is created and written in the trace area.
Law . 8. The step of newly creating the trace information and writing the trace information in the trace area uses the trace information stored in the trace information storage means as new pattern information when the comparison result shows a mismatch. 7. The storage means is stored in a storage means.
Alternatively, the trace information control method according to claim 7.