US 9,436,577 B2 · System and method for generating a code execution timeline from an executing program

Abstract

The present technology is directed to a non-limiting system and method for generating an abstract code execution timeline from repetitive programs, such as video games and simulations. As a non-limiting example, a statistical sampling profile is first taken of the running program, and then the data is converted into several representations. By selecting representative functions based on sampling frequency and call tree hierarchy and then sorting those functions chronologically and hierarchically, an abstract code execution timeline can be generated that summarizes execution within a single repetitive time period, such as a video frame. This timeline is called “Story Mode” since it tells a story of how the program executes over the course of a frame. This abstract code execution timeline can then be used to facilitate program comprehension, primarily for the purposes of modifying the code to improve execution speed.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A method performed by at least one processor for analyzing video game execution, the method comprising:

maintaining a record of execution of one or more functions of the video game during a frame of video game execution;
selecting a subset of the one or more functions based on at least activity of the record of execution of the selected functions;
sorting the selected subset of functions based on both chronological order of execution and hierarchical function calling relationships indicated by the record of function execution;
and
generating, using the at least one processor, a timeline display having a first axis for the selected and sorted subset of functions and having a second axis for graphically depicting function execution over time, the timeline display showing function clusters of video game execution over time in an order showing diagonally along the timeline display relative to the first and second axes.

2 more elements

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of an information processing apparatus, cause the information processing apparatus to:

record, from an interactive program executing one or more functions, execution histories of the one or more functions being accessed in the interactive program, the interactive program configured to execute on a system configured for video game functionality;
sort and filter the functions based at least in part on a criteria related to function execution;
and
generate a timeline display having a first axis for the sorted and filtered functions and having a second axis for graphically depicting function execution over time, the timeline display showing, at least, function clusters of program execution, associated with the interactive program, over time in an order showing diagonally along the timeline display relative to the first and second axes.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for generating a code execution timeline from an executing program

Life of this patent

System and method for generating a code execution timeline from an executing program

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22