Computing machine using a matrix space and matrix pointer registers for matrix and array processing

Abstract

This disclosure relates to methods and mechanisms for matrix computing which include machine embodiments with one or more matrix storage spaces for holding matrices and arrays for computing, where a matrix or an array is accessible by its columns, by its rows, or both, individually, or concurrently. A set of methods and mechanisms to build a large capacity instruction set with multi-length instructions to load, store, and compute with these matrices and arrays are also disclosed. Methods and access control mechanisms with keys to secure, share, lock and unlock regions in the storage space for matrices and arrays under the control of an operating system or a virtual machine hypervisor by permitted threads and processes are also disclosed. Methods and mechanisms to handle long immediate operands for use by shorter instructions using a payload instruction are also disclosed. The structure of the instructions with key instruction fields and a method for determining instruction length are also disclosed.