The summary of EP2709017A1 states:
The invention provides a device for controlling the access to a cache structure comprising multiple cache sets during the execution of at least one computer program, the device comprising a module for generating seed values during the execution of the at least one computer program; a parametric hash function module for generating a cache set identifier to access the cache structure, the identifier being generated by combining a seed value generated by the module for generating seed values and predetermined bits of an address to access a main memory associated to the cache structure.
Find what appears to be a partial disclosure of the underlying principles of EP2709017A1 before the patent filing date of Sep 14, 2012 in the publication: F. J. Cazorla, E. Quin ̃ones, T. Vardanega, L. Cucu, B. Triquet, G. Bernat, E. Berger, J. Abella, F. Wartel, M. Houston, L. Santinelli, L. Kosmidis, C. Lo, and D. Maxim. PROARTIS: Probabilistically Analysable Real-Time Systems. Rapport de recherche INIRIA/RR-7869, INRIA, Jan 2012. In particular see the contents of Page 17 of PROARTIS: Probabilistically Analysable Real-Time Systems: "Fully-associative caches are complex to implement and energy-consuming. However, when using a set-associative (with random replacement) or a direct-map cache, the placement policy is deterministic. Deterministic placement policies create dependencies and lead to cache risk patterns and hence to time pathological cases. We devise designs based on set-associative or direct-mapped caches using random replacement algorithms, which exhibit a similar behaviour at a lower cost. At hardware level, we devise a solution where we can randomise the placement function at program start up. To that end we XOR the address accessing the cache with a randomly generated number and use the result as the new address to access the cache. Under every placement setup, the address colliding in the different sets are different. Hence, different runs will lead to different (random) colliding addresses in each set and hence different (random) conflicts and execution times. "
Also see Figure 10 of PROARTIS: Probabilistically Analysable Real-Time Systems.
Does the above earlier publication invalidate part or all of the EP patent application?