Autonomous Fault Detection via Management Database and API

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional platform management mechanisms for high-availability computer systems lack standardized implementation of autonomous functions and integration with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), limiting their ability to detect and react to system faults effectively.

Innovation Solution

A software solution that includes a management database, an API, and a command line interface (CLI) for administering the hardware platform, along with a policy execution module that enables execution of policies based on trigger events, allowing for autonomous functions and virtual management instruments to be implemented and managed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional platform management mechanisms are used, then the system provides basic API for administration, but autonomous functions lack standardized implementation and integration with API

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous function implementationVSAvoidfault detection and reaction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal autonomous functions interface that standardizes multiple autonomous functions (fault detection, performance monitoring, self-configuration) under a common framework. This interface allows different autonomous functions to be implemented consistently across various hardware platforms while maintaining integration with the HPI API, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an autonomous functions interface as an intermediary layer between the HPI API and the actual autonomous functions implementation. This mediator standardizes the interaction between management software and autonomous functions, enabling reliable fault detection and reaction while maintaining flexibility in implementation details.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If autonomous functions are added to detect and react to system faults, then system reliability improves, but the complexity of platform management increases due to lack of standardization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem fault detection and reactionVSAvoidplatform management structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the platform management structure into distinct modular components: the HPI API layer, the autonomous functions interface layer, and the implementation-specific autonomous functions. This segmentation reduces complexity by organizing functions into manageable, standardized modules that can be independently developed and maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The autonomous functions interface acts as an intermediary that simplifies the complexity by providing a standardized, uniform method for accessing autonomous functions. This interface layer shields the complexity of implementation details from both the HPI API and application programs, reducing overall system complexity while enabling reliable fault detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the HPI specification provides only API for platform management, then implementation flexibility is maintained, but autonomous functions are not coupled and coordinated with the API

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation flexibilityVSAvoidAPI and autonomous functions integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the autonomous functions interface as an intermediary layer that couples the HPI API with autonomous functions. This interface provides standardized coordination mechanisms while maintaining implementation flexibility, allowing autonomous functions to be implemented in various ways while ensuring consistent integration with the API through the intermediary layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes feedback mechanisms through the autonomous functions interface that enable coordinated operation between the HPI API and autonomous functions. The interface provides standardized feedback loops for fault detection, status monitoring, and automatic reaction, making the system easier to operate while preserving implementation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7805734B2Platform management of high-availability computer systems

Publication Date: 2010.09.28 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

Software for platform management of high-availability computer systems is provided. A management database can be configured for storing the data about the set of management instruments and the set of management capabilities that are required for the platform management. Further, an application program interface (API) and a command line interface (CLI) are provided for administering of the hardware platform by reading and updating the state of set of management instruments, and the set of management capabilities. Execution of a policy in the occurrence of a pre-defined trigger event can be enabled by a policy execution module.