Concurrent Garbage Collector with Dynamic Threshold Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garbage collection systems face inefficiencies due to unpredictable factors and non-deterministic nature of memory usage, leading to potential performance issues and pauses in software applications, especially when triggering concurrent garbage collection based on statically preconfigured memory thresholds.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a concurrent garbage collection system with a dedicated thread that uses dynamically tunable parameters based on closed-loop feedback from previous collections, considering error, past values, and future trends to optimize the timing of garbage collection and manage memory more efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If garbage collection is triggered based on statically preconfigured memory thresholds, then the garbage collection timing is simple and predictable, but the performance of software applications deteriorates due to unpredictable memory usage patterns and non-deterministic memory allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static preconfigured memory thresholds to dynamic memory thresholds that adapt to actual memory usage patterns. The garbage collection trigger parameter is continuously adjusted based on monitored memory allocation rates and usage characteristics, allowing the system to respond to changing workload conditions and optimize application performance in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where memory usage data from previous garbage collection cycles is fed back into the threshold calculation. The system monitors actual memory allocation patterns, compares them against current thresholds, and adjusts future trigger parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to learn from past behavior and make more intelligent garbage collection decisions
2Loss of time
If concurrent garbage collection is implemented to reduce application pauses, then the responsiveness of software applications improves, but the complexity of the garbage collection system increases due to additional monitoring and dynamic parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the garbage collection system to autonomously monitor its own performance and adjust parameters without external intervention. The system automatically tracks memory usage patterns, evaluates collection effectiveness, and modifies trigger thresholds based on observed behavior. This self-adjusting capability reduces the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining concurrent operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic monitoring and evaluation cycles where the system repeatedly assesses memory usage patterns and adjusts thresholds at regular intervals. This periodic self-evaluation allows the system to maintain optimal performance through systematic, rhythm-based adjustments rather than continuous complex computation, balancing responsiveness with manageable complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamically tunable parameters are used for garbage collection triggering, then the adaptability to memory usage patterns improves, but the measurement and detection of optimal trigger points becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using simplified proxy metrics to represent complex memory usage patterns. Instead of attempting to measure every nuance of memory allocation behavior, the system monitors key indicators such as allocation rate thresholds and usage trends, making optimal trigger detection more manageable. This partial measurement approach provides sufficient adaptability while reducing the complexity of detection algorithms
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A method for use with a garbage collector to provide garbage collection is disclosed. The garbage collection is a concurrent garbage collection provided in a dedicated thread concurrently running in a computing device with a mutator thread. The concurrent garbage collection is triggered based on a dynamically tunable parameter from a previous garbage collection in closed loop feedback.