Container Layer for Multi-Instance Game Resource Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Running multiple game instances on a single computer system poses challenges in maintaining full game functionality due to limited access to system resources, as only one instance can access all necessary resources at a time to prevent contention, leading to incomplete functionality for background instances.
Innovation Solution
A container layer is introduced to intercept and modify communications between game instances and the operating system, allowing each instance to believe it is the only foreground instance, thereby granting full access to resources without requiring multiple operating systems or virtual machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple game instances are running simultaneously on a single operating system, then system resource utilization efficiency is improved, but background game instances cannot maintain full game functionality due to limited access to I/O devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a container layer as an intermediary between game instances and the operating system. This container layer intercepts communications from multiple game instances, manages resource access requests, and coordinates with the OS to ensure each instance can access necessary I/O devices while maintaining system stability. The container layer acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between multiple instances needing resources and the OS limiting access to prevent contention.
2Reliability
If virtual machines are used to allow multiple game instances to share resources, then full game functionality is maintained for each instance, but system resource consumption increases due to requiring separate operating system instances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple game instances into a single operating system environment through a container layer, rather than requiring separate virtual machines with individual OS instances. This consolidation allows multiple instances to share the same OS kernel and system resources while still maintaining full functionality for each instance through the container's communication interception and modification capabilities, thereby reducing overall system resource consumption.
3Stability of the object's composition
If only a single game instance is given complete access to system resources at one time, then resource contention is prevented, but other game instances are unable to maintain full game functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The container layer dynamically manages resource access for multiple game instances by intercepting and modifying their communications with the operating system. It can adaptively allocate and manage access to I/O devices and other system resources based on the needs of different instances, allowing the system to maintain stability while providing versatility to multiple instances simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A container layer for allowing a plurality of game instances running on an operating system to maintain full game functionality is configured to intercept a communication from a game instance of the plurality of game instances to the operating system and provide an appropriate response to the intercepted communication.