Device Identifier Translation for Complete Virtual Machine Boot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems face challenges in fully installing newly connected devices during boot processes, particularly in virtual environments, leading to unavailability of critical devices needed for successful system operation, such as data storage or network interface devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that autonomously translates device identifiers to reference identifiers using device configuration data generated by previous installations, enabling full installation during kernel mode processing without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device identifier translation is implemented during boot process, then device installation completeness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs device identifier translation during the boot process before the operating system fully initializes. The PnP manager intercepts configuration transactions and translates device identifiers to reference identifiers in advance, ensuring devices are properly installed and configured before they are needed for system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a PnP manager as an intermediary layer between the device and the operating system. This manager intercepts configuration transactions, performs identifier translation, and coordinates the installation process, thereby managing the complexity of device installation without requiring changes to the core operating system.
2Reliability
If device configuration is performed during boot process, then device availability is improved, but boot time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Device configuration and identifier translation are performed during the boot process as a preliminary action. This ensures that critical devices such as storage and network interface devices are fully installed and available before the operating system attempts to use them, preventing boot failures and device unavailability.
Solution Approach 2:
The PnP manager processes device configuration transactions efficiently during boot by directly translating identifiers and applying reference configuration data without requiring full user-mode processing. This rushed-through approach during the critical boot phase ensures device availability while minimizing the time added to the boot process.
3Extent of automation
If reference identifier translation is used, then installation automation is improved, but information loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PnP manager acts as an intermediary that maintains the mapping between original device identifiers and reference identifiers. While the translation process uses reference identifiers to automate configuration, the PnP manager preserves the relationship between the two identifier types, allowing the system to automate installation while retaining the ability to trace back to the original device identity if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates reference configuration data that is based on the original device configuration but uses reference identifiers instead of unique device identifiers. This copying approach allows automated installation using standardized reference data while the PnP manager maintains the connection to the actual device through the translation mapping.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A computer system is provided. The computer system includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to identify a message to a plug and play (PnP) manager of an operating system, the message comprising an identifier of a device to be configured by the PnP manager, determine whether the device is targeted for device identifier translation at least in part by determining whether the device satisfies one or more target device criteria, and replace the identifier of the device with a reference identifier different from the identifier of the device in response to a determination that the device is targeted for device identifier translation, the reference identifier being usable by the PnP manager to install or configure the device.