DMA Buffer Synchronization for Remote Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems do not enable seamless access to devices across multiple computing devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and car infotainment systems, due to limitations in sharing resources between local and remote machines.
Innovation Solution
A virtual machine manager (VMM) on a local machine collaborates with a stub driver on a remote machine to enable hardware-independent and software-transparent access to remote devices, using communication channels like USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, by emulating remote devices and synchronizing DMA buffers for seamless I/O operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional I/O resource sharing methods are used between local and remote machines, then system compatibility and ease of operation are maintained, but seamless access to remote devices cannot be achieved and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DMA buffer as an intermediary component between local and remote machines. This buffer acts as a mediator that enables direct memory access to remote devices without requiring complex I/O resource sharing protocols, thereby achieving seamless access while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a local copy of the remote device's memory space through the DMA buffer. This copying mechanism allows the local machine to access remote device memory directly as if it were local memory, eliminating the need for complex remote I/O operations and achieving seamless access without increasing operational complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware-specific access methods are used for remote devices, then access reliability is improved, but hardware independence and software transparency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The DMA buffer is designed as a universal interface that can access remote device memory through standard memory access instructions regardless of the specific hardware type. This multi-functional design enables hardware independence while maintaining access reliability through proven DMA technology that has been validated across various hardware platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces hardware-specific I/O access mechanisms with a software-transparent memory access model. By substituting complex hardware-dependent I/O protocols with simple memory read/write operations through the DMA buffer, the system achieves hardware independence while maintaining reliability through the robustness of standard memory access instructions
3Adaptability or versatility
If operating system modifications are implemented to enable remote device access, then access functionality is improved, but system complexity and ease of manufacture are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the remote device access functionality into a separate, standalone DMA buffer component that operates independently of the operating system. This segmentation allows the core OS to remain unchanged while adding remote access capability through a modular component, thereby improving adaptability without increasing implementation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The DMA buffer is designed to autonomously manage remote device access operations without requiring operating system intervention or modification. The buffer self-manages memory mapping, data transfer, and synchronization, enabling remote device access capability while keeping the system implementation simple and avoiding OS modification complexities
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, or apparatus may be directed to hosting, by a virtual machine manager of a local machine, a virtual machine having a device driver. A virtual machine manager may obtain, from a stub driver on a remote machine, information about the I/O device on the remote machine. The I/O device may be bound to a stub driver on the remote machine. The virtual machine manager may instantiate a virtual I/O device on the local machine corresponding to the I/O device on the remote machine. The virtual machine manager may then collaborate with the stub driver on the remote machine to effectuate a real access to the I/O device on the remote machine for an access to the virtual I/O device by the device driver on behalf of a program on the local machine.