Dynamic Lock Conversion for Thread Queue Thrashing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing systems face inefficiencies due to manual initialization of locks as high or low performance, leading to suboptimal resource usage and performance issues, as they often switch unnecessarily between lock types in response to transient changes in thread queues, causing 'thrashing'.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor thread queues to determine if threads have exceeded specific time and depth thresholds, converting low-performance locks to high-performance locks and vice versa, using a controller to manage these conversions and avoid unnecessary switching, allowing for granular adjustment based on actual usage patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If locks are manually initialized as high or low performance, then resource allocation can be optimized, but system adaptability deteriorates because the lock type cannot change based on actual usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling locks to transition between different performance levels (low-performance and high-performance) based on real-time usage conditions. The lock type is no longer fixed but dynamically adjusts according to queue depth and wait time metrics, allowing the system to adapt to changing workloads without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic lock conversion mechanisms. The lock manager monitors usage patterns and autonomously converts locks between performance levels without requiring manual intervention. This self-adjusting capability resolves the adaptability-complexity contradiction by embedding the adaptation logic within the lock management system itself.
2Speed
If locks switch frequently in response to transient queue changes, then responsiveness improves, but system stability deteriorates due to unnecessary thrashing between lock types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing threshold criteria (queue depth threshold and wait time threshold) that must be met before converting locks between performance levels. This pre-defined threshold mechanism prevents premature or transient switching, ensuring that only significant and sustained usage patterns trigger lock conversions, thereby maintaining stability while still responding to genuine workload changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through continuous monitoring of lock usage metrics (queue depth and wait time) and using this information to guide lock conversions. The lock manager receives feedback from actual usage patterns and adjusts lock types accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that balances responsiveness with stability by only switching when feedback indicates sustained needs.
3Productivity
If all locks use high-performance types, then thread processing efficiency improves, but resource consumption increases due to unnecessary memory allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different performance characteristics to different locks based on their specific usage patterns. Instead of uniformly applying high-performance locks to all threads, the system identifies individual locks that require high-performance handling (based on queue depth and wait time) and applies those selectively. This localized approach ensures high productivity where needed while conserving memory resources for locks that can use the more lightweight low-performance implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of low-performance locks within a computing environment are monitored. It is identified that, during a time window, threads of one of the plurality of low-performance locks are in a lock queue for an average time that exceeds a time threshold. It is further identified that, during that same time window, the average queue depth of the one of the plurality of low-performance locks exceeds a depth threshold. The one of the plurality of low-performance locks is converted from a low-performance lock into a high-performance lock.