Dynamic Timeout Calculation for Manufacturer Update Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturer update packages for information handling systems face issues with hardcoded timeout values, which can lead to premature termination of update processes due to unpredictable execution times, resulting in either unnecessary delays or update failures.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically generates a timeout value based on the customer's runtime environment by decomposing the update service into major steps and calculating the timeout value based on processor load, using a heuristic algorithm to adjust for varying processor usage rates during inventory collection, payload comparison, and update execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hardcoded timeout value is used in the manufacturer update package, then the framework can terminate the child process to exit gracefully, but the timeout value may be too short causing premature termination of update processes or too long causing unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic timeout calculation system that replaces static hardcoded timeout values with runtime-calculated values. The system decomposes the update service into major steps (inventory collection, payload comparison, update execution) and calculates timeout based on processor load during execution. This dynamic approach allows the timeout to adapt to actual system conditions, preventing both premature termination and unnecessary delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timeout parameter from a fixed hardcoded value to a dynamically calculated value based on processor load. The system monitors processor usage rates during different update phases and adjusts the timeout parameter accordingly. This parameter change enables the timeout to reflect actual system performance characteristics rather than relying on anecdotal experience.
2Reliability
If the timeout value is set too long to ensure complete update execution, then update failures due to premature termination are prevented, but customers experience unnecessary delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors processor load during update execution and uses this information to determine appropriate timeout values. The timeout calculation incorporates real-time processor usage rates, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to actual system conditions. This feedback approach ensures timeout values are neither too short nor too long, but optimally matched to current system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary decomposition of the update service into major executable steps before execution begins. By identifying the specific steps that need to be completed (inventory collection, payload comparison, update execution), the system can calculate timeout values based on the actual work remaining and current processor load, rather than using a generic fixed timeout value.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed timeout value is used based on anecdotal experience, then the implementation is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying processor loads and system conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the update service into distinct major steps (inventory collection, payload comparison, update execution) and calculates timeout values for each step based on its specific processor requirements. This segmentation allows the system to apply different timeout calculations to different phases of the update process, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dynamically generating a timeout value based on a customer runtime environment for use with a manufacturer update package. More specifically, the system for dynamically generating a timeout value decomposes calculation of a timeout value based upon the major steps contained within the update service and dynamically calculates the timeout value based upon processor load. In certain embodiments the system uses a heuristic algorithm to perform the calculation.