File I/O Scheduler for Gaming Media Device Contention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current file input/output (I/O) management systems in computer gaming face inefficiencies due to device contention and lack of standard layers for resolving contention, leading to overseeking and inefficient data retrieval, especially as games grow larger and require timely data access from multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a file I/O scheduler that computes a predicted time for I/O requests based on performance characteristics and inserts them into a schedule to optimize ordering, using media filter layers and auxiliary processors for efficient data transfer and caching, while also considering device states and performance models to minimize contention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple components access the media device simultaneously using low-level I/O primitives, then data retrieval is possible, but device contention occurs and I/O efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized I/O layer that acts as an intermediary between multiple game components and the media device. This layer receives I/O requests from multiple components, manages contention through a unified scheduling mechanism, and coordinates access to the media device. The intermediary layer eliminates the need for individual components to implement their own contention management, thereby improving overall I/O efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Productivity
If data is retrieved using conventional I/O systems without predictive scheduling, then implementation is simple, but overseeking occurs and data retrieval efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements predictive scheduling that analyzes future I/O requests and proactively optimizes the order of operations before execution. By predicting which data will be needed next and pre-positioning the read head or preparing data in advance, the system reduces overseeking and improves data retrieval efficiency. This preliminary action is performed by a scheduling layer that adds intelligence to the I/O operations without requiring complex changes to the underlying hardware or fundamental I/O mechanisms.
3Loss of time
If disk mastering duplicates frequently accessed data blocks across the disk, then overseeking is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of duplicating data blocks during disk mastering, the patent introduces a software-based I/O layer that acts as an intermediary to manage data access patterns. This layer tracks which data blocks are frequently accessed and optimizes the sequence of I/O operations to minimize head movement and overseeking. The intermediary approach eliminates the need for complex disk mastering processes while achieving the same goal of reducing access time through intelligent scheduling rather than physical data duplication.
4Reliability
If a single data stream is allocated for stream access, then streaming reliability is improved, but non-stream data contention resolution capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal I/O layer that handles both streaming and non-streaming data access through a single standardized interface. This multi-functional layer maintains reliable streaming by implementing appropriate buffering and scheduling for stream requests, while simultaneously providing contention resolution for non-stream requests through the same infrastructure. The universal layer adapts its behavior based on the type of request, eliminating the need for separate single-data-stream allocations while maintaining streaming reliability and adding versatility for handling mixed workloads.
Data Source
AI summary
Handling of input or output (I/O) to or from a media device may be implemented in a system having a memory, a processor unit with a main processor and an auxiliary processor having an associated local memory, and the media device. An incoming I/O request received from an application running on the processor unit may be serviced according to the schedule. A set of processor executable instructions configured to implement I/O handling may include media filter layers. I/O handling may alternatively comprise: receiving an incoming I/O request from an application running on a main processor; inserting the request into a schedule embodied in the main memory; and implementing the request according to the schedule and one or more filters, at least one of which is implemented by an auxiliary processor.