Flash DIMM Reconfiguration Without System Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information handling systems require rebooting to implement goal configuration changes for flash dual in-line memory modules, resulting in downtime and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

An information handling system with a management interface that detects configuration change requests and reconfigures flash dual in-line memory modules without resetting the system by updating metadata and firmware interface tables based on predefined profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system reboots to implement goal configuration changes for flash dual in-line memory modules, then the configuration changes are reliably applied, but system downtime increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration change applicationVSAvoidsystem downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by validating and preparing configuration changes before they take effect. The management interface validates the new goal configuration against the existing configuration and memory module capabilities beforehand, ensuring that changes can be applied safely without requiring a full system reboot. This preliminary validation enables the system to apply configuration changes dynamically with minimal disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling dynamic reconfiguration of flash dual in-line memory modules without system reboot. The management interface allows goal configuration changes to be applied dynamically during system operation by updating data structures in memory and redirecting memory controllers, transforming the static configuration model into a dynamic one that can adapt without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system reboots to apply configuration changes, then hardware and software settings are properly reset and applied, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidsystem operational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The management interface performs preliminary validation of configuration changes against system capabilities and existing settings before application. This ensures that hardware and software settings are properly prepared and compatible, allowing configuration flexibility to be achieved without requiring system reboot, thereby maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical reboot process with a software-based configuration update mechanism. Instead of physically resetting the system through reboot, the management interface updates data structures in memory and redirects memory controllers through software operations, eliminating the need for system shutdown and startup while maintaining configuration adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If the management interface validates and applies configuration changes dynamically, then system downtime is reduced, but the complexity of the configuration management system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration application timeVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the configuration management process into distinct modular components: validation logic that checks configuration parameters, data structure update mechanisms that modify memory representations, and memory controller redirection that applies changes. This modular segmentation manages complexity by organizing functions into separate, manageable units while enabling dynamic configuration application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The management interface acts as an intermediary between the system administrator and the flash dual in-line memory modules. It provides a controlled interface that validates configuration changes, updates internal data structures, and coordinates with memory controllers. This intermediary layer manages complexity by abstracting the complex update process behind a simplified interface while enabling rapid configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10635311B2Information handling system with reduced reset during dual in-line memory module goal reconfiguration

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system includes a management interface that may detect a configuration change request for the flash dual in-line memory modules, and may determine whether the configuration change request is a hardware configuration change or a software configuration change. In response to the configuration change request being the software configuration change the management interface may re-configure flash dual in-line memory modules based on a first profile identified by the configuration change request without resetting the information handling system, update metadata for the flash dual in-line memory modules based on the first profile without resetting the information handling system, and update a dual in-line memory module firmware interface table for the flash dual in-line memory modules based on the first profile without resetting the information handling system.