Hardware Device Identification via Unique Index Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The dynamic allocation of device numbers by operating systems makes it difficult to identify hardware devices consistently, especially when hardware interfaces change or devices are hot-swapped, leading to inconvenient manual modifications in script programs.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines a unique index identifier for each hardware device and establishes a mapping relationship between this identifier and the device number, allowing the operating system to obtain and allocate the correct device number based on the hardware interface status, ensuring consistent access regardless of interface changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating system employs dynamic allocation based on preemption principles for allocating device numbers, then the device allocation is flexible and adaptable, but the device number of the hardware device changes before and after reallocation, making it difficult to identify the hardware device consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mapping relationship as an intermediary between the hardware device and the device number. This mapping stores the correspondence between hardware device identifiers and allocated device numbers, allowing the system to retrieve the original device number even after dynamic reallocation. The mapping acts as a mediator that preserves the connection between the device and its identifier despite changes in the allocation state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the device identification information by storing the mapping relationship between hardware device identifiers and device numbers in a data structure (such as a hash map or dictionary). This copy allows the system to reference the original device number without being affected by subsequent reallocation operations, effectively decoupling the identification process from the allocation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hardware device is unplugged from one hardware interface and accessed to another hardware interface, then the hardware device can be accessed through different interfaces, but the operating system allocates different device numbers for the hardware device before and after the re-access
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping relationship serves as an intermediary that connects the hardware device identifier (which remains constant) with the device number (which may change). When the hardware device is accessed through a different interface and receives a new device number, the mapping is updated to reflect the new correspondence. This allows script programs to continue using the original device identifier to locate and access the device through the updated mapping, without requiring manual modification of the scripts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically updates the mapping relationship when the hardware device is re-accessed through a different interface. The operating system kernel or device management module detects the interface change, allocates a new device number, and automatically updates the mapping entry. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to update script programs, as the system autonomously maintains the correctness of device references.
3Productivity
If the device number allocated by the operating system for the hardware device changes before and after the reallocation, then the dynamic allocation plan can be executed, but the operating system cannot identify the hardware device using a fixed device number
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates and maintains a copy of the device identification information in the form of a mapping relationship. This mapping stores the association between the hardware device identifier and the allocated device number. When the device number changes due to reallocation, the mapping is updated to reflect the new association. This copying mechanism ensures that the identification information is preserved and can be retrieved through the mapping, even though the original device number has changed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the mapping relationship provides information about the current device number assignment. When a hardware device is accessed or re-accessed, the system queries the mapping to retrieve the current device number associated with the device identifier. This feedback loop ensures that the system always has access to the correct, up-to-date device number, preventing information loss despite dynamic reallocation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying a hardware device in an operating system and a computer apparatus are provided. The method includes determining a unique index identifier of a hardware device, and establishing a mapping relationship between the unique index identifier and a device number of the hardware device. The method also includes obtaining the unique index identifier of the hardware device, in response to a status change of a hardware interface. Further, the method includes according to the mapping relationship, obtaining and allocating the device number to the hardware device to enable an access to the hardware device according to the device number of the hardware device.