I/O Broker Model Dynamic Driver Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional operating system architectures are inflexible and inefficient when dealing with evolving computing devices and runtime conditions, as they require pre-definition of input/output functions and do not adapt well to new hardware configurations.

Innovation Solution

An input/output broker model that dynamically matches I/O requests to suitable drivers and determines buffering strategies based on driver information, allowing for flexible and efficient handling of I/O operations across various hardware configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional operating system architecture with pre-defined I/O functions is used, then system stability and predictability are improved, but adaptability to new hardware configurations and runtime conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to hardware configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic I/O broker that determines buffering strategies at runtime based on actual conditions rather than pre-definition. The system evaluates runtime conditions (block 606) and selects buffering approaches (block 608) dynamically, allowing the architecture to adapt to different hardware configurations and operational states while maintaining system stability through controlled decision-making processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The I/O broker acts as an intermediary layer between the operating system and I/O drivers, introducing flexibility without disrupting the stable OS core. This mediator component handles the adaptation to new hardware configurations and runtime conditions, isolating the stable OS architecture from the variability of hardware while still enabling adaptability through the broker's decision-making capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If I/O functions are pre-defined in the operating system, then implementation simplicity is improved, but efficiency under varying runtime conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidI/O operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains implementation simplicity through the structured I/O broker architecture that follows clear decision protocols, while achieving improved efficiency by dynamically selecting buffering strategies based on runtime conditions. The broker evaluates current system state and chooses optimal I/O handling approaches, enabling efficiency gains without complex implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The I/O broker autonomously determines buffering strategies and matches I/O requests to appropriate drivers based on runtime conditions without requiring external intervention or complex pre-configurations. This self-service capability improves efficiency by making real-time decisions optimized for current conditions while maintaining implementation simplicity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a fixed I/O architecture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but versatility across different hardware configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchitecture complexityVSAvoidcompatibility with hardware configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The I/O broker implements a universal interface that can handle multiple I/O drivers and hardware configurations through a single standardized mechanism. The broker's namespace-based driver identification and runtime condition evaluation enable it to work with diverse hardware configurations without requiring separate architecture designs, achieving versatility while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If buffering strategies are predetermined, then system resource management is simplified, but resource usage efficiency under varying conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuffering management complexityVSAvoidresource usage efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines buffering strategies dynamically at runtime based on actual system conditions rather than using predetermined approaches. The I/O broker evaluates runtime conditions (block 606) and selects appropriate buffering strategies (block 608), improving resource usage efficiency by adapting to current system state while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8316384B2Input/output broker model

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The described implementations relate to input/output (I/O) broker models for use with various devices. One implementation can dynamically match an I/O request to a suitable I/O driver. This implementation can also determine a buffering strategy for accomplishing the I/O request based, at least in part, on information obtained from the I/O driver.