I/O Execution Device Virtualization Remote Bridgeless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input/output device virtualization systems cannot virtualize input/output devices remotely connected via a communication network, limiting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
An input/output execution device with a device driver that issues commands by accessing a virtual space, detects page faults to identify commands, and generates packets for transmission to remotely connected input/output devices via a communication network, mimicking bridge connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses a bridge to connect input/output devices, then the devices can be controlled through the virtualization system, but the system cannot virtualize remotely connected devices via communication network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the virtualization system and remotely connected input/output devices. The gateway translates virtualization commands into appropriate communication protocols for remote devices, enabling the system to virtualize devices without direct bridge connections while maintaining compatibility with existing virtualization architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device is designed to handle multiple types of input/output devices through different communication protocols (USB, serial, parallel). This multi-functional approach allows a single gateway implementation to support various remote device types, enhancing the system's adaptability without requiring separate solutions for each device category
2Ease of operation
If the system requires bridge connection for device virtualization, then the connection is straightforward, but the device arrangement flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as a mediator that abstracts the complexity of remote device connections from the virtualization system. By handling protocol translation and communication details at the gateway level, the system maintains simple operation for users while enabling flexible remote device arrangements through network connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from physical proximity-based device connections (requiring direct bridge attachment) to network-based connections (enabling remote access). This dimensional shift from local to remote connectivity space allows devices to be arranged anywhere within network reach while maintaining the same level of operational simplicity through the gateway abstraction
3Device complexity
If the system supports only bridge-connected devices, then the interface is simple, but the compatibility with remotely connected devices is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway serves as an intermediary layer that translates between the simple virtualization interface and the diverse requirements of remotely connected devices. This maintains interface simplicity for the virtualization system while enabling broad compatibility with various remote device types through protocol translation and adaptation at the gateway level
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an input/output (I/O) execution device possible for a device driver to input and output to and from an I/O device unconnected to a bridge and an I/O device connected to the bridge through the same interface. The device provided with: a device driver for accessing a virtual space area allocated to an I/O device and thereby issuing an I/O command; a device memory management unit for setting the area to a state in which the area generates a page fault when accessed; an access intercept unit for detecting a page fault generated when the device driver accesses the area, detecting the I/O command issuance, and identifying the I/O command; and an I/O packet transmission/reception unit for generating an I/O packet generated when a bridge connecting an I/O device receives the identified I/O command and transmitting the generated packet to an I/O device connected to an un-bridge connecting unit.