Kernel Call Tracking via Disassembler for Backup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current backup systems face performance and resource issues when creating crash-consistent copies of logical volumes, particularly due to the need for copy-on-write modes that impact system performance and require significant storage for write instructions, and there is a need for efficient methods to track and backup kernel calls like mount/unmount operations during system execution.

Innovation Solution

A processor-implemented method using a disassembler process to trace and validate kernel calls, redirecting kernel calls to a kernel module for backup purposes, allowing for incremental and differential backups without entering copy-on-write mode, and persisting backups through system reboots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If copy-on-write mode is used to create crash-consistent copies of logical volumes, then data consistency is improved, but system performance deteriorates and storage resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata consistencyVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a kernel module as an intermediary between the backup system and the kernel call execution. This kernel module intercepts kernel calls (such as mount/unmount operations) and redirects them to appropriate handlers, enabling the backup system to track and backup logical volume changes without requiring the entire system to enter copy-on-write mode. This selective interception approach maintains data consistency for critical operations while avoiding the performance penalty of system-wide copy-on-write activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary identification and tracking of kernel calls of interest before actual backup operations. By using a disassembler to analyze kernel code and identify relevant kernel calls in advance, the system prepares a map of critical operations that need to be tracked. This preliminary action allows the backup system to focus resources only on essential kernel calls rather than implementing blanket copy-on-write protection for all system operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If copy-on-write mode is activated for backup operations, then crash consistency is achieved, but significant storage space is required for write instructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrash consistencyVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and isolates only the critical kernel calls related to logical volume management (such as mount and unmount operations) from the general kernel call stream. By using a disassembler to identify and separate these specific kernel calls, the system creates a focused tracking mechanism that monitors only the operations essential for crash consistency. This extraction approach eliminates the need to allocate storage resources for tracking all kernel operations, reducing storage requirements while maintaining crash consistency for critical volume operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If kernel calls are tracked using traditional methods, then backup functionality is provided, but performance degradation occurs due to system-wide copy-on-write mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup functionalityVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing selective tracking only for specific kernel calls of interest rather than applying copy-on-write mode system-wide. The kernel module is configured to intercept and track only particular kernel calls (such as mount/unmount operations) that are relevant to logical volume backup, while allowing other kernel operations to proceed normally without the performance overhead of copy-on-write protection. This localized approach maintains backup functionality for critical operations while preserving overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If a disassembler process is used to validate kernel call entries, then tracking accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the disassembler validation process as a preliminary action during system initialization or backup setup, rather than during active backup operations. The disassembler analyzes kernel code structure and identifies relevant kernel calls in advance, creating a validation map that is stored for subsequent use. This preliminary validation ensures tracking accuracy by establishing correct kernel call mappings before actual backup operations begin, while avoiding the time penalty of repeated disassembly during production backup tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10866808B2Methods and systems to track kernel calls using a disassembler

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 DATTO LLC

AI summary

This disclosure and the exemplary embodiments described herein, provide methods and systems to trace/verify kernel calls of interest operatively associated with an operating system platform of a device. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mount/unmount kernel call associated with a Linux operating system platform is traced/verified to initiate an incremental backup of a memory of a device during the execution of the mount/unmount kernel call.