Latency-Based Problem Identification in Information Handling Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Identifying the specific area of an information handling system where a problem lies is time-consuming and often leads to incorrect dispatch of solutions, causing delays in addressing hardware, operating system, or software issues.

Innovation Solution

An information handling system collects timing information across its layers, compares it to user-specific or generic threshold values, and uses machine learning to identify the problematic area and initiate remedial action, such as dispatching the issue to the appropriate resolution entity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional manual methods are used to identify problem areas in an information handling system, then diagnostic thoroughness can be maintained, but the time required to identify and dispatch problems increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to identify problem areaVSAvoidaccuracy of problem localization

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and analyzing timing information from multiple system layers before a problem actually occurs. Baseline timing data is established during normal operation, so when anomalies occur, the system can immediately compare against pre-established patterns and quickly identify the problematic layer without manual investigation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring timing information across hardware, firmware, and software layers, comparing actual timing against expected timing patterns, and using this feedback to automatically identify and dispatch problems to appropriate resolution entities based on which layer exhibits abnormal timing characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive timing information is collected across all system layers, then problem identification accuracy improves, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproblem identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the information handling system into distinct layers (hardware, firmware, software) and collects timing information specific to each layer separately. This segmentation allows the system to analyze timing data from each layer independently, identifying which specific layer is problematic without being overwhelmed by the complexity of the entire system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces timing information as an intermediary metric that indirectly reveals system health status. Rather than directly monitoring complex system states or implementing complex diagnostic algorithms, the system uses timing measurements as a mediator to infer problems, simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11334421B2Method and apparatus to identify a problem area in an information handling system based on latencies

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system may obtain timing information for processing among layers of a first client-side information handling system, and compare the timing information to threshold values to provide a comparison. The information handling system may use the comparison to identify an area of the first client-side information handling system in which a problem exists, and initiate remedial action directed to the problem.