Lightweight Core File Generation for Efficient Fault Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core file generation methods result in large files that are cumbersome to create and transmit, causing unnecessary downtime and inefficiency, as they require locking down the memory, which leads to an inconsistent picture and inefficiency in debugging.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight core file system that selectively extracts user-specified and standard regions from working memory, reducing the file size and generation time, allowing for brief system pauses and efficient transmission, without requiring a complete core file creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete core file is generated, then fault analysis capability is improved, but file size becomes excessively large and transmission becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential and relevant portions of memory data needed for fault analysis, rather than dumping the entire memory space. This selective extraction creates a condensed core file that maintains diagnostic value while dramatically reducing file size for easier transmission and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The core file generation process is segmented into multiple phases: identifying crash-related memory regions, selectively dumping only those regions, and organizing them into a structured format. This segmentation allows the system to capture essential fault information without processing the entire memory space.
2Loss of information
If a complete core file is generated, then comprehensive fault information is obtained, but system downtime increases due to memory locking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of crash-related memory regions before the actual core file generation. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the minimal necessary data set in advance, reducing the time the system needs to be locked down during the actual dump process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing a complete memory dump, the system performs a partial dump focusing only on the specific memory regions relevant to the crash. This partial action approach captures sufficient fault information while minimizing system downtime by avoiding the need to lock and process the entire memory space.
3Stability of the object's composition
If memory is locked down for core file creation, then consistent memory picture is achieved, but system availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and captures the necessary memory state information before memory changes occur, rather than attempting to maintain a complete memory lock. This extraction approach achieves sufficient consistency for fault analysis while allowing the system to remain available for other operations.
4Loss of information
If a full core dump is created, then complete memory state is captured, but generation time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective extraction of memory regions that are relevant to the crash, rather than dumping the entire memory space. This extraction strategy captures the essential memory state information needed for fault analysis while reducing generation time by processing only a fraction of the total memory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a partial memory dump focusing on crash-related regions rather than a complete memory dump. This partial action approach achieves sufficient memory state capture for debugging purposes while dramatically reducing the time required to generate the core file.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of performing lightweight fault monitoring and analysis are described. In certain embodiments, the lightweight fault monitoring and analysis system and method include a crash dump component operable to generate a lightweight core file for a machine without generating a complete core file. The lightweight core file is smaller in size than a complete core file and contains information relevant for fault monitoring and analysis. The lightweight core has a data structure portion reflecting the state of only a portion of actual working memory at the time of a problem. The lightweight core file contains both regions in memory specific to the problem encountered and some standard regions.