Log Management System Time Calibration via Counter Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inaccurate time information in log data stored in external storage systems can lead to incorrect data recovery and processing, as the CPU frequency used for calculating logging time is not precise enough, resulting in a large time difference between calculated and actual logging times.
Innovation Solution
A method to correct the calculated logging time by recording multiple time instants and corresponding count values within a predetermined period to determine an adjustment factor, which is then applied to the log information to obtain an accurate logging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If time information is obtained from calculation based on counter frequency, then the logging time can be determined without additional hardware, but the time information becomes inaccurate due to CPU frequency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibration mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the counter and the logging time determination. By recording calibration data that maps counter values to actual time instants, the system mediates the inaccurate calculated time and produces accurate logging time information without requiring additional hardware timestamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by storing calibration data in a lookup table format rather than relying directly on counter frequency. The system transforms the relationship between counter values and time instants into a calibrated mapping, allowing accurate time determination through parameter interpolation rather than direct calculation.
2Device complexity
If counter frequency is used to calculate logging time, then the system remains simple and does not require additional hardware, but the time difference between calculated and actual logging times becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by recording calibration data at known time instants before actual logging operations. This preliminary action creates a reference mapping that compensates for frequency variations, ensuring reliable time determination without adding complex hardware while maintaining system simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If accurate logging time is required for data recovery, then calibration data must be recorded and processed, but this increases the complexity of the log management system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the time calibration process by storing calibration data in a lookup table format within the log entries. Instead of implementing complex real-time frequency measurement and calculation systems, the system uses pre-recorded calibration copies that can be quickly referenced during logging operations, reducing system complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques perform log management. Such techniques involve obtaining a count value of a counter associated with a log entry in the log, the count value of the counter incrementing at a predetermined frequency. Such techniques further involve determining a rough time instant when the log entry is created based on the count value, a reference count value of the counter associated with the log entry, a reference time corresponding to the reference count value and the frequency. Such techniques further involve correcting the rough time instant based at least in part on the frequency and a set of count values of the counter corresponding to a set of time instants, to determine a corrected time when the log entry is created. Accordingly, the log backed up to the external storage device has accurate time information.