Memory Diagnostics via OS-Level Portion Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory diagnostic techniques require system reboot, interrupt ongoing tasks, are time-consuming, and produce results not easily understandable by users of varying skill levels, while also making the system unavailable for other tasks during execution.
Innovation Solution
The techniques involve locking a portion of physical memory using operating system functionality, executing memory diagnostic tests, and determining if a memory problem exists based on the results, allowing for non-disruptive testing and user-friendly reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If memory diagnostics are executed using traditional techniques, then comprehensive memory testing can be performed, but the system must be rebooted and becomes unavailable for other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments memory testing into portions that can be tested independently while the system continues to operate. Instead of requiring a complete system reboot and exclusive access to all memory, the diagnostic service locks and tests specific memory portions sequentially or in parallel with other system operations, allowing comprehensive memory testing without full system unavailability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by locking memory portions before testing begins, ensuring that the memory being tested is not modified by other processes during the diagnostic. This preliminary locking mechanism allows testing to proceed without requiring a full system reboot, as the locking is done selectively on only the portions needed for testing
2Reliability
If memory diagnostics are performed using boot disk methods, then thorough testing can be achieved, but user operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the operating system's diagnostic service automatically lock and test memory portions without requiring user intervention to modify boot settings or configure special startup procedures. The system service handles the entire diagnostic process internally, eliminating the need for users to use boot disks or change system configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal memory diagnostic solution that works within the normal operating system environment, serving both diagnostic purposes and maintaining regular system operation. Unlike boot disk methods that require a separate testing environment, this approach allows memory testing to be performed using the same system resources and interfaces that users interact with daily
3Reliability
If traditional memory diagnostic tests are executed, then memory problems can be detected, but the testing process takes an undesirable amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by testing memory in portions rather than requiring exhaustive testing of the entire memory space. The diagnostic service can lock and test specific memory regions that are most likely to contain defects or that are currently allocated to applications experiencing problems, achieving sufficient diagnostic thoroughness without the time cost of complete memory testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuity of useful action by allowing memory testing to proceed without interrupting other system operations. The diagnostic service locks memory portions and performs tests in a manner that does not require suspending normal system functionality, allowing testing to continue alongside other tasks rather than requiring dedicated testing time
4Productivity
If memory diagnostics are performed during system operation, then system availability is maintained, but memory locking and testing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic service that acts as a mediator between the operating system and memory testing operations. This service handles the complexity of locking and unlocking memory portions, managing test execution, and coordinating with other system processes, thereby shielding users and applications from the underlying complexity while maintaining system availability
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for performing memory diagnostics. A portion of physical memory is locked using functionality included in an operating system. At least one memory diagnostic test is executed on the portion producing a result. It is determined, in accordance with the result, whether a memory problem exists for the portion of physical memory.