Memory Dump Preliminary Analysis for Faster Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems, the process of analyzing memory dumps from processor failures is hindered by the large size of memory dump files, which are difficult to transmit over limited network connections, leading to extended diagnosis times due to the need for offsite analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for performing preliminary analysis of memory dump files during processor reboot, extracting critical information into smaller human-readable files, and using a debugger with scripts and libraries to parse and interpret data structures, allowing for conditional processing and subsequent diagnostic analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a complete memory dump file is generated and transmitted offsite for analysis, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but transmission time and network bandwidth consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical diagnostic information from the complete memory dump file, creating a reduced representation that contains essential failure analysis data without the full memory contents. This extraction process removes unnecessary data while preserving the key information needed for diagnosis, thereby reducing transmission time and network bandwidth consumption while maintaining diagnostic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the memory dump analysis into two phases: preliminary analysis performed locally at the storage system to identify and extract critical information, and subsequent detailed analysis performed offsite using the extracted data. This segmentation allows the time-consuming transmission operation to involve only the essential extracted information rather than the complete memory dump, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and transmission time.
2Measurement precision
If a complete memory dump file is transmitted offsite, then detailed failure analysis can be performed, but network bandwidth is consumed and transmission may fail in areas with limited connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by identifying and removing only the essential diagnostic elements from the complete memory dump. The extracted information includes critical failure signatures, error states, and diagnostic markers that are sufficient for accurate failure analysis. This selective extraction dramatically reduces the data transmission volume while preserving the information necessary for precise failure characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis locally at the storage system before transmission, extracting critical information in advance. This preliminary action prepares the data in a condensed format that requires minimal transmission bandwidth, ensuring that even in areas with limited network connectivity, the essential failure analysis data can be successfully transmitted and processed.
3Loss of time
If preliminary analysis is performed during processor reboot, then diagnosis time is reduced, but additional processing overhead is added to the reboot process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the preliminary analysis function with the existing processor reboot process. The analysis routines are integrated into the reboot sequence, utilizing the same processor cycles and system resources that are already allocated for reboot operations. This merging allows the preliminary analysis to occur concurrently with or as part of the reboot process, reducing overall diagnosis time without requiring separate dedicated processing resources or significantly increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are techniques for processing a memory dump file. It is determined whether a memory dump file associated with a previous processor failure exists. In response to determining that the memory dump file exists, preliminary analysis of the memory dump file is performed. The determining step and the preliminary analysis are performed as part of rebooting a processor from the previous failure of the processor.