Meta Mentor Architecture Dynamic Reconfiguration Fault Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer architectures, such as von Neumann and Harvard designs, face limitations in fault tolerance, scalability, and security, particularly in handling intentional or random faults, malware, and ensuring seamless operation with existing systems.

Innovation Solution

The Meta Mentor architecture introduces a fault-tolerant, decentralized processing system that dynamically reconfigures by using mentor switches to route signals between hardware and software entities, allowing for quorum-based computing, asynchronous fault tolerance, and simultaneous operation of different operating systems, while monitoring integrity and preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional von Neumann or Harvard computer architectures are used, then the system structure is simple and well-established, but the fault tolerance capability is insufficient and cannot handle intentional or random faults effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault tolerance capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the computer system into multiple independent processing units (CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs) that can operate autonomously. Each processing unit is isolated with its own memory space and can continue functioning independently if another unit fails. This segmentation enables the system to tolerate faults by redistributing workloads to healthy processing units while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between the hardware and software. This virtualization layer manages resource allocation, monitors system health, and coordinates fault response across processing units. It acts as a mediator that abstracts the complexity of fault tolerance mechanisms from individual processing units while enhancing overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional computer architectures are used, then the system is easier to manufacture and operate, but the security against malware and unauthorized access is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against malware and unauthorized accessVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into isolated processing units with separate memory spaces and communication channels. This segmentation prevents malware from propagating across the entire system - a compromise in one processing unit cannot affect others. Each unit can be secured independently with its own access control policies, enhancing overall security while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized management of security policies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary security measures by establishing trust boundaries and authentication mechanisms before processes begin execution. The virtualization layer pre-configures security policies, access controls, and encryption keys for each processing unit. This preliminary anti-action prevents unauthorized access and malware infection before they can occur, rather than responding after security breaches happen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional computer designs are used, then the system operates in a single domain with fixed architecture, but the adaptability to dynamically reconfigure for different functional requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidarchitecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability by allowing processing units to be allocated and deallocated based on runtime requirements. The virtualization layer can dynamically assign processing units to different operating systems and applications, change memory allocations, and reconfigure communication paths without physical hardware changes. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to respond to changing functional requirements while the underlying hardware architecture remains stable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal processing platform where the same physical processing units can serve multiple functions and support different operating systems simultaneously. Through virtualization, a single processing unit can be partitioned to run multiple virtual machines with different OS instances, enabling one hardware component to fulfill multiple roles and enhancing system versatility without increasing physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If conventional fault tolerance methods using redundant components are used, then the system can withstand hardware failures, but the system size and resource consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault toleranceVSAvoidsystem resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements fault tolerance by discarding failed processing units from active service and recovering them through workload redistribution to healthy units. When a processing unit fails, the virtualization layer automatically redirects its processes to other available processing units, effectively recovering system functionality without requiring dedicated backup components. This approach maintains fault tolerance while utilizing existing resources efficiently rather than consuming additional resources for redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2856313B1Dynamically erectable computer system
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 SMITH ROGER
  • EP2856313B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2856313B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2856313B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fault-tolerant computer system architecture includes two types of operating domains: a conventional first domain (DID) that processes data and instructions, and a novel second domain (MM domain) which includes mentor processors for mentoring the DID according to "meta information" which includes but is not limited to data, algorithms and protective rule sets. The term "mentoring" (as defined herein below) refers to, among other things, applying and using meta information to enforce rule sets and/or dynamically erecting abstractions and virtualizations by which resources in the DID are shuffled around for, inter alia, efficiency and fault correction. Meta Mentor processors create systems and sub-systems by means of fault tolerant mentor switches that route signals to and from hardware and software entities. The systems and sub-systems created are distinct sub-architectures and unique configurations that may be operated as separately or concurrently as defined by the executing processes.