Operating System Dynamic Threading Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for switching between single-threading and hyper-threading modes in computer systems require system restarts, making them cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A method to dynamically switch between single-threading and hyper-threading modes under direct operating system control without the need for restarts, allowing each computing core to process either one or multiple threads based on the operating system's configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If BIOS configuration is modified to switch between single-threading and hyper-threading modes, then the system can execute programs optimized for different modes, but system restart is required which causes time loss and operational inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidrestart time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between single-threading and hyper-threading modes through operating system-level control mechanisms. The kernel can dynamically adjust the number of threads per CPU core based on program requirements without requiring system restart, making the threading mode flexible and adaptable during runtime

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the threading mode parameter dynamically by modifying kernel data structures that control thread-to-core mapping. By altering parameters such as the number of threads per core and updating scheduler configurations, the system transitions between threading modes without reboot, avoiding time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If BIOS configuration is modified to switch between single-threading andhyper-threading modes, then the system can execute programs optimized for different modes, but the configuration process becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an operating system-level intermediary layer that mediates between user programs and hardware threading capabilities. This intermediary provides simplified interfaces and automatic detection mechanisms, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex BIOS settings while maintaining adaptability to different program requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service capabilities through automatic detection of program threading requirements and autonomous configuration of threading modes. The kernel monitors program characteristics and automatically adjusts threading parameters without user intervention, making the system both adaptable and easy to operate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If hyper-threading mode is enabled to improve program execution efficiency, then programs optimized for hyper-threading can run faster, but programs optimized for single-threading experience degraded performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprogram execution efficiencyVSAvoidprogram compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation where the system continuously monitors program execution characteristics and adjusts threading mode in real-time. Programs optimized forhyper-threading receive multi-threaded core configurations for improved productivity, while programs optimized for single-threading automatically receive single-threaded configurations to maintain their performance, achieving both efficiency and compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2545449B1Method for configuring an it system, corresponding computer program and it system
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 BULL SA
  • EP2545449B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2545449B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2545449B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method which is designed for configuring an IT system (100) comprising at least one processor core (116) for executing strings of instructions, each processor core (116) being capable of running at least two strings of instructions at the same time in an interlaced manner, and an operating system (120), which is run on the IT system (100), being capable of supplying strings of instructions to each processor core (116). The invention comprises a step of configuring the operating system (120) being run in a mode in which the operating system supplies each processor core (116) with at most one string of instructions at a time.