Resource Manager for Hot-Plugged Device Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional resource allocation systems in computer systems often fail to provide sufficient resources to hot-plugged devices, leading to suboptimal operation, as they do not effectively re-allocate resources from existing devices or their parent nodes when the required resources are not available.

Innovation Solution

A resource manager is implemented to probe both parent and upper-level device nodes for available resources, re-allocate them, and update properties to ensure the hot-plugged device receives the necessary resources, such as I/O addresses and memory addresses, by generating a linked list to track resource reassignment across the device tree.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional resource allocation systems allocate resources only from reserved pools at parent nodes, then resource allocation is simple and fast, but hot-plugged devices cannot receive sufficient resources when the reserved pool is exhausted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation success rate for hot-plugged devicesVSAvoidresource allocation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resource allocation system is segmented into multiple levels (parent nodes and upper-level nodes), allowing the resource manager to probe and allocate resources from different hierarchical levels. This segmentation enables the system to access a broader resource pool while maintaining structured management through the device tree hierarchy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-dimension resource pool (only at immediate parent node) to a multi-dimensional resource allocation approach by probing upper-level nodes in the device tree hierarchy. This adds a vertical dimension to resource access, enabling allocation from grandparent nodes and other ancestors when parent node resources are insufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If resources are re-allocated from existing devices and upper-level nodes, then hot-plugged devices receive sufficient resources, but the system requires complex probing and resource tracking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibility for dynamic devicesVSAvoidresource manager complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary probing of upper-level nodes and existing devices to identify available resources before final allocation to the hot-plugged device. This advance preparation ensures that resources are verified and ready for allocation, reducing allocation failures while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The resource manager implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring resource availability across the device tree hierarchy and updating allocation decisions based on current system state. This feedback loop enables dynamic adaptation to changing resource conditions while managing complexity through systematic resource tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If the system probes upper-level device nodes for resources, then resource availability increases, but the probing process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailable resources for hot-plugged devicesVSAvoidresource allocation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The resource manager performs partial probing by first checking immediate parent nodes for available resources before proceeding to probe upper-level nodes. This staged approach minimizes unnecessary probing operations and reduces allocation time when resources are readily available at lower levels, while still ensuring resource availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2278486B1System and method for device resource allocation and re-balance
Publication Date: 2015.03.25 ORACLE AMERICAN INC
  • EP2278486B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2278486B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2278486B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for providing resources from a plurality of on-board device nodes to a hot-plugged device node in a computer is provided. The apparatus comprises a resource manager configured to receive a resource request over a bus system indicative of a set of desired resources from the hot-plugged device node. The resource manage is further configured to probe a parent device and at least one upper level device node positioned above the parent device node for the set of desired resources. The resource manager is further configured to provide the set of desired resources from the parent device node and one or more nodes of the at least one upper level device node over the bus system for transmission to the hot-plugged device node to enable the hot-plugged device node to operate in the intended manner.