Generalized Trace Facility for Uniform First Error Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In processing environments, collecting data related to errors is inefficient due to the lack of uniformity across different processes, leading to slowed data collection and analysis, and negatively impacting system performance.
Innovation Solution
A generalized trace and log facility is provided, utilizing a computer-readable medium with program code logic to facilitate uniform data collection at the first occurrence of an error, employing a standardized interface that allows all processes to collect and manage data in a consistent manner, including the use of trace and log buffers within shared memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each process uses its own interface to collect data, then data collection can be performed by individual processes, but uniformity of data collection is lost and system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal trace facility that serves all processes within a address space through a single standardized interface. This trace facility can collect data from multiple processes uniformly, eliminating the need for each process to have its own separate interface while maintaining the capability to collect data from any process. The trace facility acts as a multi-functional component that handles data collection for the entire address space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual process interfaces into a single unified trace facility. Instead of having separate data collection mechanisms for each process, the trace facility consolidates these functions into one centralized component that can service multiple processes, thereby improving efficiency and uniformity.
2Loss of information
If traces are turned on to collect data for error analysis, then error information can be captured, but system performance is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-allocating trace buffers and establishing the trace facility structure before errors occur. The trace facility is prepared in advance with allocated memory buffers, so when an error happens, data collection can begin immediately without the overhead of setting up trace mechanisms at the moment of error. This reduces the performance impact during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trace facility operates as a self-service mechanism that automatically collects and stores error data without requiring intensive system resources during the collection process. Once data is captured in the pre-allocated buffers, it can be analyzed separately, allowing the system to maintain performance while error data is being gathered.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data collection is performed without a standardized interface, then flexibility in data collection methods is maintained, but data analysis time increases due to lack of uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized interface of the trace facility provides uniform data collection across all processes while maintaining the flexibility to collect data from any process type. The interface uses consistent data structures and formats, which enables efficient and uniform data analysis without requiring process-specific handling logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enforces homogeneity in data collection by requiring all processes to interact with the trace facility through the same standardized interface. This results in uniform data formats and structures, making data analysis more efficient and eliminating the need to handle different data formats from different processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A generalized trace and log facility is employed to collect data, including data associated with the first occurrence of an error. The facility provides standardized application programming interfaces to be used to collect data, print the data, and forward the data to a support team, if desired.