Virtual Hot Plugging Device Management via Node Lists
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems do not support the virtual hot plugging of devices and virtual devices, which limits flexibility and resource management in computing environments, particularly for devices that cannot be physically hot plugged, leading to potential errors and service interruptions during device management.
Innovation Solution
The creation of a device list or virtualized device list that includes bus nodes, interface nodes, and virtual interface nodes, allowing for the addition and removal of devices and virtual devices without physical connection or disconnection, using software driver management to update status indicators and node presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device is physically hot plugged during operation, then the device can be added or removed dynamically, but this causes errors or physical damage to the computing device for non-hot-pluggable devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the device in the device list that can be added or removed independently of the physical device. This virtual device node allows the operating system to recognize and manage device presence/absence without requiring physical hot plugging, thus avoiding errors and damage while maintaining dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual device list as an intermediary layer between the physical device and the operating system. This virtual representation mediates the interaction, allowing the OS to perceive device additions/removals without direct physical connection changes, thereby protecting the computing device from hot-plugging errors while enabling dynamic device management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multifunction device is physically hot plugged, then all virtual devices are added or removed together, but this prevents selective addition/removal of individual virtual devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multifunction device into separate virtual device nodes within the device list. Each virtual device becomes an independent node that can be individually added or removed, rather than being bundled together. This segmentation enables selective management of individual virtual devices while maintaining the underlying physical device connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a virtualization dimension to the device list structure, creating multiple levels of abstraction. The device list now includes both physical device representations and virtual device representations, allowing operations at the virtual device level without affecting the physical device, thus enabling selective addition/removal of virtual devices.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device list is fixed at boot-up, then the device list structure remains stable, but this prevents device additions or removals during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the device list dynamic by allowing nodes to be added or removed during operation. The device list structure can now adapt to changing device configurations while maintaining stability through controlled modifications. Virtual device nodes can be dynamically created or removed based on operational needs without destabilizing the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the device list structure during boot-up with placeholder nodes and attachment points for potential devices. This preliminary configuration establishes a stable base structure that can later accommodate dynamic additions or removals of devices without requiring fundamental restructuring, thus maintaining stability while enabling adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A device list is created for an operating system and/or a virtualized operating system. A bus node is created for each bus. Interface nodes are created as child nodes of the respective bus and a status indicator indicates whether a device connected to the interface is accessible. A device node is created for the device connected to the interface. Virtualized interface nodes are created as child nodes of the device node for each virtual device included in the device and a status indicator indicates whether the respective virtual device is accessible. Then, devices and/or virtual devices may be added and/or removed utilizing the list. After a device and/or virtualized device has been removed for one operating system and/or virtualized operating system, it may then be added to another. In this way, devices and/or virtualized devices can be virtually hot plugged without physically connecting and/or disconnecting devices.