Virtual Machine Malfunction Detection via Session Image Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

In virtual machine hosting scenarios, malfunctions during startup or execution are difficult to detect and resolve without human intervention, especially when virtual machines are disconnected from display screens, leading to user discomfort and increased maintenance response times.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a graphics processing unit that captures session images, compares them with pre-defined non-functional state images using image metrics, and determines the virtual machine's operating state, allowing for automated detection and potential resolution of malfunctions without human intervention, using a classification module and troubleshooting commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If virtual machines are disconnected from display screens to enable remote broadcasting, then user experience is improved, but malfunction detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote client accessVSAvoidmalfunction detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent captures session images from the graphics processing unit buffer and creates a digital copy for analysis. This copy is compared against known non-functional state images to detect malfunctions, eliminating the need for physical display connections while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical display connection with an electronic image capture and analysis system. Instead of requiring a physical monitor to detect visual malfunctions, the system captures digital session images from the GPU buffer and analyzes them computationally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If maintenance agents are deployed to detect and resolve malfunctions, then system reliability is improved, but response time deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidmaintenance response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically capturing session images, comparing them against known non-functional states, and identifying malfunctions without human intervention. This automated self-service approach eliminates the need for maintenance agents to physically inspect each virtual machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-records images representing non-functional states and stores them for comparison. This preliminary preparation enables immediate malfunction detection when session images are captured, eliminating the need for manual analysis and reducing response time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated image comparison is implemented, then malfunction detection speed is improved, but computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalfunction detection speedVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent compares session images against a subset of pre-recorded non-functional state images rather than performing exhaustive analysis. This partial action approach provides sufficient malfunction detection capability while reducing computational resource consumption compared to complete image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3654181B1Method for maintenance of a virtual machine hosted on a server of a host computer
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 SHADOW
  • EP3654181B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3654181B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3d

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for maintaining a virtual machine hosted on a server of a host computer. The virtual machine includes a graphics processing unit for preparing session images to be displayed on a screen, the session images being produced by the virtual machine. The maintenance method comprises obtaining (S1) at least one session image prepared by the graphics processing unit; comparing (S2) the captured session image with at least one screen image representing a non-functional state of the virtual machine; and determining (S3) the operating state of the virtual machine based on the result of the preceding comparison step.