Patents by Inventor Francois Abel
Francois Abel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11863385Abstract: The invention is notably directed to a method, computer program product, and computer system for running software inside containers. The method relies on a computerized system that includes a composable disaggregated infrastructure, in addition to general-purpose hardware. The computerized system is configured to dynamically allocate computerized resources, which include both general resources and specialized resources. The former are enabled by the general-purpose hardware, while the latter are enabled by specialized network-attached hardware components of the composable disaggregated infrastructure. The method maintains a table capturing specializations of the specialized network-attached hardware components. At runtime, software is run inside each container by executing corresponding functions.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Dionysios Diamantopoulos, Burkhard Ringlein, Francois Abel
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Publication number: 20230239209Abstract: The invention is notably directed to a method, computer program product, and computer system for running software inside containers. The method relies on a computerized system that includes a composable disaggregated infrastructure, in addition to general-purpose hardware. The computerized system is configured to dynamically allocate computerized resources, which include both general resources and specialized resources. The former are enabled by the general-purpose hardware, while the latter are enabled by specialized network-attached hardware components of the composable disaggregated infrastructure. The method maintains a table capturing specializations of the specialized network-attached hardware components. At runtime, software is run inside each container by executing corresponding functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2022Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Dionysios Diamantopoulos, Burkhard Ringlein, Francois Abel
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Patent number: 11360789Abstract: Methods are provided for configuring a reconfigurable hardware device to execute a user application. Such a method includes providing static shell logic on the device. The static shell logic is controlled by a primary management core for managing operation of the device, and has a predetermined hardware interface. The method includes configuring on the device, via the primary management core, dynamic shell logic for implementing dynamically-selected shell functionality. The dynamic shell logic includes a secondary management core, adapted to communicate with the primary management core via the hardware interface, for managing operation of the dynamic shell logic. The method further comprises configuring on the device, via the primary management core, application logic, having an interface with the dynamic shell logic, for executing the user application. The secondary management core uploads to the primary management core dynamic code to adapt the primary management core for use with the dynamic shell logic.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Burkhard Ringlein, Francois Abel, Beat Eugen Weiss
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Publication number: 20220004397Abstract: Methods are provided for configuring a reconfigurable hardware device to execute a user application. Such a method includes providing static shell logic on the device. The static shell logic is controlled by a primary management core for managing operation of the device, and has a predetermined hardware interface. The method includes configuring on the device, via the primary management core, dynamic shell logic for implementing dynamically-selected shell functionality. The dynamic shell logic includes a secondary management core, adapted to communicate with the primary management core via the hardware interface, for managing operation of the dynamic shell logic. The method further comprises configuring on the device, via the primary management core, application logic, having an interface with the dynamic shell logic, for executing the user application. The secondary management core uploads to the primary management core dynamic code to adapt the primary management core for use with the dynamic shell logic.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2020Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Burkhard Ringlein, Francois Abel, Beat Eugen Weiss
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Patent number: 10621127Abstract: A communication channel for reconfiguration of a device, such as an FPGA, is described in various embodiments. One embodiment includes a physical input/output circuit, a dynamic layer, and a static layer. The static layer is programmed into the reconfigurable device to contain a configuration layer and a network layer. The configuration layer is able to receive additional layers, such as a virtual network layer and a virtual security layer and program them into the reconfigurable device. The virtual network layer can provide communication protocols, such as TCP/IP, and the virtual security layer can provide security protocols, such as TLS and IPSec. Various distributed applications can be programmed into the reconfigurable device over the network and configured to use the virtual network layer and the virtual security layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francois Abel, Christoph Hermann Hagleitner, Jagath Weerasinghe
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Publication number: 20180285295Abstract: A communication channel for reconfiguration of a device, such as an FPGA, is described in various embodiments. One embodiment includes a physical input/output circuit, a dynamic layer, and a static layer. The static layer is programmed into the reconfigurable device to contain a configuration layer and a network layer. The configuration layer is able to receive additional layers, such as a virtual network layer and a virtual security layer and program them into the reconfigurable device. The virtual network layer can provide communication protocols, such as TCP/IP, and the virtual security layer can provide security protocols, such as TLS and IPSec. Various distributed applications can be programmed into the reconfigurable device over the network and configured to use the virtual network layer and the virtual security layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Francois Abel, Christoph Hermann Hagleitner, Jagath Weerasinghe
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Patent number: 10050362Abstract: An electronic circuit card comprises a printed circuit board with electronic components. The electronic components comprise drivers for transmitting transmit (TX) signals and receivers for receiving receive (RX) signals, according to several groups of interface signals. There is further provided a connector edge, arranged at an edge of the card, and configured to allow the card to be connected to an external connector. This connector edge comprises two subsets of symmetric pins on respective (opposite) sides thereof. The drivers and the receivers are connected to the pins, for respectively conveying the TX signals and the RX signals. Pins are assigned such that, for each of the several groups of supported interface signals, any pin (of any of the subsets) connected to transmit TX signals is located opposite a pin (of the other subset) connected to receive RX signals. Pairs of consecutive pins (on each side) typically come in differential pairs.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francois Abel, Andreas Doering, Ronald P. Luijten, Mauro Spreafico, Beat Weiss
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Patent number: 10033633Abstract: A network interface controller can include a sideband port controller. The sideband port controller can provide a sideband connection between the network and a sideband endpoint circuit that can be operative to communicate with the network via a sideband. The sideband port controller can include an event notification unit operative to compile information into an event notification packet. The sideband port controller can further include a packet parser. In embodiments, the packet parser could be operative to analyzes a packet to provide an indication that the packet contains the event notification packet. In embodiments, the sideband port controller could be operative to forward the information in the event notification packet to the sideband endpoint circuit, responsive to that indication.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francois Abel, Claude Basso, Philippe Damon, Fabrice J. Verplanken
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Patent number: 9979802Abstract: Proposed is an action machine for assembling response packets in a network processor. The action machine comprises: a first register array adapted to store data for entry into fixed-length fields of differing response packets, a fixed-length field having the same length in the differing response packets; and a second register array adapted to store data for entry into variable-length fields of differing response packets, a variable-length field having different values or lengths in the differing response packets. The action machine is adapted to assemble a response packet by combining data stored in the first register array with data stored in the second register array.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Fabrice Jean Verplanken, Francois Abel, Jean-Paul Aldebert, Jean-Luc Frenoy
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Patent number: 9965434Abstract: Proposed is an action machine for processing packet data in a network processor. The action machine comprises: first and second data storage units adapted to store data for processing; and a processing unit adapted to process data from the first and second data storage units. The first storage unit is adapted to be accessed by the processing unit and a unit external to the action machine, and the second storage unit is adapted to only be accessed by the processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Fabrice Jean Verplanken, Francois Abel, Claude Basso, Damon Philipe
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Patent number: 9917932Abstract: A packet parser has a set of marker elements each comprising a one bit latch and connected to store flag values from the results of the application of parser rules. Some marker elements are connected to provide the stored marker values as input to the parser rule logic to be taken into account in the processing of subsequent parser rules and some are connected to control external hardware. Some markers are reset at the end of each packet. A special toggle marker element toggles its value when its address is selected and other marker elements are connected to store, when its own address is selected, the value of the toggle element. Other markers toggle their own value when selected.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francois Abel, Claude Basso, Philippe Damon, Fabrice J. Verplanken
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Patent number: 9917929Abstract: A packet parser has a set of marker elements each comprising a one bit latch and connected to store flag values from the results of the application of parser rules. Some marker elements are connected to provide the stored marker values as input to the parser rule logic to be taken into account in the processing of subsequent parser rules and some are connected to control external hardware. Some markers are reset at the end of each packet. A special toggle marker element toggles its value when its address is selected and other marker elements are connected to store, when its own address is selected, the value of the toggle element. Other markers toggle their own value when selected.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francois Abel, Claude Basso, Philippe Damon, Fabrice J. Verplanken
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Publication number: 20180054359Abstract: A reconfigurable computing device includes an application layer adapted to run a plurality of applications, a configuration layer adapted to configure the applications, and a network layer adapted to provide access to a network for the configuration layer and the application layer. The network layer and the configuration layer are configured as static partitions in a static region of the device. The static partitions and the static region are configured only upon booting the device. The applications are configured as dynamic partitions in a dynamic region of the device and the dynamic partitions and the dynamic region are reconfigurable during operation of the device. A related computer implemented method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Francois Abel, Christoph Hagleitner, Jagath Weerasinghe
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Patent number: 9893990Abstract: A network interface controller can include a sideband port controller. The sideband port controller can provide a sideband connection between the network and a sideband endpoint circuit that can be operative to communicate with the network via a sideband. The sideband port controller can include an event notification unit operative to compile information into an event notification packet. The sideband port controller can further include a packet parser. In embodiments, the packet parser could be operative to analyzes a packet to provide an indication that the packet contains the event notification packet. In embodiments, the sideband port controller could be operative to forward the information in the event notification packet to the sideband endpoint circuit, responsive to that indication.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Francois Abel, Claude Basso, Philippe Damon, Fabrice J. Verplanken
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Publication number: 20170256874Abstract: An electronic circuit card comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) with electronic components thereon. The electronic components comprise drivers for transmitting TX signals and receivers for receiving RX signals, according to several groups of interface signals. There is further provided a connector edge, arranged at an edge of the card, and configured to allow the card to be connected to an external connector. This connector edge comprises two subsets of symmetric pins on respective (opposite) sides thereof. The drivers and the receivers are connected to the pins, for respectively conveying the TX signals and the RX signals. Pins are assigned such that, for each of the several groups of supported interface signals, any pin (of any of the subsets) connected to transmit TX signals is located opposite a pin (of the other subset) connected to receive RX signals. Pairs of consecutive pins (on each side) typically come in differential pairs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2016Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: Francois Abel, Andreas Doering, Ronald P. Luijten, Mauro Spreafico, Beat Weiss
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Patent number: 9547540Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes managing function calls between a plurality of nodes and a super node of a rack system having a distributed operating system (OS). The OS includes a plurality of functions divided into first class and a second class, and each of the plurality of nodes excludes functions in the second class. Managing the function calls includes detecting a call to a first function on a first node of the plurality of nodes. It is determined that the first function belongs to the second class of functions and is not available on the first node. The call to the first function is routed to the super node, responsive to determining that the first function belongs to the second class, where the super node includes code for the functions in the second class.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Francois Abel, Rolf Clauberg, Andreas C. Doering, Patricia M. Sagmeister, Martin L. Schmatz
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Publication number: 20160173656Abstract: A packet parser has a set of marker elements each comprising a one bit latch and connected to store flag values from the results of the application of parser rules. Some marker elements are connected to provide the stored marker values as input to the parser rule logic to be taken into account in the processing of subsequent parser rules and some are connected to control external hardware. Some markers are reset at the end of each packet. A special toggle marker element toggles its value when its address is selected and other marker elements are connected to store, when its own address is selected, the value of the toggle element. Other markers toggle their own value when selected.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Francois Abel, Claude Basso, Philippe Damon, Fabrice J. Verplanken
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Publication number: 20160134549Abstract: A packet parser has a set of marker elements each comprising a one bit latch and connected to store flag values from the results of the application of parser rules. Some marker elements are connected to provide the stored marker values as input to the parser rule logic to be taken into account in the processing of subsequent parser rules and some are connected to control external hardware. Some markers are reset at the end of each packet. A special toggle marker element toggles its value when its address is selected and other marker elements are connected to store, when its own address is selected, the value of the toggle element. Other markers toggle their own value when selected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Francois Abel, Claude Basso, Philippe Damon, Fabrice J. Verplanken
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Publication number: 20160134529Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards a network interface controller that could provide a connection for a device to a network. The network interface controller can include a sideband port controller. The sideband port controller can provide a sideband connection between the network and a sideband endpoint circuit that can be operative to communicate with the network via a sideband. The sideband port controller can include an event notification unit operative to compile information into an event notification packet. The sideband port controller can further include a packet parser. In embodiments, the packet parser could be operative to analyses a packet to provide an indication that the packet contains the event notification packet. In embodiments, the sideband port controller could be operative to forward the information in the event notification packet to the sideband endpoint circuit, responsive to that indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Francois Abel, Claude Basso, Philippe Damon, Fabrice J. Verplanken
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Publication number: 20160134559Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards a network interface controller that could provide a connection for a device to a network. The network interface controller can include a sideband port controller. The sideband port controller can provide a sideband connection between the network and a sideband endpoint circuit that can be operative to communicate with the network via a sideband. The sideband port controller can include an event notification unit operative to compile information into an event notification packet. The sideband port controller can further include a packet parser. In embodiments, the packet parser could be operative to analyses a packet to provide an indication that the packet contains the event notification packet. In embodiments, the sideband port controller could be operative to forward the information in the event notification packet to the sideband endpoint circuit, responsive to that indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Francois Abel, Claude Basso, Philippe Damon, Fabrice J. Verplanken