Patent ID: 7971203
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for dynamically reassigning a physical device from a first virtual machine (“VM”) to a second VM, comprising: generating a first message on behalf of the physical device to the first VM, the first message based on an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (“ACPI”) protocol and causes the first VM to believe that the physical device is being shutdown; intercepting a first inquiry from the first VM regarding a cause of the first message; informing the first VM in response to the first inquiry that the physical device assigned to the first VM is being shutdown; intercepting a shutdown instruction from the first VM to the physical device such that the shutdown instruction is not received by the physical device; assigning the physical device to the second VM; generating a second message to the second VM based on the ACPI protocol; intercepting a second inquiry from the second VM regarding a cause of the second message; and informing the second VM in response to the second inquiry that the physical device is available.