Control Token for Interruptible Automated Task Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud-computing environments, automated tasks once initiated cannot be easily interrupted or modified, leading to resource locking and delays when changes are needed, making it difficult to manage and update tasks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The use of a control token, such as a flag, is introduced to allow for the interruption or modification of automated tasks by indicating a change or update, enabling pause, cancel, or resume operations, and allowing for efficient management of multiple tasks without locking resources unnecessarily.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated tasks are executed without interruption capability, then task execution reliability is improved, but task management flexibility and resource utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic task control by introducing interruptible execution modes with checkpoint-based resumption. Tasks can be paused at logical checkpoints and resumed later, transforming the static execute-or-fail model into a dynamic state machine with multiple execution states (pending, running, paused, completed, failed). This allows the system to adapt task execution to changing conditions while maintaining reliability through controlled interruption points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control tokens as intermediary objects that mediate between the task management system and executing tasks. These tokens carry pause requests, resume commands, and cancellation signals, enabling flexible task control without directly interfering with the core execution logic. The control token acts as a buffer that decouples the task scheduler from the task executor, allowing independent optimization of both components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If automated tasks lock resources during execution, then task execution stability is improved, but resource utilization and task queue throughput deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments resource locking into discrete, manageable units tied to specific logical checkpoints within tasks. Instead of locking resources for the entire task duration, the system acquires and releases locks at defined checkpoint boundaries. This segmentation allows other tasks to access resources during intervals when checkpoints are not active, improving overall resource utilization while maintaining execution stability through controlled access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic resource access patterns where tasks acquire resources at regular checkpoint intervals rather than continuously. The system alternates between task execution phases and resource release phases, creating a rhythmic pattern of resource allocation. This periodic action allows the task queue to process multiple tasks in sequence, with resources becoming available for subsequent tasks during the execution intervals of previous tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control mechanisms are added to interrupt automated tasks, then task management flexibility is improved, but system complexity and implementation difficulty deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control logic for task interruption and resumption into separate, modular components. The control token mechanism is implemented as an independent subsystem that handles pause, resume, and cancellation operations without modifying the core task execution engine. This extraction isolates the complexity of flexible task management into a dedicated control layer, allowing the execution layer to remain simple and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the control token mechanism to handle multiple task control operations (pause, resume, cancel, prioritize) through a single unified interface. The same control token infrastructure supports different task types and execution contexts, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each operation. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control functionality into one multi-purpose system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present approach relates to systems and methods for facilitating an interrupt or change in automated tasks in progress, and using a control token (e.g., flag) to modify the progress of the automated task. In contrast to current automated tasks that may not be modified once the request for the automated task has been sent, the presently disclosed techniques allow for controlling and/or changing an automated task by using the control token and an associated status in conjunction with logical checkpoints defined for a thread at which the thread can be paused and the status changed.