Global File Descriptor Isomorphism for Multiprocessor State Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiprocessing operating systems face inconsistencies in resource sharing due to different states recognized by devices when multiple processes access the same resource, leading to incorrect operations during runtime processing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Global File Descriptor (GFD) system that manages access to resources by generating GFD entries in a GFD table, allowing multiple processes to share resources while maintaining consistent state information through GFD fields that track resource sessions and state data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processes access the same device through traditional file descriptors, then resource sharing is enabled, but state inconsistency occurs leading to incorrect operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Global File Descriptor (GFD) table as an intermediary structure between processes and devices. The GFD table maintains a centralized mapping of file descriptors to device states, allowing multiple processes to access the same device while ensuring they all reference the same consistent state information, thereby resolving the state inconsistency problem
Solution Approach 2:
The GFD table serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a state management mechanism, a consistency enforcement structure, and a resource sharing coordinator. By making the file descriptor table global rather than process-specific, the system enables universal access to device states across all processes while maintaining consistency
2Ease of operation
If traditional file descriptors are used for resource access, then process independence is maintained, but state synchronization between processes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The GFD table implements feedback mechanisms by continuously tracking and updating device state information across all processes. When one process modifies device state, the changes are reflected in the global table, providing feedback to other processes accessing the same device, thus maintaining state synchronization without compromising process independence
3Ease of manufacture
If separate process descriptor tables are used, then access control is simplified, but resource sharing consistency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the file descriptor tables from individual processes into a single global file descriptor table. This consolidation maintains the simplicity of access control mechanisms while ensuring that all processes reference the same consistent state information for shared resources, thereby improving resource access consistency without complicating access control
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing resource sharing in a computing environment using file descriptor isomorphism. The methods and systems may perform a method in a computing environment having processor systems executing processes. The method may include receiving a request from a first process to access a first resource. Further, the method may include generating a first Global File Descriptor (GFD) that references a first entry in a GFD table, the first GFD entry including a reference to a first entry in a resource descriptor table pointing to the first resource. Based on the request, at least one GFD field associated with the first GFD entry is configured. Thus, methods and systems may manage access by the first process to the first resource using the first GFD entry.