Lock Data Correlation for Ultimate Holder Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-computer database systems, identifying the ultimate holder of a lock is challenging due to lack of visibility across computers, leading to difficulties in managing locking problems, especially in high-volume transactional systems where timely resolution is crucial to prevent system-wide failures.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to collect and correlate data on programs waiting on or holding resources across multiple computers, identifying the ultimate holder of a lock and displaying this information automatically on a periodic basis, using techniques such as MAINVIEW software and data buffering to create and traverse lock tables and IMS tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data locking is implemented to preserve database integrity, then data consistency is improved, but system visibility and lock management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that collects lock data from multiple computers and presents a unified view to users. This intermediary layer aggregates lock information from different systems, allowing operators to see the complete picture of lock holders across the distributed environment without directly managing the complexity of individual system locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal lock visibility mechanism that works across multiple different computer systems and operating systems. By implementing a cross-system data collection and presentation framework, the solution provides universal lock management capability that functions regardless of the underlying heterogeneous system architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple computers share a common database, then system capacity and availability are improved, but visibility of lock holders across computers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where lock data from all participating computers is continuously collected and presented back to users in a centralized view. This feedback loop ensures that information about lock holders across the distributed system is constantly updated and made available to operators, compensating for the information loss that would otherwise occur in a multi-computer environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges lock information from multiple independent computer systems into a single unified view. By combining data from different sources and presenting it through a common interface, the solution restores visibility of lock holders across the distributed system while maintaining the productivity benefits of multiple computers sharing the database.
3Loss of time
If real-time lock identification is implemented, then response time for resolving locking problems is improved, but data collection and processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by collecting and processing only the specific lock data that is necessary for visibility, rather than gathering all possible system information. This selective data collection approach provides real-time lock identification capability while minimizing the processing overhead and resource consumption associated with comprehensive system monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for collecting and correlating locking data collects and correlates information on a plurality of programs waiting on or holding a plurality of resources in a multi-computer database system. The technique identifies a program executing on one computer of the multi-computer database system that is waiting on a resource. The technique also identifies a second program, executing on another computer, as the ultimate holder of the resource. An operator display screen displays information corresponding to the first program and the second program. The operator display screen may be switched between a multiline display format and a single line display format. The collection, identification, and display of the locking data is performed periodically, to allow the operator to discover locking problems and take a desired corrective action.