Parallelizing Sequential Grid Tasks via Dependency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer programs written in sequential languages face challenges in adapting to grid computing environments, as they do not leverage parallel processing capabilities effectively due to their sequential execution nature.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods are developed to capture and analyze the execution behavior of sequentially operating computer programs, determining dependencies between steps to identify tasks that can be processed in parallel within a grid computing environment, thereby transforming the program into a grid-enabled version that can utilize multiple processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a computer program is written in a sequential language, then the program structure is simple and easy to understand, but the program cannot leverage parallel processing capabilities in grid computing environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sequential program into multiple independent tasks by analyzing execution behavior and identifying dependencies between steps. Each task can be executed independently on different grid nodes, transforming a monolithic sequential program into a distributed parallel execution model while maintaining the original program logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that captures execution behavior and generates dependency information without modifying the original sequential program code. This intermediary analysis layer acts as a mediator between the sequential program and the parallel grid computing environment, enabling adaptation without direct program restructuring.
2Productivity
If a sequential program is executed on a grid computing environment, then resource utilization is low, but modifying the program to run in parallel increases development time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of the sequential program's execution behavior to pre-determine task dependencies and parallelization opportunities before actual grid execution. This preliminary action captures execution characteristics and generates dependency information that enables automatic parallelization without requiring developers to manually refactor the program, thus saving development time while enabling efficient parallel processing.
3Productivity
If execution behavior is captured and analyzed to determine task dependencies, then parallel processing capability is enabled, but the system complexity and analysis overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the sequential program to self-analyze its own execution behavior by capturing runtime information and generating dependency metadata automatically. The program essentially serves itself by providing the necessary execution information without requiring external instrumentation or manual analysis, reducing system complexity while enabling parallel processing capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for executing a computer program within a multiple processor grid computing environment. Execution behavior of the computer program is captured while the computer program is sequentially executing. The captured execution behavior is linked with steps contained in the source code version of the computer program. The captured execution behavior that is linked with the supplemented source code version is analyzed in order to determine dependencies between a step of the computer program and one or more other steps of the computer program. A determination is made of which task or tasks within the computer program can be processed through the grid computing environment based upon the determined dependencies.