Process Identifier Generation via Named Object Conflict Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in distinguishing between processes on a computer while efficiently managing resources, such as memory and processing capacity, to prevent unauthorized access to protected resources.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented where a candidate identifier for a process is generated, and an attempt is made to create a named object with this identifier. If successful, the identifier is used; otherwise, the process repeats the generation and attempt, ensuring no other process is using the identifier, thus preventing concurrent usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional identifier assignment methods are used to distinguish processes, then process identification is achieved, but resource overhead (memory and processing capacity) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the operating system's native named object mechanism to automatically provide unique identification. Instead of implementing a complex external identifier management system, the patent leverages the existing named object creation and conflict detection capabilities of the operating system to generate unique process identifiers automatically, reducing the need for additional memory structures and processing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repurposes the named object mechanism, which is originally designed for inter-process communication and resource management, to also serve as an identifier generation system. By using named objects for both their traditional purposes and as unique process identifiers, the system avoids duplicating functionality and reduces overall resource overhead while maintaining reliable process distinction.
2Reliability
If unique identifiers are assigned to each process, then process distinction is enabled, but the complexity of managing identifier uniqueness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces named objects as an intermediary layer between the process management system and the identifier assignment task. The named object mechanism acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of ensuring uniqueness through its built-in conflict detection and resolution capabilities, freeing the process management system from implementing complex identifier collision handling logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system's named object subsystem automatically handles the complexity of ensuring identifier uniqueness through its inherent conflict detection mechanism. When a named object with a duplicate name is attempted to be created, the system automatically detects and prevents the duplication, eliminating the need for external complex verification algorithms.
3Productivity
If resource allocation is optimized for process identification, then resource efficiency improves, but the ability to handle concurrent processes may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic identifier allocation system where named objects are created on-demand for each process. This dynamic approach allows the system to efficiently manage resources by only allocating identifier resources when processes are actually created, while simultaneously maintaining the ability to handle any number of concurrent processes through the operating system's native named object management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
By using the named object mechanism for both traditional inter-process communication functions and as a unique identifier system, the patent enables the same infrastructure to support both resource-efficient operation and flexible concurrent process handling. The universal named object system adapts to different process needs without requiring separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A candidate identifier for a process is generated and an attempt is made to have a named object created that has a name that is the candidate identifier. In response to the attempt succeeding and the named object being created, the candidate identifier is used as an identifier for the process. In response to the attempt not succeeding and the named object not being created, the generating and attempting are repeated.