Computer Process Self-Monitoring for Resource Utilization Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer processes often lead to improper allocation and retention of resources, causing increased resource utilization over time due to memory leakage and inefficient resource reallocation by operating systems, which can result in idle resources not being reclaimed for other processes.
Innovation Solution
A method where a computer process monitors its own resource utilization and takes actions to reduce it, such as suspending activities, hibernating, or terminating itself to allow the operating system to reclaim resources, with the assistance of a process helper that can restart the process with minimal resource allocation, and a usage monitor that tracks and adjusts resource usage to minimize consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a computer process continuously operates and accumulates resources over time, then it can maintain functionality and perform its tasks, but resource utilization increases due to memory leakage and inefficient reallocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic termination and restart of computer processes at predetermined intervals. This periodic action prevents continuous resource accumulation by forcibly ending processes and allowing the operating system to reclaim resources, while maintaining process functionality through automatic restart. The predetermined time period creates a rhythm of operation that balances functional continuity with resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent deliberately discards running processes by terminating them after a predetermined time period, allowing the operating system to recover and reclaim the resources (memory, CPU, etc.) that were previously allocated. This discarding action directly addresses resource utilization issues by forcing resource release, while the automatic restart mechanism ensures functional recovery.
2Productivity
If the operating system reallocates resources to active processes, then active processes receive necessary resources, but idle or leaked resources are not reclaimed for other processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes preliminary action by terminating processes before resources are completely wasted or before the operating system's automatic reclamation mechanisms would kick in. By proactively ending processes at predetermined intervals, the system prevents resource leakage from becoming a significant problem and ensures resources are available for reallocation before they are lost to memory leaks or process crashes.
3Loss of time
If a process runs continuously without termination, then it can maintain state and avoid restart overhead, but resource leakage accumulates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of process termination and restart into a benefit by using the restart mechanism to reset resource allocation and eliminate accumulated memory leaks. What would normally be seen as a disruptive event (termination) is transformed into a beneficial reset that prevents resource exhaustion and maintains system health over long periods of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes computer-readable storage media encoded with code defining a computer process. The computer process is configured to monitor its own resource utilization so that it can detect a resource-utilization condition. In response to a detection of the utilization condition, the computer process causes its own resource utilization to be reduced.