Multi-Processing System Error Handling via Task Re-allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-processing systems face challenges in managing processor errors, particularly in real-time multimedia applications, where a sub-processor error can adversely impact overall performance and require efficient re-allocation of tasks without violating real-time processing deadlines.
Innovation Solution
A method that monitors processor tasks and loads, detects errors, and reallocates tasks among sub-processing units based on load balances and communication requirements, including the option to shut down or reboot affected units, while considering communication bandwidth and latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sub-processing unit exhibits a processing error, then system reliability deteriorates, but re-booting the sub-processing unit causes loss of time and violates real-time processing deadlines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains a standby sub-processing unit that is pre-configured and ready to immediately assume processor tasks when an error occurs in the active sub-processing unit. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for re-booting and ensures continuous real-time processing without violating deadlines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a main processing unit that acts as an intermediary to monitor processor tasks, detect errors, and manage the transition of tasks from the failed sub-processing unit to the standby unit. This intermediary coordinates the error handling process to minimize downtime and maintain system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If processor tasks are re-allocated among sub-processing units, then system adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing system into distinct sub-processing units with dedicated functions: active processing units, standby units, and a main control unit. This segmentation allows for specialized error handling logic in each component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state parameters of sub-processing units dynamically - switching between active and standby states based on error conditions. This parameter-based control simplifies the complexity by using state transitions rather than complex re-allocation algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for: monitoring processor tasks and associated processor loads therefor that are allocated to be performed by respective sub-processing units associated with a main processing unit; detecting whether a processing error has occurred in a given one of the sub-processing units; re-allocating all of the processor tasks of the given sub-processing unit to one or more participating sub-processing units, including other sub-processing units associated with the main processing unit, based on the processor loads of the processor tasks of the given sub-processing unit and the processor loads of the participating sub-processing units; and at least one of: (i) shutting down, and (ii) re-booting the given sub-processing unit.