Synchronization Module Access Time Period Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-threaded and multi-process-enabled software testing faces challenges in detecting rare timing-related bugs due to insufficient test coverage and long-lasting testing processes, as traditional synchronization techniques often fail to detect external task interactions within predefined access periods.
Innovation Solution
A method that extends the access time period by delaying resource assignment and release steps, allowing for resynchronization and identification of external tasks, thereby improving bug detection efficiency and preventing unauthorized access to shared resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the access time period is kept short according to traditional synchronization techniques, then the synchronization efficiency is improved and resource availability is increased, but the detection capability for external task interactions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by extending the access time period beyond the minimal required duration, creating a time buffer that allows for detection of external task interactions. This preliminary extension of time enables the system to identify potential conflicts before they cause actual data corruption or system errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial or excessive action by deliberately using an access time period that is longer than the minimum necessary for resource access. This excessive time allocation creates overlapping access intervals that increase the probability of detecting external task interactions, even though it temporarily reduces resource availability.
2Reliability
If the access time period is extended to detect external tasks, then the bug detection efficiency is improved, but the resource availability and synchronization performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the access time period based on testing requirements. During normal operation, standard synchronization intervals are used to maintain high resource availability. During testing phases, the access time period is dynamically extended to create detection opportunities for external task interactions, thus adapting the system behavior to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the time parameter of resource access by extending the access time period from its minimal value to a larger value during testing. This parameter change transforms the synchronization behavior to enable detection of timing-related bugs while maintaining the ability to switch back to normal operation modes.
3Speed
If traditional synchronization techniques are used with predefined access periods, then the system operation speed is maintained, but the coverage for detecting rare timing-related bugs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by creating overlapping access intervals through extended time periods. This periodic extension generates multiple observation windows where external task interactions can be detected, increasing test coverage for rare timing-related bugs while maintaining structured synchronization patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Managing concurrent accesses by a set of tasks to a shared resource of a computer system. Synchronizing the set of tasks for assigning and releasing a resource according to a predefined access period with flexibility of providing an extended access period where an external task is not detected during the predefined access period. Where an extended access period is provided, resynchronizing is performed, and the external task is identified and access is prevented when the external task is determined to be a particular type of task.