Task Scheduling in Distributed Systems with Reconfigurable Processors

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cloud computing environments, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently distributing tasks across reconfigurable and non-reconfigurable processors to optimize processing time and power usage, leading to suboptimal resource allocation and processing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A distributed processing system that includes scheduler nodes capable of selecting task nodes with reconfigurable and non-reconfigurable processors based on calculated RP and non-RP costs, and processing methods to determine the most efficient processor for task execution, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and optimal resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If tasks are distributed using traditional scheduling methods, then system compatibility is maintained, but processing efficiency and resource utilization are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidscheduling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling system dynamically adapts its behavior based on task characteristics and processor availability. The scheduler node calculates RP gain values in real-time and adjusts task allocation decisions dynamically, transitioning between different scheduling strategies (RP-based vs. non-RP-based) depending on current system state and task requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the scheduling parameter from fixed traditional methods to dynamic RP gain-based allocation. By calculating and comparing RP gain values (which represent the benefit of using reconfigurable processors), the system optimizes task distribution parameters based on current processor performance metrics and task characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If reconfigurable processors are used for all tasks, then processing efficiency improves, but system complexity and reconfiguration overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask processing speedVSAvoidreconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying reconfigurable processors to all tasks, the system selectively applies RP technology only to tasks where it provides net benefit. By calculating RP gain and comparing it against reconfiguration overhead, the system determines partial utilization of RP resources, avoiding unnecessary reconfiguration for tasks where non-RP processors are more efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system treats reconfiguration as a consumable resource with associated cost. When RP gain exceeds reconfiguration overhead, the system invests in reconfiguration; otherwise, it uses simpler non-RP processing. This economic model prevents excessive reconfiguration by comparing the 'cost' of reconfiguration against the 'value' of improved processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic task allocation is implemented, then resource utilization improves, but scheduling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidscheduler complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scheduling decision-making process is segmented into distinct computational steps: calculating non-RP cost, calculating RP cost, determining RP gain, and making allocation decisions. This segmentation of the scheduling algorithm into modular components manages complexity by breaking down the overall decision process into manageable, independent calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9965322B2Scheduling tasks in a distributed processing system with both reconfigurable and configurable processors
Publication Date: 2018.05.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9965322B2 patent drawing
  • US9965322B2 patent drawing
  • US9965322B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A distributed processing system includes a plurality of task nodes each configured to have a capability of processing a task using a reconfigurable processor, and having a capability of processing the task using a non-reconfigurable processor if the task is not processed using the reconfigurable processor, and a scheduler node configured to select a task node that is to process the task from the plurality of task nodes.