User-Level Process Management Facility for Operating System Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods do not allow users with user-level access to manage the initialization and execution of processes, particularly in multi-tasking, multi-user operating systems like Unix, Solaris, and Linux, as they lack the ability to ensure process restarts upon system initialization or immediate restart after an operating system reboot.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users with user-level access to control process execution by storing a process initialization file, identifying processes, and using a user-level process list and monitor to manage and restart processes, providing flexible and secure control over process start, restart, or termination, including upon system restarts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users with user-level access are granted process management privileges, then process control capability is improved, but system security is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments process management privileges by creating a dedicated process management facility that operates at user-level rather than requiring root-level access. This facility is separated from the core system security mechanisms, allowing specific process control operations to be performed without granting broad system administrator privileges. The segmentation enables users to manage their own processes and authorized processes without compromising overall system security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a process management facility as an intermediary layer between users and the operating system kernel. This intermediary handles process management operations (start, stop, restart, monitor) on behalf of users, mediating between user-level access requirements and system-level process control. The facility acts as a buffer that provides process management capabilities while maintaining security boundaries, preventing direct user access to sensitive system resources.
2Reliability
If root-level access is required for process initialization, then process management reliability is improved, but user accessibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service process management by enabling users to directly control process initialization, execution, and management operations without requiring root-level intervention. Users can specify processes to be managed, configure restart conditions, and monitor process status through the process management facility. This self-service capability maintains reliability by ensuring processes are properly managed while improving accessibility by eliminating the need for elevated privileges.
Solution Approach 2:
The process management facility provides universal process control capabilities that work across different user contexts and process types. The facility handles multiple functions (process startup, restart, termination, monitoring) through a unified interface that operates at user-level. This multi-functional approach allows the same facility to serve various process management needs without requiring different access levels, thereby improving both reliability and user accessibility.
3Extent of automation
If cron-based periodic restart is used, then automated process restart is improved, but response time to system restart events is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback-based process management by continuously monitoring system events and process states. The process management facility receives feedback about system restart events, process termination conditions, and current process status. Based on this feedback, the facility automatically triggers appropriate actions (process startup, restart, or termination) without waiting for predetermined time intervals. This event-driven feedback mechanism ensures immediate response to system restart events while maintaining automated process management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring process management rules and conditions before system restart events occur. Users can specify in advance which processes should be managed, under what conditions they should be restarted, and what parameters should be monitored. When a system restart event occurs, the pre-configured rules are immediately applied, eliminating the delay associated with cron-based periodic checking. This preliminary configuration enables both automation and immediate response to events.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for managing process execution within an operating system. The systems and method store a process initialization file, preparing a process list of processes that can be controlled by an individual user, and monitoring execution of the processes based on the process list for each user. The process initialization file is managed by a user with a first level of access to the operating system, and indicates which processes may have process execution controlled by users of the system having a different second level of access to the operating system. A process list is prepared for each individual user having the second level of access.