Showing papers on "Task (computing) published in 2000"

Instant Messaging and Interruption: Influence of Task Type on Performance

Abstract: We describe research on the effects of instant messaging (IM) on ongoing computing tasks. We present a study that builds on earlier work exploring the influence of sending notifications at different times and the kinds of tasks that are particularly susceptible to interruption. This work investigates alternative hypotheses about the nature of disruption for a list evaluation task, an activity we had identified as being particularly costly to interrupt. Our findings replicate earlier work, showing the generally harmful effects of IM, and further show that notifications are more disruptive for fast, stimulus-driven search tasks than for slower, more effortful semantic-based search tasks.

Task execution time modeling for heterogeneous computing systems

Abstract: A distributed heterogeneous computing (HC) system consists of diversely capable machines harnessed together to execute a set of tasks that vary in their computational requirements. Heuristics are needed to map (match and schedule) tasks onto machines in an HC system so as to optimize some figure of merit. This paper characterizes a simulated HC environment by using the expected execution times of the tasks that arrive in the system onto the different machines present in the system. This information is arranged in an "expected time to compute" (ETC) matrix as a model of the given HC system, where the entry (i, j) is the expected execution time of task i on machine j. This model is needed to simulate different HC environments to allow testing of relative performance of different mapping heuristics under different circumstances. In particular the ETC model is used to express the heterogeneity among the runtimes of the tasks to be executed, and among the machines in the HC system. An existing range-based technique to generate ETC matrices is described. A coefficient-of-variation based technique to generate ETC matrices is proposed, and compared with the range-based technique. The coefficient-of-variation-based ETC generation method provides a greater control over the spread of values (i.e., heterogeneity) in any given row or column of the ETC matrix than the range-based method.

Instant Messaging: Effects of Relevance and Timing

Abstract: Instant messaging (IM) has grown rapidly to involve millions of users spanning a variety of platforms. This paper outlines two preliminary studies that examined the effects of IM notifications on ongoing desktop computer productivity tasks. Results from the studies show that the disruptiveness of IM to productivity tasks is reduced if the incoming message is highly relevant to the current task, or if messages are queued until certain key computing operations have been completed. User interface design principles for the control of messaging are proposed based on the results.

Representing Task and Machine Heterogeneities for Heterogeneous Computing Systems

Abstract: A distributed heterogeneous computing (HC) system consists of diversely capable machines harnessed together to execute a set of tasks that vary in their computational requirements. Heuristics are needed to map (match and schedule) tasks onto machines in an HC system so as to optimize some figure of merit. An HC system model is needed to simulate different HC environments to allow the study of the relative performance of different mapping heuristics under different circumstances. This paper characterizes a simulated HC environment by using the expected execution times of the tasks that arrive in the system on the different machines present in the system. This information is arranged in an “expected time to compute” (ETC) matrix as a model of the given HC system, where the entry (i, j) is the expected execution time of task i on machine j. The ETC model is used to express the heterogeneity among the runtimes of the tasks to be executed, and among the machines in the HC system. An existing range-based technique to express heterogeneity in ETC matrices is described. A coefficient-of-variation based technique to express heterogeneity in ETC matrices is proposed, and compared with the range-based technique. The coefficient-of-variation-based ETC generation method provides a greater control over the spread of values (i.e., heterogeneity) in any given row or column of the ETC matrix than the range-based method.

Performance analysis of distributed server systems

Abstract: Client-server systems are becoming increasingly common in the world today as users move to networks of distributed, interacting computers. This form of work demands new performance models as the interactions in client-server systems are more complex than the types supported by classic queueing network solvers such as Mean Value Analysis. A Layered Queueing Network is one of these models; it uses hierarchical decomposition and surrogate delays to solve the model. This thesis describes a new analytic modeling tool called LQNS (Layered Queueing Network Solver) which extends previous techniques used to model distributed client-server systems. The contributions of the thesis are as follows. First, the model now supports forwarding. Forwarding is a technique where a reply to a client is deferred to a lower level server in a multi-level system, improving performance by reducing message traffic. Forwarding can also be used to convert open models to closed models. Second, systems that use early replies can be modeled. Early replies are used to reduce the response time by replying to a client before all of its work at a server is completed. Previous techniques have been extended to multiservers and to allow multiple clients. Third, activities have been introduced. Activities represent the smallest unit of modeling detail and can have arbitrary precedence relationships. Finally, the solver has been extended to handle models with both homogeneous and heterogeneous threads within a task. Homogeneous threads are used to model multiservers. Heterogeneous threads are used to model fork-join interactions such as asynchronous remote procedure calls and in RAID storage devices. The solver also incorporates accuracy improvements for models with early replies and for models with multiple layers. The solver has been used to analyze numerous systems found in existence today including a tele-operator system and a transaction processing system. Finally, an extensive performance model of the Linux 2.0 Network File System (NFS) is presented.

System and method for distributing storage controller tasks

Abstract: A data access task distributor receives a request to perform a data access task. The request is received by a first processor, which identifies an appropriate processor to process the request. The first processor processes the request if the first processor is the appropriate processor to process the request. The first processor forwards the request to the appropriate processor if the first processor is not the appropriate processor to process the request. The first processor identifies the appropriate processor by retrieving data from a table that identifies the types of data access tasks handled by each processor.

Integrated work management engine for customer care in a communication system

Abstract: The present integrated work management engine for customer care orchestrates all forms of work relating to the servicing of customer requests across the entire business enterprise This integrated work management engine brings together all types of disparate communication system components, applications and information storage systems so the business which provides the customer care via these systems can respond to their customer requests in a unified, efficient and effective manner The integrated work management engine also integrates the real time operation of the front office customer communications and the batch data processing mode of the back office The integrated work management engine accepts work through multiple access channels, where each work request is automatically mapped to a process flow that specifies the task associated with the handling of the particular work item The integrated work management engine uses resource selection algorithms to select the customer agent who is best equipped to handle the next step of the work request where customer data is accessed, and customer case files are updated through the fulfillment process The selected customer agent views the customer information, process information, forms, and performance statistics on their desktop terminal device through an API set that is tightly coupled to the integrated work management engine

Constraints on using the dual-task methodology to specify the degree of central executive involvement in cognitive tasks.

Abstract: The dual-task paradigm has been used to examine the role of the central executive in various cognitive tasks. In these studies, performance decrements in primary cognitive tasks performed concurrently with secondary executive tasks have been interpreted as evidence for the involvement of the central executive in those primary tasks. In the present study, we examined the effects of different secondary tasks on performance of three psychometric visuospatial tasks. The decrement in performance of these tasks when they were paired with secondary executive tasks was smallest for the psychometric task considered to most heavily involve the central executive and largest for the task considered least demanding of executive mechanisms. We propose that, when applied to the assessment of central executive involvement, the prevalent simple dual-task logic does not always apply. Special conditions that limit the application of the dual-task methodology include two inherently related factors—a response selection bottleneck and a strategic tradeoff between primary and secondary tasks.

System for ascertaining task off-load capabilities of a device and enabling selected capabilities and when needed selectively and dynamically requesting the device to perform the task

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and computer program product for offloading specific processing tasks that would otherwise be performed in a computer system's processor and memory, to a peripheral device, or devices, that are connected to the computer. The computing task is then performed by the peripheral, thereby saving computer system resources for other computing tasks and increasing the overall computing efficiency of the computer system. In one preferred embodiment, the disclosed method is utilized in a layered network model, wherein computing tasks that are typically performed in network applications are instead offloaded to the network interface card (NIC) peripheral. An application executing on the computer system first queries the processing, or task offload capabilities of the NIC, and then selectively enables those capabilities that may be subsequently needed by the application. The specific processing capabilities of a NIC are made available by creating a task offload buffer data structure, which contains data indicative of the processing capabilities of the corresponding NIC. Once an application has discerned the capabilities of a particular NIC, it will selectively utilize any of the enabled task offload capabilities of the NIC by appending packet extension data to the network data packet that is forwarded to the NIC. The device driver of the NIC will review the data contained in the packet extension, and then cause the NIC to perform the specified operating task(s). This offloading of computing tasks on a per-packet basis allows an application to selectively offload tasks on a dynamic, as-needed basis. As such, applications executing on the computer system processor are able to offload tasks in instances where it is busy processing other computing tasks and processor overhead is high. Multiple tasks can also be offloaded in batches to a particular peripheral.

Method and system for executing batch jobs by delegating work to independent service providers

Abstract: A job management apparatus for use in a batch job execution system is provided. The job management apparatus includes a client communications part which receives a batch job from a client, an extracting part which extracts a task from the batch job, and an assigning part which receives signals from the service providers and delegates a task to a service provider who is capable of performing such task. The job management apparatus is in communication with a job database which stores the batch job after it is received from the client. At least one provider manager is in communication with the job management apparatus and in communication with the service providers which monitors the tasks as they are being performed on a service provider and provides status information about the task to the job management apparatus. The service providers are configured to output signals to the job management apparatus requesting work.

Limitations in information processing in the human brain: neuroimaging of dual task performance and working memory tasks.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses neuroimaging results from dual task performance and tasks where working memory (WM) load is parametrically varied, and discusses whether and how these results could possibly contribute to the understanding of human capacity limitations. Dual tasks have also attracted some interest because they are said to be prototypical executive tasks. Executive functions is a concept often used to denote functions of attentional control, such as switching or dividing of attention, inhibition, planning, coordination, and decision making. It is, however, probably more fruitful to consider these diverse functions separately, rather than referring to executive function as a single entity. The results of increasing information processing demands is somewhat similar in both WM tasks and dual tasks, with a quantitative increase in activity in several areas, often most pronounced in the inferior and middle frontal gyms, particularly in the right hemisphere.

System and method for enabling atomic class loading in an application server environment

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for enabling dynamic class reloading in the application server environment. Users may specify class versionability by specifying a list of explicitly versionable classes; and the application server(s) may execute a background task which operates periodically to check modified versionable classes, and cause the classes to be reloaded. Administrators may specify a set of class files to be treated as a “bundle”. When the bundle is deployed, a deployer manager may obtain a lock, e.g. a semaphore, referred to as the “dirtyClassListLock”. Once this lock is obtained, the deployer manager may copy all the class files in the bundle from a deployment environment to their appropriate runtime locations. After the runtime locations have been updated, the deployer manager may release the dirtyClassListLock. According to this method, the background task that checks for and reloads modified classes may also have to obtain the dirtyClassListLock in order to run. Thus, the background task will discover and reload class files in the bundle atomically.

Client-server task distribution system and method

Abstract: A method and system for distributing by a server data processing system computing tasks for execution amongst a plurality of client data processing systems having different resource characteristics. Each task includes one or more subtasks, and each subtask has one or more resource requirements. Each of the clients requests from the server a subtask upon occurrence of a first event, for example, an idle machine. The server in response to a request from a client, selects a subtask for execution by the client as a function of the resource requirements of the subtask and the particular resource characteristics of the client.

Imaging system having means for creating, managing and selecting from list of exam descriptions

Abstract: Method and apparatus for configuring computer tasks which construct data objects. The system user is able to configure these tasks by the simple expedient of clicking on a toggle switch displayed on a user interface screen or menu. In response to operation of the toggle switch, a selected one of a pair of attribute control files associated with the particular task will be utilized during object construction. The menu contains a list of the activated configured remote devices for the particular imaging system. Next to each device name is a virtual toggle switch (defaulted to OFF). In the OFF state, the task will be configured in accordance with the first attribute control file which is compliant with a first communications standard. If the user toggles the switch for a particular device to ON (this can be done on a per device basis), then the task will be configured in accordance with the second attribute control file which is compliant with a second communications standard. By toggling switches on the menu, the user is able to tell the system which attribute control file to use (to configure a task) for which remote device.

An Augmentation System for Fine Manipulation

Abstract: Augmented surgical manipulation tasks can be viewed as a sequence of smaller, simpler steps driven primarily by the surgeon’s input. These steps can be abstracted as controlled interaction of the tool/end-effector with the environment. The basic research problem here is performing a sequence of control primitives. In computing terms, each of the primitives is a predefined computational routine (e.g. compliant motion or some other “macro”) with initiation and termination predicates. The sequencing of these primitives depends upon user control and effects of the environmental interaction. We explore a sensor driven system to perform simple manipulation tasks. The system is composed of a core set of “safe” system states and task specific states and transitions. Using the “steady hand” robot as the experimental platform we investigate using such a system.

Distributed back up of data on a network

Abstract: Within a network of computers, a system administrator function controls the backing up of data of client machines to selected other client machines within the network by removing control of and access to portions of the hard files within those machines to the local user. The freed up storage space within the client's local hard files is then used for backup purposes to backup data from other machines within the network. Agents in the server and client machines perform this task making it possible to distribute the backup workload across the network. There are three modes of backup: source initiated, target initiated, and server communal backup (CB) agent initiated. All are coordinated by the server CB agent.

System and method for managing processes

Abstract: The process management system includes task information indicative of tasks that define process steps for a group of processes. The task information defines the steps as software events and as non-software events. The system further includes task relationship information indicative of a relationship between the tasks to define the processes, and application information defining the software events. A user interface displays the tasks and enables the selection of the tasks. The processes are completed by selecting the tasks associated with a particular process and executing the software events and the non-software events corresponding to the selected tasks.

Method and system for making resources available

Abstract: A method and system for making resources available is provided, in which a hierarchy, such as a tree having expandable and collapsible branches, is presented on a user interface. The hierarchy represents a logical arrangement of resources that available to a user. The hierarchy may be organized in a variety of ways, such as by resource category, functional area, project, sub-project, or task grouping. The resources made available may, for example, allow employees of an organization to perform tasks. When a user selects a node on the hierarchy, a group of links that are usable to open files or execute programs is presented. These links may be used to access the available resources and, for example, accomplish tasks of the organization.

Scripting task-level user interfaces

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for use in network-centric computing for scripting user-interface components together on an as-needed basis for purposes of executing a software application preferably stored on a server The application may be called from a container/desktop of a client which in turn launches a script The script may be stored on a server, on the desktop, or on a removable media, such as an optical or magnetic diskette The script determines each task to be performed in the application and calls each node associated with the tasks The script further verifies the policies of the container/desktop with respect to invoking, initializing, and executing the node Once a task has been performed on the client, the script determines the next node, if any, and may discard the previous node in accordance with the policy framework of the container/desktop In this way, applications can be performed in a myriad of computing devices, some having little or no memory, by downloading to the client only those user-interface components needed for a particular task to be performed

Dynamic aircraft maintenance management system

Abstract: The present invention is a system (10) for enabling an operator to dynamically manage maintenance of an aircraft. The system (10) includes a program manager system (22), a tracking manager system (24) and a production manager system (26). The program manager system (22) is for extracting maintenance tasks from aircraft maintenance publications (14), and for guiding the formation of maintenance tasks groups. The tracking manager system (24) is for monitoring accumulated usage data of the aircraft, and for identifying maintenance due tasks and maintenance due task groups from the respective maintenance tasks and maintenance task groups for which a difference between the control point and the accumulated usage data is less than a user-defined critical value. The production manager system (26) is for generating and implementing a dynamic maintenance flow chart which details scheduling data for each individual task of the maintenance due tasks and maintenance due task groups.

Systems and methods for providing original document orientation, tone reproduction curves and task specific user instructions based on displayed portions of a graphical user interface

Abstract: Features, such as finely controlling toner response curves and properly orienting documents, provided by imaging capturing devices are accessed through a complicated graphical user interface that includes a number of tabs and large number of dropdown boxes, pop-up boxes, drop-down menus, and the like. Various displayable portions of a scanner control graphical user interface include a task-specific user instruction access button. Selecting the task-specific user instruction access button causes a pop-up menu to be displayed listing tasks that can be accomplished using, at least in part, various ones of the control elements displayed in the currently displayed portion of the scanner control graphical user interface. Upon selecting a selectable task item in the pop-up menu, a task-specific user instruction graphical user interface is displayed. A task instruction portion of the task-specific user instruction graphical user interface, provides the user with detailed instructions for accomplishing the selected task. A related tasks portion provides the user with a list of selectable tasks related to the selected task. The task description in the task instruction portion includes selectable terms used in the task description. Selecting a selectable term allows the user to either access the help entries on the selected term and/or causes a new list of selectable tasks to be displayed in the related tasks portion.

Configuration space as a means for augmenting human performance in teleoperation tasks

Abstract: This paper considers an approach to operator-guided real time motion control of robot arm manipulators that's based on the use of configuration space (C-space). The goal is to improve operator performance in a complex environment with obstacles, In such tasks, traditional teleoperation techniques, which are all based on control in work space (W-space), suffer from human errors tied to deficiencies in human spatial reasoning. The C-space approach transforms the problem into one humans are much better equipped to handle-moving a point in a maze-and results in a significant improvement in performance: shorter path, less time to complete the task, and virtually no arm-obstacle collisions. Versions of the approach are described for two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) tasks, and tools are developed to efficiently interface the human and machine intelligence. Effectiveness of the C-space approach is demonstrated by a series of experiments, showing an improvement in performance on the order of magnitude in the 2-D case and a factor of two to four in the 3-D case, compared to usual work space control.

Scalable transaction processing pipeline

Abstract: A system for processing a plurality of tasks is disclosed. Each task has a plurality of component subtasks. The system may process N tasks and each task includes a first subtask, and a second subtask. The system for processing the plurality of tasks comprises a scalable transaction processing pipeline (STPP). The STPP comprises a plurality of processing elements, including at least a first processing element and a second processing element, the first processing element is adapted to process the first subtask of each task. The second processing element is adapted to process the second subtask of each task. Each successive processing element is adapted to process a corresponding subtask or subtasks of each task. The first processing element processes the first subtask of each task. When the first processing element finishes the processing of the first subtask, the second processing element processes the second subtask of each task. The STPP further includes a plurality of data structures and a plurality of data managers. Each data manager is adapted to manage a data structure. An interconnect couples each processing element to at least one data manager. The interconnect manages the data flow between the interconnect and the processing elements, and between the interconnect and the data managers.

Debugging method and apparatus for multitask programs and recording medium storing a program realizing the debugging method and apparatus

Abstract: A debugging method and apparatus for multitask programs, and a recording medium storing a program used for realization of the debugging method and apparatus enable each of arbitrarily-selected tasks to be stopped at an arbitrary target program position. A plurality of barrier synchronization points are set. Each of the barrier synchronization points groups a break point set for each of a plurality of tasks. A barrier synchronization point which includes a break point that has first stopped a corresponding task is specified. Tasks having breakpoints belonging to the specified barrier synchronization point are sequentially stopped at the respective breakpoints. When all the tasks have stopped, the suspended tasks are brought back to an executable state.

Continuous optimization and strategy execution computer network system and method

Abstract: A computer network system within a virtual environment, includes several computers which are networked to each other to function as a single unit, including at least one parent computer synchronizing and delegating tasks among the several computers; so that the unit scans and gathers data from the virtual environment, and processes and organizes the data into an implementable representation of the data. The unit preferably additionally includes at least one dedicated computer for performing a specific task, and at least one processing computer for providing processing power to the unit. The unit alternatively delivers the implementable representation of the data in the form of a report to a user computer terminal and awaits a decision from a human user.

Job analysis system

Abstract: A method of performing job analyses and delivering or providing access to the results of the job analyses by creating a list of job requirements and working conditions for each discrete task of a job, creating a physical demands analysis comprising a list of physical requirements of each discrete task of a job, and combining the lists into a job analysis database for determining whether a worker can perform a job.

Method and system for displaying various messages while performing tasks or while idling

Abstract: A method, system and program product for implementing communication to transfer a message for display to a user to a target application unit using an electronic network message or e-mail. A message for display to a user of the application unit may be transferred from, for example, a message center connected to the application unit through a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the Internet. The message may be displayed on a display window of the application unit when it is determined that a requested task of the application unit will require more than a predetermined amount of time, or the message may be displayed while the application unit is in an idle state.

Method and apparatus for formatting digital images in accordance with user-selected communications standard

Abstract: Method and apparatus for configuring computer tasks which construct data objects. The system user is able to configure these tasks by the simple expedient of clicking on a toggle switch displayed on a user interface screen or menu. In response to operation of the toggle switch, a selected one of a pair of attribute control files associated with the particular task will be utilized during object construction. The menu contains a list of the activated configured remote devices for the particular imaging system. Next to each device name is a virtual toggle switch (defaulted to OFF). In the OFF state, the task will be configured in accordance with the first attribute control file which is compliant with a first communications standard. If the user toggles the switch for a particular device to ON (this can be done on a per device basis), then the task will be configured in accordance with the second attribute control file which is compliant with a second communications standard. By toggling switches on the menu, the user is able to tell the system which attribute control file to use (to configure a task) for which remote device.

Virtual machine system

Abstract: In a virtual machine system for controlling a plurality of operating systems, priority means 13 compares the priority elements stored in storage means 12 in the trigger for determining the next operating system to be executed, and selects a higher-priority operating system, and execution determination means 11 executes the operating. At this time, the higher-priority operating system is selected based on the execution state of each operating system, the execution priority of each operating system, the task priority of each executable task in each operating system, the time slice execution time of each operating system, etc., as the priority elements.

System for creating efficient multi-step document conversion services

Abstract: A job management apparatus for use in a batch job execution system is provided. The job management apparatus includes a client communications part which receives a batch job from a client, an extracting part which extracts a task from the batch job, and an assigning part which receives signals from the service providers and delegates a task to a service provider who is capable of performing such task. The job management apparatus is in communication with a job database which stores the batch job after it is received from the client. At least one provider manager is in communication with the job management apparatus and in communication with the service providers which monitors the tasks as they are being performed on a service provider and provides status information about the task to the job management apparatus. The service providers are configured to output signals to the job management apparatus requesting work.