A directly coupled multiprocessing system

Abstract

When compared with a single processor mode of operation, the directly coupled multiprocessing system concept attacks the following: • Reduction of lost time due to operator errors and inefficient handling of physical queues for problem setup and breakdown by integrating the card-to-tape, compute, and tape-to-printer functions. This is often referred to as automating the machine room. • Reduction of inter-job computational processor idle time by dynamic scheduling of jobs for the main processor in order to overlap tape mounting and demounting with processing of other jobs. • Reduction of job breakdown time by dynamic scheduling of output printers and punch according to priority, printer paper conditions, etc. • Reduction in the processing time of individual jobs by sharing the functions of an input output control system between the two processors in parallel and by more buffering on both input and output. • Expansion of usable program storage space in the computational processor by removing from it much of the IBJOB MONITOR and INPUT OUTPUT CONTROL SYSTEM. • Reduction of computational processor idle time due to the printing on line of accounting information and operator instructions by transferral to the monitor processor. • Reduction of computational processor idle time due to erroneous or undesired halts by positive control by the monitor processor to initiate dump and restart procedures. • Reduction in excess file access time due to random addressing by control and scheduling of all file references by the monitor processor.