Job Handling in a Network of Distributed Processors

摘要

A completely distributed modular computer system composed of processing units which can perform specified tasks independently was developed. Adding intelligence to peripheral devices, by microprocessors and buffer memories, provides for independent functioning of these peripherals. The devices are connected by a nonblocking communication network, and to a central facility containing the operating system. The operating system is distributed over a number of cooperating modules. Each operating system module supports one intelligent device. The operating system modules control the load among the devices and see to the correct processing of jobs presented by a user. Each is equipped with its own buffer capacities and processing power. The network that interconnects the operating system modules has the same structure as that linking the devices.