Interactive Computer Graphics.

Abstract : The goal of our research in distributed computing is to evolve fundamental concepts as well as implementation techniques for improving system performance by judicious runtime distribution of functions to processors and to levels of a hierarchical operating system. This optimal distribution of computing tasks among the various processors in a network or among the many levels of a hierarchical operating system in a single computer is a critical issue in current and future industrial, military, and educational computer systems. For example, host/satellite configurations (consisting of a large-scale time-shared host computer and a set of small but 'intelligent' mini-computer satellites) and networks of heterogeneous mainframe or minicomputer systems, will continue to grow in importance. Our objective is to develop tools for the applications programmer that allow both the estimation of performance improvements of potential migrations, either horizontal (inter-processor) or vertical (intra-processor, between layers of the hierarchical system) and the implementation of the most promising migrations. Furthermore, the resultant division of labor must represent a cost-effective, reliable use of the selected configuration. Through cycles of design and experimental validation/tuning, we expect to produce production tools and results potentially applicable to a range of modern distributed architectures. (Author)