| The first goal of this research has been the definition of a set of design
methods and structuring criteria to form the basis of an operating support for
the use of massively parallel architectures. Within the support, the
object-oriented paradigm is assumed both as the computational model and as the
structuring principle. In particular, the considered object-oriented model
is a parallel one: the Parallel Objects (PO) model.
The chosen architecture poses several interesting problems: for example,
how to allocate objects on the nodes of the massively parallel system.
Due to the fact that PO defines parallelism within single objects, one
object can be allocated on more than one node.
The comparison between architectural features, parallelism models and
applicative needs has led to the design of an abstract support level to
furnish the base functions for an object-oriented environment.
A prototype of this support has been implemented on a MEIKO Computing
Surface, a massively parallel architecture based on the Transputer technology.
This prototype has been designed in C
extended with parallel primitives with good performance.
Some prototypical tools, that deal with mapping
and routing have been produced. They are going to be integrated in
a unique framework.
The final environment will face themes related to dynamicity proper of
object-oriented environments: object migration, object replication and
information dissemination.
A second goal - in a longer term perspective - is the definition of a
programming environment that takes full advantage of the high degree of
available parallelism. These tools can be useful for a wide
range of applications:
- image recognition
- robot control and movement
- computational neural networks
- multiple and interacting knowledge bases
- programming environments based on new paradigms
|
|
- 1989-94: CNR Progetto Finalizzato "Sistemi Informatici
e Calcolo Parallelo",
"Models and Tools for Massively Parallel Systems - Programming
Support for massively parallel architectures based on
the object-oriented model"
- 1990-92: EEC, ESPRIT Parallel Computing Action: SEMPER
project, No. 4028, "Basic Environment to Support Massively Parallel
Architectures"
- 1990-94: MURST 40% Conventional and Non-Conventional Architectures
for Distributed Systems
- 1991-94: Italian CNR, Special Project "Programming Environments for
Massively Parallel Computers"
|
