A Software Agent for Development of Parallel Programs using SKY vee Parallel Computer
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Date
1997
Authors
Natarajan, Chandarasageran
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Abstract
Developments in Electronic technology have made the parallel processing a reality. Today,
there are many parallel hardware solution available, yet inadequate parallel software is a
major factor in the very slow transition to parallel computing. Even though many
approaches have been developed to utilize these parallel computers, one of the main
obstacles is training the users to develop parallel programs.
This work reports the development of an agent to assist users in using the SKYvec parallel
computer to develop parallel programs. The parallel computer system has eight i860
processors on VME SKYbolt-MP motherboard with a SPARC server running SUN OS as
the host. We have adopted a bottom-up methodology in our design and the approach
suggested here is based on using a knowledge base. This approach requires a huge domain
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specific knowledge on parallel programming and SKYvec tools. Different levels are
adopted in presenting the knowledge frames and the agent will choose according to user's
commitment. The software agent is designed basically using the training-style and
advisory-style interface models where the user learns from the agent directly. This model
builds a user relationship with the aim to assist the .users.
The· agent will run concurrently with the SKYvec system and operate in· interactive
environments and will initiate help automatically, when anticipates user needs . The agent
will assist users in two different modes; i) training mode, ii) advisory mode. The goals
and reasoning will be chosen using a computational software model.
In modeling the agent, we considered a new approach of interactions between different
portions or components of the software agent that uses different technologies as the
separate modules. First of all, we developed a knowledge base using the Oracle database as
the foundation. The knowledge base also covers the rule base of the software agent. Then,
we developed the main module of User Interface that coordinates and facilitates the agent's
communication. The User Interface module is designed based on the multi-window
concept. The other components are the Multilevel parser and the reasoning system
modules which act as the communication module between the User Interface module and
the knowledge base.
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Keywords
Parallel Programs , SKY vee