| From: | Robert Hayden <rahayden@*****.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU> |
|---|---|
| Subject: | Multitasking |
| Date: | Sat, 10 Oct 92 19:54:06 CET |
multi-tasking and how it should be handled in the game.
His technical decription is fine with me and I really won't take issue
with it.
Now, before we go any farther, my original issue was not the number of
decks a person could operate, but the number of DATAJACKS, regardless of
what they were doing. The fact that they might all be decking is immaterial.
Anyway, here are my suggestions:
The I/O SPU must be located between the datajack and the encephalon,
meaning that it would have to be mounted in the body (costing essence).
It only makes since that the SPU would have to sort the data to the proper
memory buffer AFTER it had come through the datajack. Mounting the SPU in
the deck is pointless.
Same with dedicated process memory. The memory would ahve to be installed
in the head to act as the FIFO buffer between the SPU and the encephalon.
Yes, this costs essence, but such is the price of multitasking.
Flowchart:
datajack1 <=> I/O SPU 1 <=> FIFO Buffer1 <=> |-------------------|
. . . | Encephalon |
. . . | |
datajackN <=> I/O SPU N <=> FIFO BufferN <=> |-------------------|
An encephalon can handle the number of datajacks equal to LEVEL +1. In
order for the entire system to be syncronized correctly, all of the
datajacks must be of the same level. In addition, all of the SPUs must
also match (for example, a level 2 encephalon with 3 level 4 datajacks and
3 level 1 I/O SPUs). In addition, each datajack above 1 must have a
dedicated memory buffer of 50 mp (4 datajacks would require 150 mp of memory).
NOTE: the use of only 1 datajack with an encephalon does not REQUIRE an
I/O SPU as the Encephalon is sufficiently powered to handle one
datastream. But 2 or more datajacks require ALL datajacks to have an I/O
SPU to avoid data clashes.
Operating multiple datajacks can become tasking for the encephalon's CPU.
This is reflected in a reaction penalty for operations performed with all
of the active datajacks. Consult the table below:
Encephalon Level # of active datajacks
1 2 3 4 5
1 0 -1 -- -- --
2 0 -1 -2 -- --
3 0 -1 -2 -3 --
4 0 -1 -1 -2 -3
The installation of a MATH SPU equal to or greater than the level of the
encephalon will decrease the overhead some. This is reflected by lowering
the reaction penalties of the active datajacks by one. A MATH SPU will
not bestow any bonuses.
>>>>>{This is a classy setup, let me tell you. I once knew a rigger who
had three datajacks. Was able to plug himself into his car and drive,
fire the car's guns, and control a flying drone all at the same time with
no apparent loss of control. It's not JUST for deckers.}<<<<<
-- Joyride <13:18:36/10-10-52>
>>>>>{Don't forget that an encephalon can multi-task real-world things
too. I knew a street sam that had a Level 2 encephalon installed.
Coupled with his targeting computer, he would be able to fire a gun in
each hand with pinpoint accuracy at DIFFERENT targets. He was a real mean
bastard in a fight.}<<<<<
-- Trog the Gnome <13:21:54/10-10-52>
>>>>>{Was? What happened to him?}<<<<<
-- Datajerk <13:22:38/10-10-52>
>>>>>{Well, he ran out of bullets...}<<<<<
-- Trog the Gnome <13:22:59/10-10-52>
>>>>>{The biggest problem I see with this system is the fact that it is
not very essence friendly. I mean, if you want a Level 4 Encephalon, 5
level 4 datajacks, 5 level 4 I/O SPUs, a level 4 MATH SPU, and 200 MP of
memory, you are looking at 5.16 points of essence!!!!!!! Who in their
right mind would do something like that?}<<<<
-- Joyride <13:27:12/10-10-52>
>>>>>{I would.}<<<<<
-- Datajerk <13:28:21/10-10-52>
>>>>>{Figures. Where this really pays off is that you can have one person
working on five computer projects at once. I've heard of a bunch of corps
giving their wage-slaves level 4 systems in order to increase
productivity. It isn't very cheap, but it really pays off in the end.
Deckers can also make good use of this system. I know a gal who
usually runs with three decks. Each of the personas has a specialty. One
can fight real well, one is the master data-gatherer, another sleazes and
scans. Remarkable setup. And each of the personas of course use the same
memory for utilities, dramatically cutting down on the amount of data
being moved around. Even Black IC have problems fighting off three
deckers at once. Really remarkable.}<<<<<
-- Fastjack <13:41:46/10-10-52>
>>>>>{Christ, Fastjack. You sound like you are in
love.}<<<<<
-- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>{Well, just don't tell anyone.}<<<<<
-- Fastjack <13:43:04/10-10-52>
>>>>>{I heard that, Fastjack. Dinner! My place! Tonight! Eight
o'clock! Don't you dare be late!}<<<<<
-- CyberGal <13:45:22/10-10-52>
>>>>>{Hmm. A woman who can do three things at once, eh? Kinda boggles
the imagination if you let it.}<<<<<
-- The Smiling Bandit <Strikes again!/Ha-Ha-Ha>
>>>>>{Shut up, Smilie.}<<<<<
-- Fastjack {13:47:08/10-10-52>
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Robert Hayden | Black holes result | My views do not
rahayden@*****.WEEG.UIOWA.EDU | from God dividing the | reflect the views
AQ650@*********.FREENET.EDU | universe by zero | of my employer.
