Patent ID: 7512946

Claim:
A computer-implemented scheduling method for controlling execution of processes, said computer-implemented scheduling method comprising: estimating an expected duration of execution of a process; determining a multiplication factor for the process, wherein the determining comprises: determining whether the multiplication factor is to be calculated as a linear function of the estimated expected duration or as a hyperbolic function of the estimated expected duration; if the multiplication factor is to be calculated as a linear function: setting a first level of the multiplication factor for short-duration processes; setting a second level of the multiplication factor for long-duration processes, wherein the second level is lower than the first level; setting a break limit for the multiplication factor defining a speed at which the multiplication factor swings between the first level and the second level; and setting the multiplication factor based on a relationship between the estimated expected duration and the break limit; if the multiplication factor is to be calculated as a hyperbolic function: setting a scale coefficient; providing a first parameter and a second parameter for use in determining the multiplication factor; and setting the multiplication factor based on the scale coefficient, the first parameter, the second parameter and the estimated expected duration; determining a threshold value for current duration of the process by applying the multiplication factor to the estimated expected duration; running the process; detecting an abnormal condition when an actual duration of the process exceeds the threshold value; and performing an action, in response to detecting the abnormal condition.