Electrical computers and digital processing systems: processing – Processing architecture – Distributed processing system
Patent
1997-07-02
1999-09-14
Donaghue, Larry D.
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: processing
Processing architecture
Distributed processing system
711164, 709 7, 709 9, 710200, G06F 1516
Patent
active
059516720
ABSTRACT:
In a multiprocessor system, such as a graphics data processing system, a method is disclosed for synchronizing the operations of two threads so as to execute a graphics data computation task with only one of the two threads. The method includes the steps of providing a set of local variables that are accessible, only through an atomic operation, by both of the threads. Before accessing a graphics data work buffer with one of the threads, testing a plurality of the local variables to ensure that the other thread has not already accessed the work buffer and, if it has not, setting one of the local variables to deny the other thread access to the work buffer. The method further includes the steps of accessing the work buffer and executing the graphics data computation task using the contents of the work buffer.
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Kwok Thomas Yu-Kiu
Narayanaswami Chandrasekhar
Schneider Bengt-Olaf
Donaghue Larry D.
International Business Machines - Corporation
Sbrollini, Esq. Jay P.
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