×

Process distribution and sharing system for multiple processor computer system

  • US 4,914,570 A
  • Filed: 07/21/1988
  • Issued: 04/03/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/15/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A computer system, comprising:

  • a multiplicity of distinct central processing units (CPUs), each having a separate, local, random access memory means to which said CPU has direct access;

    at least one interprocessor bus coupling said CPUs to said multiplicity of memory means, so that each CPU can access both its own local memory means and the memory means of the other CPUs;

    run queue means coupled to said CPUs for holding a separate run queue for each of said CPUs;

    each said run queue holding a list of the processes waiting to run on the corresponding CPU;

    process creation means in at least one of said CPUs for creating new processes, for assigning one of said CPUs as the home site of each new process, and for installing said new process in the local memory means for said home site; and

    cross processor call means in each of said CPUs for temporarily transferring a specified process from its home site to another one of said CPUs, for the purpose of performing a task which cannot be performed on said home site, said cross processor call means including means for;

    (a) placing said specified process on the run queue of said other CPU;

    (b) continuing the execution of said specified process on said other CPU, using the memory means for said specified process'"'"'s home site as the resident memory for said process and using said interprocessor bus means to couple said other CPU to said home site memory means, until a predefined set of tasks has been completed; and

    then(c) upon completion of said predefined set of tasks, automatically returning said specified process to its home site by placing said specified process on the run queue of said specified process'"'"'s home site, so that execution of the process will resume on said specified process'"'"'s home site.

View all claims
  • 3 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×