Using an index and count mechanism to coordinate access to a shared resource by interactive devices
US6070194A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F15/167
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Th present invention coordinates access to a shared resource, comprised of a plurality of segments, between a first device and a second device using an index and count mechanism. The present invention includes a respective descriptor, for each of the plurality of segments. Entries to the respective descriptors of the segments are maintained by the first device to inform the second device of activity between the first device and the shared resource. The present invention also includes a descriptor queue register, coupled to the first device and the second device. The first device writes an index into the descriptor queue register for indicating a starting descriptor of a corresponding segment that is available to the second device for access. The first device also writes a count into the descriptor queue register for indicating a subsequent number of descriptors, from the starting descriptor, of any corresponding segments that are available to the second device for access. By thus using this index and count mechanism, the second device does not poll the descriptors to determine any available segments within the shared resource thereby substantially eliminating bandwidth, delay, and …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.