Method and apparatus for ordering data processing by multiple processing modules
US6782531B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/4881
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Data processing is performed by multiple “plug-in” processing modules controlled by an execution management framework. The framework includes an order determining mechanism that controls the plug-in processing modules to execute in series, or in parallel, to speed processing by the plug-ins while accommodating computational dependencies. In one embodiment, the order determining mechanism can include a dependency counter associated with each plug-in processing module for determining an operational sequence position of the associated plug-in processing module, and means for conditioning the count value (e.g., decrementing or incrementing the count value) in response to operation of another of the plug-in processing modules on whose output the associated plug-in processing module depends, so that the associated plug-in processing module will commence operation in the proper order when the count value reaches a predetermined value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.