Interruptible GPU and method for context saving and restoring
US7545381B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T1/20
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A graphics processing unit (“GPU”) is configured to receive an interrupt command from a CPU or internal interrupt event while the GPU is processing a first context. The GPU saves the first context to memory and records a precise processing position for the first context corresponding to the point interrupted. Thereafter, the GPU loads a second context to the processing portion of the GPU from memory and begins executing instructions associated with the second context. After the second context is complete of if an interrupt command directs restoration of the first context, the GPU's processor switches to the first context for continued processing. The first context is retrieved from memory and restored to the precise processing position where previously interrupted. The GPU then processes a remainder portion of the first context from the precise processing point to an end of the first context.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.