Interruptible GPU and method for processing multiple contexts and runlists
US7580040B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T15/005
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A graphics processing unit (“GPU”) is configured to interrupt processing of a first context and to initiate processing of a second context upon command so that multiple programs can be executed by the GPU. The CPU creates and the GPU stores a run list containing a plurality of contexts for execution, where each context has a ring buffer of commands and pointers for processing. The GPU initiates processing of a first context in the run list and retrieves memory access commands and pointers referencing data associated with the first context. The GPU's pipeline processes data associated with first context until empty or interrupted. If emptied, the GPU switches to a next context in the run list for processing data associated with that next context. When the last context in the run list is completed, the GPU may switch to another run list containing a new list of contexts for processing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.