Optical-based barrier synchronization methods and systems for implementing the same
US7945128B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 17, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/1225
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to optical-based barrier methods and systems for synchronizing processing of two or more threads. In one method embodiment of a barrier method, each thread can be processed by a different processing element. The method comprises transmitting a lightwave along a waveguide that is optically coupled to each of the processing elements. Each processing element that processes a thread turns on diverter capable of diverting substantially all of the lightwave from the waveguide. Each processing element that completes processing of a thread turns off a corresponding diverter. A barrier is reached when all of the processing elements have turned off the corresponding diverters and discontinued diverting a portion of the lightwave from the waveguide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.