Method and device for implementing computer multi-tasking via virtual threading

Abstract

In the operation of a computer, a plurality of bytecode or pseudocode instructions, at least some of the pseudocode instructions comprising a plurality of machine code instructions, are stored in a computer memory. For each of a plurality of tasks or jobs to be performed by the computer, a respective virtual thread of execution context data is automatically created. The virtual threads each include (a) a memory location of a next one of the pseudocode instructions to be executed in carrying out the respective task or job and (b) the values of any local variables required for carrying out the respective task or job. At least some of the tasks or jobs each entails execution of a respective one of the pseudocode instructions comprising a plurality of machine language instructions. Each of the tasks or jobs are processed in a respective series of time slices or processing slots under the control of the respective virtual thread, and, in every context switch between different virtual threads, such context switch is undertaken only after completed execution of a currently executing one of the pseudocode instructions.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method for simultaneously executing multiple tasks on a computer and related devices. Background technique [0002] Most modern operating systems have native multitasking or multithreading capabilities, that is, multithreading capabilities built into the operating system, with the notable exception of versions of the Macintosh Operating System (MacOS) that predated OS X, which had little or no thread capability. Unfortunately, the multithreading capabilities provided vary depending on the operating system and hardware platform. Many platforms impose limits on the total number of threads that can exist concurrently, and some platforms cannot multithread at all. [0003] To properly understand the problems posed by threads in software and their solutions, one needs to understand both the general approach to multithreading and the specific approach used by most native platform threading systems. [0004] To perform mu...

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Problems solved by technology

[0013] Unfortunately, if such an application must be multithreaded, the use of native multithreading capabilities immediately limits the platforms on which the application can run, and the application is immediately blocked when running on most MacOP (this operating system does not have threading capabilities) versions. And depending on how many simultaneous threads of execution the application requires, the application may also run on Windows 95 (up to about 150-200 threads) or on BeOS (up to 4096 threads per processor) or on other Blocked while running on the platform

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