Inline Task Switching via Work Element State Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operating systems face challenges in seamlessly transitioning functions from a cross memory state to an alternate state during execution, often requiring complex specialty routines and increasing the risk of coding errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for task switching with inline execution, which involves identifying a first and second state for a function, invoking a switch routine, generating a work element with status information, transmitting it to an alternate state task, and altering the state accordingly, allowing the function to resume execution inline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional task switching methods are used to change execution state during function execution, then state transition capability is achieved, but execution flow complexity increases and coding errors become more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the task switching mechanism into distinct components: work elements represent discrete state information, switch routines handle specific state transitions, and state stacks maintain separate execution contexts. This segmentation allows complex state transitions to be managed through simple, modular operations, reducing execution flow complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces work elements as intermediary data structures that mediate between the executing function and the state switching mechanism. These work elements carry state information and control flow between different execution contexts, simplifying the transition process by providing a standardized interface rather than requiring complex direct state manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialty routines are implemented to accommodate execution state changes, then state switching functionality is achieved, but development time increases and coding errors become more probable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal state switching framework that can handle multiple execution states (cross-memory, non-cross-memory, supervisor, etc.) through a single standardized mechanism. The work element structure and switch routine interface are designed to be state-agnostic, allowing the same framework to manage diverse state transitions without requiring specialty routines for each state type, thereby reducing development time and error potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages state transitions by changing parameters within the work element structure (such as state identifiers, address space information, and control flags) rather than requiring structural changes or specialty routines. This parameter-based approach allows flexible state switching while maintaining a consistent, simple execution flow that reduces development complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex specialty routines are used for task switching, then state transition capability is maintained, but reliability decreases due to increased coding errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the work element automatically carries all necessary state information and control data required for state transitions. The switch routine simply processes the work element without requiring external validation or complex error handling, reducing the opportunity for coding errors while maintaining reliable state transition capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a method and system for task switching with inline execution. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, a first state and a second state are identified for a function executing in the first state. A switch routine is invoked at a particular execution point in the function. A work element is generated in the switch routine. The work element includes status information for the function. The work element is transmitted to at least one alternate state task. The first state is altered to the second state according to the work element. Execution of the function in the second state is resumed at the particular execution point.