Timeline Semaphore API for Interoperable Workload Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems, applications that use multiple APIs often face inefficiencies in resource allocation, leading to waste of processing and memory resources due to uncoordinated use of shared computing resources.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a timeline semaphore that coordinates and synchronizes workloads between different APIs by using a monotonically increasing 64-bit integer value, allowing for omnidirectional synchronization of computing resources such as GPU or CPU threads, and enabling efficient allocation and access control through signaling and waiting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple APIs share computing resources without coordination, then resource utilization flexibility is improved, but resource waste increases due to unorganized allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timeline semaphore as an intermediary synchronization mechanism that mediates between multiple APIs (such as Vulkan and CUDA) competing for shared computing resources. The timeline semaphore acts as a mediator that coordinates resource access, allowing APIs to flexibly share resources while preventing unorganized allocation through structured synchronization points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through signal and wait operations on timeline semaphores. APIs receive feedback about resource availability and completion status through semaphore signals, and adjust their execution accordingly by waiting at synchronization points. This feedback loop enables coordinated resource sharing that prevents waste while maintaining flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If APIs independently access shared resources, then operational autonomy is improved, but synchronization efficiency deteriorates leading to stalling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action through advance synchronization setup using timeline semaphores. Before APIs access shared resources, they establish synchronization points and register wait operations in advance. This preliminary coordination allows APIs to maintain operational autonomy during execution while ensuring efficient synchronization is already in place, preventing stalling and maintaining productivity.
3Speed
If computing resources are allocated without coordination, then allocation speed is improved, but resource utilization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation through timeline semaphores that adapt to actual workload conditions. Rather than static pre-allocation, the system dynamically coordinates resource access based on real-time synchronization needs, maintaining both allocation speed and precision through flexible, condition-based synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and techniques to perform one or more APIs to receive, update, wait on, and invalidate one or more timeline semaphores. In at least one embodiment, apparatuses, systems, and techniques to manage computing resources (e.g., streams for a workload) can reference, use, and read a count value corresponding to a timeline semaphore. In at least one embodiment, APIs can communicate with drivers or libraries to interact with a handle of a timeline semaphore.