Patent ID: 7369135
Filing Date: 2008-05-06
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a computer system running a graphics application context having threads, comprising the steps of: sending forward progress information to a processor after a client causes a page fault exception because a thread requires a page missing from a frame buffer, wherein the forward progress information specifies whether, immediately prior to the page fault exception, the client made forward progress on behalf of the context; adding the missing page to a page list stored in a frame buffer; tagging the missing page as a required page, wherein each tagged page within the page list is required for the client to make forward progress on behalf of the context; if the forward progress information specifies that, immediately prior to the page fault exception, the client made forward progress on behalf of the context, clearing all tags other than a tag associated with the missing page; and if the forward progress information specifies that, immediately prior to the page fault exception, the client did not make forward progress on behalf of the context, maintaining the tagged pages within the page list in the frame buffer until the client makes forward progress on behalf of the context.