Patent ID: 6219690
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of using an updater thread to initiate a change in mode of operation of a computer system, the method comprising the following steps:providing an updater thread that updates a shared data element;with the updater thread:setting a shared data element that other threads check to indicate to such threads a new mode of operation; p1 using a summary of thread activity to determine when other threads that are responsive to the new mode of operation have passed through a quiescent state since the shared data element was set; andcontinuing operation of the updater thread in the new mode after it is determined that the other threads have passed through a quiescent state, such other threads proceeding in operation without interruption from the updater thread; andsimultaneously performing the following steps with each of the other threads:checking the shared data element without using mutual exclusion; andcontinuing a thread's execution in the mode of operation indicated by the shared data element.