Patent ID: 7287146

Claim:
An array-type computer processor including a data-path unit and a state control unit, said data-path unit including a plurality of processor elements and a plurality of switch elements, arranged in a matrix, each of said processor elements performing data processes according to an instruction code in a computer program, said switch elements switching and controlling connections between a plurality of said processor elements according to said instruction code, and said state control unit arranged to sequentially transfer a context of said instruction code for each of said operation states of said data-path unit, according to said instruction code and an inputted event data, comprising: state-storage means for holding the instruction code of said state control unit for each of a plurality of said computer programs; context-storage means holding the instruction code of said data-path unit for each of a plurality of computer programs; event-input means for receiving an input of event data for task switching; operation-stopping means for stopping, upon input of said event data for task switching, operations of said state control unit and said data-path unit; stop-obtaining means for obtaining said operation state of said state control unit and said processed data of said data-path unit when stopped; stop-holding means for temporarily holding said operation state and said processed data that have been obtained, said holding concurrently holding the operation state and processed data for each of a plurality of computer programs; switch-setting means for reading any of said operation state and said processed data from among the operation state and said processed data concurrently held in said stop-holding means for said said plurality of computer programs, and setting said read operation state and said processed data in said state control unit and said data path unit; and start-output means for outputting event data, for starting the operation, to said state control unit, upon completion of said setting of said operation state and said processed data in said state control unit and said data path unit, wherein said state control unit starts to transfer the operation state set in said state control unit upon inputting said event data for starting the operation.