| 摘要 |
An object oriented processor array includes a library of functional objects which are instantiated by commands through a system object and which communicate via a high level language. The object oriented processor array may be embodied in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Each functional object may include a discrete hardware processor or may be embodied as a virtual processor within the operation of a single processor. In one embodiment, the object oriented processor array is formed on a single chip or on a single processor chip and an associated memory chip. When several objects are instantiated on a single chip, pins may be assigned to each object via a high level command language. Methods and apparatus for allocating memory to instantiated objects are disclosed with instantiated objects communicating directly with a script server which is programmed to react to data events generated by instantiated objects. One script server may serve several object oriented processor arrays, or an object oriented processor array may have a local script server. Methods and apparatus for scheduling when several virtual processors are embodied within the operations of a single microprocessor are also disclosed. According to the invention, communication is based on an "event-reaction" model, where when a processor object has a message to send, it generates a data event which is registered with the target recipient of the message (usually the host). The target reacts to the event by allowing a variable amount of I/O exchange between the processor object and the target prior to an acknowledgement of the data event. In one embodiment, until the data event is acknowledged, no other data event may be sent to the target. In another embodiment, a fixed number of data events may be pending simultaneously. |
