Method and system for allocating memory to a pipeline

摘要

A method, and associated system, for allocating memory to a first pipeline that includes a sequence of filters. Each filter is configured to execute a process specific to each filter, receive input data, and generate output data. The output data from each filter, except the last filter in the sequence, serves as the input data to the next filter in the sequence. An optimum memory capacity is allocated to the first pipeline if possible. Otherwise, a guaranteed memory bandwidth is allocated to the first pipeline if possible. Otherwise, extra memory currently allocated to a second pipeline is currently released if the second pipeline not currently performing processing or subsequently released when the second pipeline subsequently completes performing processing that is currently being performed, followed by allocating the extra memory to the first pipeline.

主权项

1. A method for allocating memory to a first pipeline, said method comprising:
ascertaining, by a processor of a computer system, whether an optimum memory capacity can be allocated to a first pipeline that comprises a sequence of filters, wherein each filter is configured to execute a process specific to each filter, receive input data to enable execution of the process, and generate output data resulting from execution of the process, and wherein the output data generated by each filter except the last filter in the sequence is the input data to a next filter in the sequence; if said ascertaining whether the optimum memory capacity can be allocated to the first pipeline ascertains that the optimum memory capacity can be allocated to the first pipeline, then said processor allocating the optimum memory capacity to the first pipeline, else said processor ascertaining whether a guaranteed memory bandwidth can be allocated to the first pipeline; if said ascertaining whether the guaranteed memory bandwidth can be allocated to the first pipeline ascertains that the guaranteed memory bandwidth can be allocated to the first pipeline, then said processor allocating the guaranteed memory bandwidth to the first pipeline, else said processor currently releasing extra memory from a second pipeline if the second pipeline is not currently performing processing or subsequently releasing the extra memory from the second pipeline when the second pipeline subsequently completes performing processing that is currently being performed, followed by said processor allocating the extra memory to the first pipeline.