RESPONSIVE TASK SCHEDULING IN COOPERATIVE MULTI-TASKING ENVIRONMENTS

摘要

Task scheduling in cooperative multi-tasking environments is accomplished by a task scheduler that evaluates the relative priority of an executing task and tasks in a queue waiting to be executed. The task scheduler may issue a suspend request to lower priority tasks so that high priority tasks can be executed. Tasks are written or compiled with checks located at opportune locations for suspending and resuming the given task. The tasks under a suspend request continue operation until they reach a check, at which point the task will suspend operation depending on specific criteria. By allowing both the task and the task scheduler to assist in determining the precise timing of the suspension, the multi-tasking environment becomes highly efficient and responsive.