US 2003/0172314 A1 · Timer monitoring apparatus and method

Abstract

There is disclosed a process for monitoring a plurality of software timers, each having a predetermined time-out value. Each timer is assigned to one of a plurality of timer bins, wherein each timer bin has an assigned maximum and a minimum value defining the bin time range, such that the plurality of timer bin ranges contiguously subdivide the interval from zero seconds to the maximum time-out value of the plurality of timers. Each timer is assigned to that timer bin having a bin time range including the time-out value. Since a timer cannot time out before its time-out value, each timer within a timer bin is checked no less frequently than the lower time range value for the bin. As a timer approaches its time-out value, the timer is moved to lower level bins such that the time-out value is always within the timer bin range. For those timers that are reset, they are moved to a higher timer bin, again such that the time-out value falls within the timer bin range. Timers time out only from the lowest bin.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A method for controlling a plurality of timers, wherein each timer has an initial value and a time-out value and is associated with a like plurality of objects, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a plurality of timer bins, wherein each timer bin has a predetermined time range defined by a maximum time and a minimum time;
(b) assigning each timer to the timer bin having a time range encompassing the initial value of the timer;
(c) setting each timer to the initial value of the timer;
(d) decrementing each timer at a predetermined interval;
(e) if a predetermined event occurs relative to an object associated with the timer, resetting the timer to the initial value of the timer;
(f) for each timer in each one of the plurality of timer bins and at an interval less than the maximum time associated with the timer bin, determining if the time remaining value of the timer is within the time range of the assigned bin;
and
(g) moving the timer to the timer bin having a time range encompassing the time remaining value, if required.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Timer monitoring apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Timer monitoring apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11