You can freely build on How Graphics Processors Switch Between Different Tasks Efficiently
This patent expired in 2025. Every claim — 0 independent, 1 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Nvidia Corp
Patent granted
2009
Expired
2025
Forward citations
6
What this patent covers
This patent describes a way to pause a graphics processing pipeline so the computer can switch to a different task. Normally, a processor might have to wait for every single unit to finish its work before it can switch tasks, which is slow. This method sends a 'request-to-halt' signal to all units. Each unit reports back whether it is busy, idle, or has successfully paused. Once all units are either idle or paused, a 'stay-halted' signal locks them in place so their current state can be saved to memory and replaced with the state of a new task.
What is now free to use
All 1 claims of US 7512773 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 1 dependent claim add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover general-purpose CPU context switching that does not involve a graphics-specific pipeline.
Does not cover systems that require every unit to be completely idle before initiating a switch.
Does not cover software-only task switching that lacks the specific hardware 'stay-halted' signal architecture.
Who is building on this today
Nvidia continues to build on this foundation in their modern GPU architectures, such as the Ada Lovelace and Blackwell series. Other major GPU manufacturers like AMD and Intel use similar concepts to manage state transitions in their own parallel processing pipelines.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Nvidia GeForce graphics cards
GPU-accelerated multitasking in modern operating systems
Graphics drivers managing multiple concurrent applications
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Nvidia Corp. US Patent 7512773. Context switching using halt sequencing protocol. Granted 2009, expired 2025. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.