Method and apparatus for processing data stored in a memory shared among a plurality of processors is described. In an example, a semaphore is provided that is associated with a first portion of the memory. Tasks are stored in the first portion of the memory, the tasks being respectively related to data segments stored in a second portion of the memory. A state of the semaphore is determined. Access among the plurality of processors to the first portion of the memory is controlled in response to the state of the semaphore. A task is executed to process a data segment of the data segments in response to a processor of the plurality of processors gaining access to the first portion of the memory.