def start_message_processing(self):
        """
        Starts up the message processor thread, that continuously reads
        messages sent to self.incoming_message_mailbox, and starts or cancels jobs based on the message received.
        Returns: the Thread object.

        """
        t = InfiniteLoopThread(self.process_messages, thread_name="MESSAGEPROCESSOR", wait_between_runs=0.5)
        t.start()
        return t
Starts up the message processor thread, that continuously reads
        messages sent to self.incoming_message_mailbox, and starts or cancels jobs based on the message received.
        Returns: the Thread object.