Packaging memory image files
US6446254B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/44573
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In typical Java and other interpreted programming language environments, the code is stored in ROM in a semi-processed state, .class files containing byte codes. When the device is turned on, a virtual machine resolves references and links the .class file in RAM to permit desired applications to be run. In the invention, the .class files are further pre-processed to select the data which will not change or require updating. This data is packaged into memory image files containing internal data pre-linking this data. The memory image files are stored in ROM and are accessible from ROM by the virtual machine at runtime. Only elements that will be updated, such as the objects themselves, must be instantiated in RAM at runtime. This reduces the amount of RAM needed to run the application. In an environment with memory constraints, the reduction in RAM requirements permits more RAM to be made available for application use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.