Method and system for managing data in computer memory
US6609186B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99957
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for managing space in a computer memory is disclosed. The system creates free space in a computer memory by using a “downsize” operation, which selectively removes data from a data object residing in the memory. Each data object in the memory provides a downsize operation designed for that data object, which reduces the amount of space that the data object occupies in the memory by deleting data that can be recreated from another source, or data that is not essential to the function of the data object. Each data object may also provide a “restore” operation, which returns the object to a usable state in the memory by replacing data in the memory that has been removed by a prior downsize operation. The restore operation is used if an attempt is made to access the data object after it has been downsized. The system can be used to manage various types of memory containing various types of data objects. One use of the system is to manage the space on a personal computer hard disk by downsizing applications on the disk when additional disk space is needed and then restoring a downsized application when a user attempts to run it. Another use of the system…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.