Memory Management with Constant Defragmentation Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory management systems face challenges with non-deterministic defragmentation times, leading to processor resource inefficiencies and potential data loss due to variable processing power requirements during defragmentation processes.
Innovation Solution
Dividing memory into equal-sized pages, each designated to hold records of specific sizes with remainder records, allowing for deterministic and real-time defragmentation by maintaining pages in states that maximize memory utilization and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If defragmentation is performed periodically, then memory fragmentation is reduced and contiguous memory is available, but defragmentation time becomes non-deterministic and processor resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is segmented into fixed-size pages, and defragmentation is performed at the page level rather than on the entire memory space. This segmentation allows defragmentation to be performed in small, constant-time operations on individual pages, eliminating the non-deterministic behavior associated with processing large variable memory regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Pages are pre-allocated and pre-organized with proper structure (header, data area, footer) before actual memory allocation occurs. This preliminary organization enables immediate defragmentation operations without requiring complex analysis or reorganization during active use, ensuring constant-time performance.
2Productivity
If defragmentation is performed on as-needed basis, then processor resources are preserved, but system may become unresponsive and critical data may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The memory management system automatically performs defragmentation as part of its normal allocation and deallocation operations without requiring external intervention or system-wide pauses. The self-organizing nature of the fixed-page structure allows continuous operation while maintaining memory integrity, preventing system unresponsiveness.
3Reliability
If larger percentage of processing resources is reserved for defragmentation, then time-critical functions are protected, but processing resources become unavailable for other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of defragmentation from variable-time operations to constant-time operations by using fixed-page structures. This parameter change allows predictable, minimal resource allocation for defragmentation without sacrificing time-critical function performance or overall system productivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If memory is allocated without fixed-page structure, then memory utilization is flexible, but defragmentation time varies depending on memory utilization and distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Memory is divided into standardized fixed-size pages that can be uniformly managed and defragmented. This segmentation provides both the flexibility needed for various allocation scenarios and the structural consistency required for constant-time defragmentation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
All memory pages are structured homogeneously with consistent headers, data areas, and footers. This homogeneity enables uniform defragmentation processing across all pages regardless of memory utilization patterns, ensuring constant-time performance while maintaining allocation flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing memory management with constant defragmentation time are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for memory management. The method includes dividing memory to be allocated into a plurality of pages of equal size P, wherein P is an integer. The method also includes designating each page for holding records of a respective predetermined record size, at least some of the respective predetermined record sizes being different from each other, wherein, when filled, each page holds records of its respective predetermined record size and wherein at least some of the pages hold a remainder record having a size based on the page size P and the space allocated for the maximum number of records of the page's respective predetermined record size that will fit within the page. The method also includes allocating memory so that each page is populated with records of its respective predetermined record size.