Memory Controller Page Area Selection for Defragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory fragmentation in electronic devices leads to increased execution time for memory defragmentation operations due to the asymmetrical ordering of memory allocation and release requests, causing inefficiencies even when sufficient free memory is available.
Innovation Solution
A method where the controller manages page state information to select appropriate page areas for memory defragmentation, prioritizing areas with fewer non-movable pages and applications, reducing the need for repetitive page movements and thus lowering the execution time of memory defragmentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If memory defragmentation is performed to allocate continuous free memory, then memory allocation capability is improved, but execution time of the defragmentation operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing memory defragmentation proactively before memory fragmentation becomes severe. The system monitors memory fragmentation levels and triggers defragmentation operations in advance to maintain continuous free memory availability, preventing allocation failures rather than reacting to them. This reduces the need for urgent, time-consuming defragmentation operations later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the memory defragmentation process into multiple phases or regions. Instead of defragmenting the entire memory space at once, the system divides memory into manageable segments and processes them separately. This allows defragmentation to proceed in controlled increments, reducing the execution time impact on overall system operation while still achieving continuous free memory allocation.
2Productivity
If memory defragmentation is performed to secure continuous free memory, then memory allocation efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing defragmentation only on the portions of memory that require it, rather than processing the entire memory space. The system identifies specific fragmented regions and targets those for defragmentation, leaving already-optimized regions untouched. This reduces the computational workload and associated power consumption while still achieving the goal of continuous free memory allocation where needed.
3Speed
If frequent memory allocation and release operations are performed under multi-tasking, then system responsiveness is improved, but memory fragmentation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by performing light defragmentation operations continuously in the background during normal system operation, rather than performing large batch operations periodically. This maintains memory organization continuously, preventing severe fragmentation from developing while the system remains responsive to user operations. The background defragmentation works steadily alongside application execution, maintaining memory health without interrupting user-facing responsiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a memory including a plurality of pages; and a controller selecting a page area having no non-movable page from a plurality of page areas in the memory based on page state information on the plurality of page areas if a memory defragmentation request occurs when a memory allocation request is made, moving a movable page in the selected page area, and allocating the selected page area in response to the memory allocation request after the movable page has been moved. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and other embodiments are possible.