Apple Granted Just-in-Time dynamic loading of Software Libraries and Electric Circuit Design Patents
On January 30, the US Patent & Trademark Office published two of Apple’s newly granted patents which relate to an electric circuit design and just-in-time dynamic loading of software libraries which could be applied to Apple’s forthcoming iPhone and other future embedded OS based digital devices.
Method and apparatus for “just-in-time” dynamic loading and unloading of computer software libraries
Apple’s patent relates generally to the loading and unloading of software library modules on a computer system and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for dynamically loading and unloading software library modules as needed on a “just-in-time” basis. Although the patent generally relates to Apple computers, Apple does in fact note that dynamic loading and unloading of software libraries could also be used with embedded systems such as cable boxes and cellphones. Apple’s forthcoming iPhone therefore, would be an ideal application.
Apple’s Abstract: A method and system for providing “just-in-time” dynamic loading and unloading of libraries. Library code is loaded into memory just prior to the actual execution of a routine in that library and is unloaded from memory after the execution of the library routine is completed. According to the present invention, a library structure having a library loader and a library implementation module. The library loader provides the same entry points as the library itself and contains code to drive the loading and unloading of the library implementation module which actually contains the code to implement the library call. At the beginning of the execution of an application or other software module, the library loaders for libraries needed by that application or other software module, are loaded into memory and unloaded upon completion of that application or other software module. The library loaders control the loading and unloading of the library implementation modules, which contain the actual code which implements the library call, so that the library code itself is only in memory while in use during execution of the library call. A sequence of library calls to the same library is preferably detected and managed so as to avoid unnecessary unloading/reloading of the same library.
Method and apparatus for selectively increasing the operating speed of an electronic circuit
Apple’s patent relates to the design of electronic circuits. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selectively increasing the operating frequency of an electronic circuit. The described method could be applied to any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a mainframe, digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a personal organizer, a device controller and a computational engine within an appliance.
Apple’s Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates selectively increasing the operating frequency of an electronic circuit, such as a computer system. The system begins by operating in a low-power state with the frequency and voltage of the electronic circuit set to low levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the low power level, the electronic circuit enters the first-intermediate power state. In this first-intermediate power state, the frequency and voltage are set to first-intermediate levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the first-intermediate power state, the electronic circuit enters the maximum-sustainable power state. In this power state, the frequency and voltage are set to maximum sustainable levels. Upon recognizing the need for performance beyond the maximum-sustainable power state, the electronic circuit temporarily enters a boosted power state beyond the maximum-sustainable power state. In this boosted power state, the frequency and voltages are set to levels beyond the maximum sustainable levels.
For further information on these patents, please refer to the following hyperlinks: just-in-time dynamic loading and unloading of computer software libraries and selectively increasing the operating speed of an electronic circuit.
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Written and researched by Neo.
