Memory management in embedded systems with dynamic object instantiation

An software program, comprising:

• a plurality of algorithm modules each of which include a memory interface, wherein the memory interface is operable to respond with a memory usage requirements of the algorithm when the memory interface is queried by a framework;
• and
• a framework linked to each of the plurality of algorithms, wherein the framework is operable to query the memory interface in each of the plurality of algorithms modules, such that when the software program is loaded and executed on a hardware platform, execution comprises the steps of:
• sending a query from the framework to the memory interface of each of the plurality of algorithm modules to request memory usage requirements for each instance of each of the plurality of algorithm modules;
• receiving a response from the memory interface of each algorithm module identifying memory usage requirements of each instance of the algorithm module;
• and
• allocating a portion of memory to each algorithm module to instantiate each instance in accordance with the memory usage requirement identified by the memory interface of each algorithm module.

A method for managing memory usage in a software program having a framework and a plurality of algorithm modules, wherein for a given one of the plurality of algorithm modules the method comprises the steps of:

• encapsulating an algorithm instruction code section with a memory interface code section to form an algorithm module;
• responding to a memory allocation inquiry to the memory interface with a memory usage requirement for an instance of the algorithm module;
• and
• accepting an allocation of a first region of memory in response to the memory allocation inquiry and adjusting relative addresses within the algorithm instruction code section so that data memory accesses are performed by the algorithm instruction code in the first region of memory.

A digital system, comprising:

• a microprocessor with a central processing unit (CPU);
• a non-volatile program memory connected to the CPU;
• a data memory connected to the CPU;
• and
• a program stored in the nonvolatile memory, the program comprising:
• a plurality of algorithm modules each of which include a memory interface, wherein the memory interface is operable to respond with a memory usage requirements of the algorithm when the memory interface is queried by a framework;
• and
• a framework linked to each of the plurality of algorithms, wherein the framework is operable to query the memory interface in each of the plurality of algorithms modules, such that when the software program is executed by the CPU, execution comprises the steps of:
• sending a query from the framework to the memory interface of each of the plurality of algorithm modules to request memory usage requirements for each instance of each of the plurality of algorithm modules;
• receiving a response from the memory interface of each algorithm module identifying memory usage requirements of each instance of the algorithm module;
• and
• allocating a portion of memory to each algorithm module to instantiate each instance in accordance with the memory usage requirement identified by the memory interface of each algorithm module.