Use of multiple overlays to import programs from external memory
AssigneeSigmatel, Inc.
InventorsRussell Alvin Schultz, Thomas A. Zudock
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An internal memory uses a resource identifier and an entry point to identify which functional program from an external memory is to be loaded into one of a plurality of overlay spaces established in the internal memory. In executing a program statement, the resource identifier identifies a corresponding functional program to perform a particular functional operation and the identified functional program is then loaded into an overlay space specified by the entry point. The functional program is then executed in the overlay space.
Claims19
A method comprising:
- allocating a first portion of a first memory as a static section to store a main program which uses functional programs stored in a second memory;
- and
- allocating a second portion of the first memory as a dynamic section to store other programs, the dynamic section including a plurality of overlay spaces to overlay the functional programs loaded from the second memory to conserve memory capacity of the first memory.
A method comprising:
- executing a program statement of a main program to perform a particular functional operation by identifying a corresponding functional program using a resource identifier and by specifying an entry point into one of the overlay spaces;
- using the resource identifier to identify a corresponding functional program to perform the particular functional operation;
- loading the functional program into an overlay space specified by the specified entry point;
- and
- executing the functional program in the overlay space.
An apparatus comprising:
- a first memory having a first portion as a static section to store a main program which uses functional programs and a second portion as a dynamic section to store other programs which reside in the first memory for a shorter duration than the main program, the dynamic section including a plurality of overlay spaces to overlay functional programs;
- and
- a second memory operably coupled to store the functional programs and to load a functional program specified by a resource identifier in the main program to a corresponding overlay space specified by an entry point specified by the main program.
A multi-function handheld device comprising:
- a system on a chip integrated circuit that includes an internal memory arranged to have a first portion as a static section to store a main program which uses functional programs and a second portion as a dynamic section to store other programs which reside in the internal memory for a shorter duration than the main program, the dynamic section including a plurality of overlay spaces to overlay the functional programs;
- and
- an external memory operably coupled to the integrated circuit to store the functional programs and to load a functional program specified by a resource identifier in the main program to a corresponding overlay space specified by an entry point specified by the main program.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.