Patent ID: 6272033
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: G06F,G11C

Abstract:
Apparatus for data processing, said apparatus comprising:(i) a memory operable to store a plurality of data words, each data word being associated with at least one status bit giving information regarding a status of said data word;(ii) a status bit store operable to store said status bits within a hierarchical relationship such that a combined status relating to a plurality of first level status bits at a first level within said hierarchical relationship is indicated by a second level status bit at a second level within said hierarchical relationship, said second level being higher in said hierarchical relationship than said first level; and(iii) status querying logic operative to determine a status of a data word within said memory by examining status bits within said status bit store starting at a top level within said hierarchical relationship and working down through said hierarchical relationship until a status bit is reached that indicates said status of said data word independently of any status bits lower in said hierarchical relationship.