Patent ID: 6226653
Filing Date: 2001-05-01
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
In a computer system comprising a heap that stores a plurality of objects that are logically partitioned into at least a first set of objects that have each survived at least a predetermined number N of reclamation operations and a second set of objects distinct from said first set of objects, wherein the computer system further includes a remembered set identifying objects in the first set, and wherein the computer system performs a plurality of reclamation operations that use the remembered set to reclaim space in the heap, a method for maintaining the remembered set comprising the steps of:identifying objects that include an object reference that has been modified since the last reclamation operation;updating the remembered set to include an entry for said identified objects, wherein each entry in said remembered set has an associated counter, C, indicating said reclamation operation when said entry was created; andstoring the updated remembered set for the next reclamation operation.