Description
This class provides, within an electrical computer or digitaldata processing system, for the following subject matter:
A. Processes and apparatus for addressing memory wherein the processes and apparatusinvolve significant address manipulating (e.g., combining, translating, or mappingand other techniques for formatting and modifying addressdata) and are combined with specific memory configurations or memory systems;
B. Processes and apparatus for accessing and controlling memory (e.g., transferringand modifying address data, selectingstorage devices, scheduling access); and
C. Processes and apparatus for forming memory addresses (e.g., virtualmemory addressing, address translating, translation-lookasidebuffers (TLBs), boundary checking, andpage mode).
SCOPE OF THE CLASS
(1)Note. In the instance where a peripheral is a memory, classification hereinis proper.
(2)Note. Classification herein requires more than nominalrecitation of addressing techniques or of memory accessingor controlling in combination with digital data processingsystems or data processing. A nominalcombination refers to a combination wherein one or more of the meansor steps thereof are recited so broadly, and without details, asto constitute a mere identification rather than a description of eachmeans or step.
(3)Note. Memory devices, perse, are classified in their respective device classes. More specifically, registersand data bearing records (e.g., smartcards) are classified elsewhere. Static memory devices including internal elementsof memories are classified elsewhere. Display memory organizations and structures (i.e., selective visualdisplay systems) such as memories definedby graphics processing systems and graphics processing that involvesinterfacing with memory are classifiedelsewhere. Devices (e.g., printers) thatinclude memory for processing data for static presentation (i.e., forviewing on a fixed medium such as paper) are classifiedelsewhere. Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrievaldevices (e.g., magnetic disks, tapes, drums, etc.) areclassified elsewhere. Dynamic information storage or retrieval devices (e.g., opticaldisks, CD-ROMs, jukebox mechanics, andother storage devices having magnetic and mechanical components) areclassified elsewhere. See the SEARCH CLASS notes below.
(4)Note. Processes and apparatus for transferring data between memories ofdifferent computers directly (i.e., withminimum or no intervention from main processors ofthe computers) are classifiedelsewhere. See the SEARCH CLASS notes below.
(5)Note. Processes and apparatus for direct memoryaccess (DMA) (i.e., thetransferring of data between peripherals and memories ofa computer or digital data processing system with minimal orno intervention from the main processor ofthe computer or digital data processing system) are classifiedelsewhere. See the SEARCH CLASS notes below.
(6)Note. Processes and apparatus for accessing andretrieving instruction data of afixed or variable length from a memory orbuffer and for shifting such instruction data to alignit with a physical memory or buffer boundaryare classified elsewhere. See the SEARCH CLASS notes below.