Patents Examined by D. Butler
  • Patent number: 5428793
    Abstract: Optimization techniques are implemented by means of a program analyzer used in connection with a program compiler to optimize usage of limited register resources in a computer processor. The first optimization technique, called interprocedural global variable promotion allows the global variables of a program to be accessed in common registers across a plurality of procedures. Moreover, a single common register can be used for different global variables in distinct regions of a program call graph. This is realized by identifying subgraphs, of the program call graph, called webs, where the variable is used. The second optimization technique, called spill code motion, involves the identification of regions of the call graph, called clusters, that facilitate the movement of spill instructions to procedures which are executed relatively less often. This decreases the overhead of register saves and restores which must be executed for procedure calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Daryl Odnert, Vatsa Santhanam