Abstract: A method of protecting memory locations in an embedded system using a write filter. The method includes the steps of starting a write filter that intercepts writes to the protected memory locations and stores the writes in a cache; starting a state machine with a change state and a normal state; upon starting the state machine, entering the change state when an indication is present that data needs to be persisted to the protected memory otherwise entering the normal state; in the normal state identifying critical writes to the protected memory and creating at least one update file containing the changes in such writes; and in the change state, applying the changes in the update file and rebooting the system in a manner that persists the changes to the protected memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reclaiming space on a flash memory device is provided in which valid data is copied from an individually erasable sector on the flash device to a designated memory location. The sector is then formatted or erased and the valid data is returned to the flash device at the next available free space contiguously. A pointer is updated to keep track of the location of the next available recently formatted free space on the flash device. The process is then repeated on each consecutive sector on the flash memory device until all valid data becomes contiguous on one contiguous segment of the device and all free space becomes contiguous on a second contiguous segment of the device. In this manner, the flash memory is defragmented and the largest possible contiguous file can be written to the device. Files can be saved on the flash memory device in contiguous file formats and blocked file formats.

Abstract: An improved printer is provided that improves the response time before jobs are printer by providing a "fast data path" for certain print jobs while also storing on a hard disk all incoming print job data. This "fast data path" is especially useful in situations where the incoming print job lacks an "end of file" code, which could otherwise hold up the processing of either this print job or later print jobs. Once the printer becomes relatively busy, and begins to accumulate a "queue" of print jobs waiting to be processed and printed, the printer will automatically store all of the print job data on the non-volatile memory (e.g., a hard disk) before that same data is sent to the processing circuitry.