David C Schwartz

Title: David C. Schwartz and His Work in Garbage Collection

Introduction

David C. Schwartz is an inventor based in San Jose, California, whose patent work focuses on improving garbage collection in computer systems. His inventions address how software identifies and processes memory regions during garbage collection. Schwartz is associated with Sun Microsystems, Inc., and holds 5 patents.

Latest Patents

Two of Schwartz’s latest patents concern techniques for optimizing garbage collection in card-marked heaps.

“Method and Apparatus for Implementing a Write Barrier of a Garbage” describes a data structure and processes that divide a card vector into individually protected portions. When a write barrier attempts to mark a card in a read-only portion, the system traps the operation, changes the portion’s access status, and completes the mark. During garbage collection, the system can skip portions whose associated sections remain read-only, helping reduce unnecessary scanning.

“Method and Apparatus for Localizing Nodes in a Garbage Collected Carded” describes a technique for generational garbage collection. It localizes older-generation nodes that point to a newer generation, increasing the concentration of relevant nodes in marked cards. This can reduce the number of cards that must be examined.

Career Highlights

Schwartz’s patent work reflects a focus on memory management and garbage-collection efficiency. The described inventions use card marking, write barriers, and generation-aware processing to help systems identify relevant memory regions more selectively.

Collaborations

Schwartz’s listed coworkers include Ross Charles Knippel and Mario I. Wolczko. His work is associated with Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Conclusion

David C. Schwartz’s patents address practical ways to make garbage collection more efficient by limiting unnecessary memory scanning and organizing relevant nodes more effectively.