Peter W Markstein

Title: The Innovations of Peter W. Markstein

Introduction

Peter W. Markstein is a notable inventor based in Yorktown Heights, NY (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of computer science, particularly in optimizing compiler technology and floating-point arithmetic. With a total of 12 patents to his name, Markstein's work has had a lasting impact on the efficiency of computer programming.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is a method for improving the efficiency of arithmetic code generation. This invention provides a process within an optimizing compiler for transforming code to take advantage of update instructions available on some computer architectures. On architectures that implement autoindexing instructions or addressing modes, this process enhances the code generated for looping constructs that manipulate arrays in memory. The method involves selecting memory referencing instructions inside loops for conversion to update forms, modifying those instructions to an update form available on a specific processor, and applying offset compensation to other memory referencing instructions in the loop. This allows the program to address the appropriate locations while utilizing the available autoindexing instructions. The improved compiler and compiler process enable the conversion of program instructions that would otherwise convert to unsupported autoindexing instructions to those that are supported.

Another significant patent is a method and apparatus for performing floating-point division. This method produces a quotient with a mantissa of n bits. It includes steps such as accessing an initial guess of a reciprocal of the divisor from a table of divisor reciprocals and computing an initial estimate of the quotient. The method iteratively increases the precision of the mantissa of the reciprocal estimate, quotient estimate, and remainder estimate until the desired precision is achieved. The final quotient is computed from the last current estimates, ensuring that the result is correctly rounded without conditionally testing the magnitude of the quotient.

Career Highlights

Peter W. Markstein is currently employed at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where he continues to innovate and contribute to advancements in technology. His work has been instrumental in enhancing the performance and efficiency of computing systems.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Markstein has collaborated with notable figures in the field, including John Cocke and Marc Alan Auslander. These collaborations have further enriched his contributions to computer science and technology.

Conclusion

Peter W. Markstein's innovative work in optimizing compiler technology and floating-point arithmetic has significantly advanced the field of computer science. His