Making Computer Caches Faster with Dynamic Overfetching
This patent describes a method for computer processors to speed up by intelligently fetching more data than immediately needed into a temporary storage area called a cache, especially when requested data isn't found.
Original patent title: “Cache structure and utilization”
This patent describes a method for computer processors to speed up by intelligently fetching more data than immediately needed into a temporary storage area called a cache, especially when requested data isn't found. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This technology improves how computers handle data by making their temporary storage, known as a cache, more efficient. When a processor, including a graphics processor, asks for data that isn't immediately available in the cache (a 'cache miss'), the system doesn't just fetch the requested data from the main memory. Instead, it 'overfetches' additional data, pulling in extra 'cache lines' up to a 'current overfetch boundary.' This means the computer proactively loads data it thinks will be needed next, reducing future delays. For example, if a game needs a specific texture, the system might grab that texture plus nearby textures into the cache, anticipating the game will use them soon.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover prefetching data without considering a dynamic overfetch boundary.
- Does not cover cache optimization techniques that do not involve overfetching data upon a cache miss.
- Does not cover systems that only fetch the exact requested data without additional cache lines.
- Does not cover static prefetching where the amount of extra data fetched is fixed and not dynamically adjusted.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in 'dynamic overfetching' where the amount of extra data pulled into the cache isn't fixed but extends to a 'current overfetch boundary.' This allows the system to adapt how much data it prefetches based on real-time needs, making the prefetching more intelligent and efficient than simply grabbing a fixed amount of extra data.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Modern CPUs and GPUs in personal computers
Gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox
High-performance servers in data centers
Smartphones and tablets with advanced processors
Workstations used for video editing and 3D rendering
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Efficient caching is crucial for modern computing performance. By intelligently predicting and pre-loading data, this technology helps processors, especially graphics processors, run faster and more smoothly. This can lead to quicker application loading, more responsive user interfaces, and higher frame rates in video games. It addresses a fundamental bottleneck in computer architecture: the speed difference between fast processors and slower main memory.
Filed
June 10, 2024
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Major semiconductor companies like Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Apple, and Qualcomm are constantly researching and implementing advanced cache architectures. These companies design the processors and graphics processors that rely heavily on efficient caching to deliver high performance in their products, from consumer devices to data center servers.
Market impact
Improvements in cache utilization directly impact the perceived speed and efficiency of computing devices. This type of innovation allows for faster execution of software, better multitasking, and more powerful graphics processing, which are critical for competitive products in the consumer electronics and enterprise hardware markets. It enables the development of more demanding applications and richer user experiences.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This technology improves how computers handle data by making their temporary storage, known as a cache, more efficient. When a processor, including a graphics processor, asks for data that isn't immediately available in the cache (a 'cache miss'), the system doesn't just fetch the requested data from the main memory. Instead, it 'overfetches' additional data, pulling in extra 'cache lines' up to a 'current overfetch boundary.' This means the computer proactively loads data it thinks will be needed next, reducing future delays. For example, if a game needs a specific texture, the system might grab that texture plus nearby textures into the cache, anticipating the game will use them soon.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in 'dynamic overfetching' where the amount of extra data pulled into the cache isn't fixed but extends to a 'current overfetch boundary.' This allows the system to adapt how much data it prefetches based on real-time needs, making the prefetching more intelligent and efficient than simply grabbing a fixed amount of extra data.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover prefetching data without considering a dynamic overfetch boundary.
- Does not cover cache optimization techniques that do not involve overfetching data upon a cache miss.
- Does not cover systems that only fetch the exact requested data without additional cache lines.
- Does not cover static prefetching where the amount of extra data fetched is fixed and not dynamically adjusted.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$19K – $61K
Midpoint $38K · 17.7 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). Making Computer Caches Faster with Dynamic Overfetching (U.S. Patent No. 12,737,318). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12737318/cache-structure-and-utilization
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Making Computer Caches Faster with Dynamic Overfetching cover?
This patent describes a method for computer processors to speed up by intelligently fetching more data than immediately needed into a temporary storage area called a cache, especially when requested data isn't found.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
Efficient caching is crucial for modern computing performance. By intelligently predicting and pre-loading data, this technology helps processors, especially graphics processors, run faster and more smoothly. This can lead to quicker application loading, more responsive user interfaces, and higher frame rates in video games. It addresses a fundamental bottleneck in computer architecture: the speed difference between fast processors and slower main memory.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover prefetching data without considering a dynamic overfetch boundary.
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