Electronic computer with equipment for debugging operative programs
US3987420A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 1976 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/4484
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus is provided for debugging a utility program without material increase in the memory capacity required. Such apparatus performs the debugging functions by using only the input-output devices as the keyboard, the console, the display, the M.C. reader which normally equip the computer. Actuation of a correction key activates the debugging program and interrupts operation of the utility program. The debugging program may be stored in a reserved portion of a ROM, or transferred into a predetermined storage area from magnetic card storage. This area is predetermined not to hold information significant to resumption of the utility program under test. A search is then made of the utility program, e.g., by addresses of the individual instructions, for the erroneous instruction. Upon discovery thereof, a correct instruction is keyed in directly from the keyboard to replace the erroneous instruction. The debugging program records this correct instruction at the approriate addressed location in memory.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.