Method and apparatus for dynamically linking subprogram to main program using tabled procedure name comparison
US5175828A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/35245
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A dynamic linker links a subprogram into an already complete program while the program is running. The linking is performed by initially creating a procedure in the subprogram with a name that matches a present procedure name within the program. The dynamic linker then compares the names to find the present procedure and replaces it with the subprogram procedure. The subprogram may contain one or more procedures that include additional functions. Procedure replacement techniques are described for RAM-and ROW-based systems. Unlike conventional linkers, the linking occurs while the program continues to run, preserving the program's data and state while changing or augmenting its functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.