Method and system for deterministic ordering of software modules
US7150018B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F16/10
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for ordering software modules in a guaranteed order for execution. Unique values are statically assigned to software modules (e.g., filter drivers) when fully developed. Each module's assigned value determines its relative position to other modules in a stack or other arrangement, fixing the execution order for any set of filter drivers. Static values may comprise floating-point numbers, whereby each new software module may be assigned a number that enables positioning it between any two existing software modules. For example, filter drivers may be generally classified and assigned values in a range according to type. Drivers of the same type may be ordered within their general range to guarantee one possible ordering. A filter manager architecture is described, in which filter drivers register with a manager for relevant file system I/O operations. The manager calls appropriately registered filter drivers in an order based on their assigned numbers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.