Two pass test case generation using self-modifying instruction replacement
US8516229B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 2010 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/323
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A test code generation technique that replaces instructions having a machine state dependent result with special redirection instructions provides generation of test code in which state dependent execution choices are made without a state model. Redirection instructions cause execution of a handler than examines the machine state and replaces the redirection instruction with a replacement instruction having a desired result resolved in accordance with the current machine state. The instructions that are replaced may be conditional branch instructions and the result a desired execution path. The examination of the machine state permits determination of a branch condition for the replacement instruction so that the next pass of the test code executes along the desired path. Alternatively, the handler can execute a jump to the branch instruction, causing immediate execution of the desired branch path. The re-direction instructions may be illegal instructions, which cause execution of an interrupt handler that performs the replacement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.