Telephonic communications – Special services – Service trigger
Reexamination Certificate
1997-08-06
2001-07-10
Matar, Ahmad F. (Department: 2642)
Telephonic communications
Special services
Service trigger
C717S152000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259781
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to computer systems in general, and in particular to methods of isolating code segments of computer programs that operate in multiple platform environments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As computer systems become increasingly powerful, tasks that once were accomplished by dedicated hardware systems are now being performed by generic hardware that operates specialized computer software. As a result, computer software is becoming increasingly complex and requires a significant effort to design as well as the application of strict quality control techniques to insure that the software operates properly under all conditions.
One environment in which computer software is increasingly used is in telecommunication equipment. In the past, telephone switches, like private branch exchanges or central office switches, have had hardware-specific equipment that connects to or controls specific types of telephone equipment such as rotary phones, digital phones, message phones, etc. The software used to control this equipment has resided in a large in-line code file that is executed by a central processing unit or by one of a number of individual processors.
While a single in-line code file works well for software that is fully operational, this architecture presents problems if modifications need to be made. For example, if a new feature, such as a distinctive ringing signal needs to be added to a specific type of telephone equipment, then it was previously necessary to edit the large in-line code file. The software code required to provide the new function would have to be added to the in-line code file, and all references within the code file that refer to the feature would need to be modified to reflect the new functions provided. However, by editing the in-line code file, the programmer could never be certain that a change had not been inadvertently made to a portion of the code that was not intended to be modified. For example, if a feature that provides a new ringing signal to a rotary phone is added, a programmer could not be certain that an inadvertent change was not made that would affect the operation of the digital phones, etc. Therefore, upon each modification of the in-line code, extensive testing techniques were required to make sure that all functions provided by the software were still operational. This method of editing an in-line code file was both time intensive and costly, even when only simple modifications were made to the controlling software. Furthermore, by grouping all the software code in a single code file, only one programmer could access the code at any given time, thereby decreasing programmer efficiency.
In light of the problems associated with modifying large in-line code files, it was recognized that methods were needed to allow computer programs that operate in multi-platform environments to be easily modified without the need to retest those portions of the code that were unaffected.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To solve the problems associated with large in-line code files, the present invention is a system for isolating portions of a computer program that operates in a computer system that receives messages from a variety of hardware and software platforms. A generic protocol converter receives the messages and selects a set of tables based upon the platform type of the source or the destination of the message. Tables within a table set are then selected based on the direction of the message. For messages directed in a particular direction, the table specifies a subroutine that is called within a common application program.
If modifications need to be made to the common application program, the subroutines specified by table sets associated with different platforms do not need to be recompiled or retested. In addition, because the tables call subroutines that are hardware specific, the common application program can be written to handle messages originating from numerous types of platforms by using subroutines to convert different message formats into a common protocol.
In one actual embodiment of the invention, the generic protocol converter is used in a telecommunication system such as a private branch exchange (PBX). Each of the table sets is associated with a particular type of telephone hardware such as rotary phones, digital phones, European format phones, or message phones, etc.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5140590 (1992-08-01), Gertsman et al.
patent: 5329579 (1994-07-01), Brunson
patent: 5426694 (1995-06-01), Hebert
patent: 5519772 (1996-05-01), Akman et al.
patent: 5546453 (1996-08-01), Hebert
patent: 5548640 (1996-08-01), Blondel et al.
patent: 5564061 (1996-10-01), Davies et al.
patent: 5664102 (1997-09-01), Faynberg
patent: 5917807 (1999-06-01), Lee et al.
patent: EP 0 617 369 (1994-09-01), None
patent: 0 810 799 A2 (1997-12-01), None
patent: 2 299 483 (1996-10-01), None
Copy of Office Action for German Appln. No. 198 33 886. 4-31; date office action issued: Jul. 10, 2000.
Crouch Richard W.
Watson Godfrey D.
Matar Ahmad F.
Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc.
Tieu Benny Q.
LandOfFree
Generic distributed protocol converter does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Generic distributed protocol converter, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Generic distributed protocol converter will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2563551