IE960668A1 - A method for operating a computer - Google Patents
A method for operating a computerInfo
- Publication number
- IE960668A1 IE960668A1 IE960668A IE960668A IE960668A1 IE 960668 A1 IE960668 A1 IE 960668A1 IE 960668 A IE960668 A IE 960668A IE 960668 A IE960668 A IE 960668A IE 960668 A1 IE960668 A1 IE 960668A1
- Authority
- IE
- Ireland
- Prior art keywords
- programme
- computer
- data
- main applications
- descriptor
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
- G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
- G06F9/46—Multiprogramming arrangements
- G06F9/48—Program initiating; Program switching, e.g. by interrupt
- G06F9/4806—Task transfer initiation or dispatching
- G06F9/4843—Task transfer initiation or dispatching by program, e.g. task dispatcher, supervisor, operating system
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
- G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
- G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
- G06F9/448—Execution paradigms, e.g. implementations of programming paradigms
- G06F9/4482—Procedural
- G06F9/4484—Executing subprograms
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Software Systems (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Information Retrieval, Db Structures And Fs Structures Therefor (AREA)
Abstract
A method for operating a computer, on which a main applications programme is running for retrieving a secondary programme stored in the permanent memory and for running the secondary programme while the main applications programme is running, comprises providing a sub-routine in the main applications programme which reads a descriptor which identifies the secondary programme or a data file associated with the secondary programme. The descriptor is then written into the main memory of the computer. The permanent memory in which the secondary programmes and data files are stored is searched to retrieve the secondary programme and associated data files, and the secondary programme is executed while the main applications programme is still running. Data from the data file associated with the secondary programme may be operated on by the secondary programme and may be outputted to the main applications programme which is then incorporated in the main applications programme. Additionally, data from the main applications programme may be inputted to the secondary programme and operated on by the secondary programme.<Fig.3>
Description
The present invention relates to a method for operating a computer on which a main applications programme is running for retrieving a secondary programme stored in permanent memory and for operating the secondary programme while the main applications programme is running, and the invention also relates to a computer operating in accordance with the method.
In order to operate a business efficiently, in general, it is now necessary to use a number of different computer programmes for processing data relevant to the business, and for controlling other operations of the business, for example, processes and the like. A simple example of this is where a word processing computer programme is used for word processing, and an accounts computer programme is used for controlling the accounts of the business. Another example of a computer programme which is commonly used in the running of a business may, for example, be a spread sheet programme of the type which would typically be used for storing data on customers suppliers to the business, personnel, records and the like. In general, these computer programmes may be stored in the same computer, and in general, are stored in permanent JBaaaJaiMfiUa-A hard disc. Additionally, data files
OP® TO PUBLIC INSPECTION
UNDER
SECTION 28 AND RULE 23 associated with the respective computer programmes may also be stored on in permanent memory, such as, for example, a hard disc. In general, where one programme is running on the computer, it is not possible to run a second programme until the currently running programme has completed its operation or has been interrupted. There are many instances, where it is desirable to extract data from a data file associated with another computer programme to be operated on by a running programme. This, in general, requires terminating the operation of the currently running programme and calling up the programme associated with the relevant data file for extracting the data from the data file. The data is then displayed on the screen or printed out in hard form, and when the originally running programme is reactivated the relevant data is manually inputted through the keyboard. This, it will be appreciated is undesirable, and inefficient.
Additionally, there are many cases where before the data extracted from the relevant data file can be inputted into the programme which had already been running on the computer, it may have to be operated on by its associated programmes. This, thus, requires operating the relevant computer programme to operate on the data from the relevant data file, and on completion of that particular computer programme the relevant data outputted by the computer programme is displayed or printed out, and then manually entered into the computer when the originally running programme has been reactivated. This, is also inefficient and time consuming.
One way of overcoming this problem is to write relatively long computer programmes which include a plurality of sub-routines capable of dealing with, for example, accounts, word processing, spread sheets, etc.
This it will be appreciated is undesirable in that it leads to relatively lengthy computer programmes, which require large storage capacity, and furthermore, they may not include all the features which one would find in the more specialised type of programme.
There is therefore a need for a method for operating a computer which overcomes these problems.
The present invention is directed towards providing such a method, and a computer operating according to the method.
According to the invention there is provided a method for operating a computer on which a main applications programme is running for retrieving a secondary programme stored in permanent memory and operating the secondary programme while the main applications programme is running, the method comprising the following steps which are carried out under the control of the main applications programme:
reading a descriptor which identifies the secondary programme or a data file associated with the secondary programme, writing the descriptor to the main memory of the computer, searching the permanent memory for the secondary programme or data file identified by the descriptor, retrieving the secondary programme identified by the descriptor or associated with the data file from the permanent memory, executing the secondary programme, and on completion of the secondary programme returning control of the computer to the main applications programme.
In one aspect of the invention one or more data files 20 associated with the secondary programme are retrieved from permanent memory.
In another aspect of the invention data outputted from the secondary programme is read by the main applications programme.
In another aspect of the invention the data outputted from the secondary programme and read by the main applications programme is operated on by the main applications programme.
In a further aspect of the invention data from the main applications programme is inputted into the secondary programme, and the secondary programme operates on the data.
In a further aspect of the invention the secondary 10 programme operates on data from one or more data files associated with the secondary programme.
Preferably, the secondary programme immediately commences to operate on data from a data file associated with the secondary programme in the event that the descriptor written to the main memory is a descriptor which identifies the data file.
In one aspect of the invention the main applications programme searches a specified storage medium for the secondary programme. Preferably, the main applications programme searches a specified registered set of secondary programmes where the secondary programmes are stored in registered sets.
In another aspect of the invention the main applications programme searches a directory tree structure in the event that the secondary programme is not located in the specified storage medium.
Preferably, the descriptors of a plurality of respective secondary programmes are stored in a specified format in a file in the permanent memory. Advantageously, the descriptor identifies a secondary programme. Preferably, the descriptor identifies a data file.
Ideally, each data file identified by a descriptor is cross-referenced with its associated secondary programme.
Preferably, the main applications programme controls 15 the display of data. Preferably, the main applications programme displays a directory of the secondary programme and data files and their corresponding descriptors .
Additionally, the invention provides a computer 20 operating under the control of the method according to the invention, the computer comprising:
a permanent storage means for storing a plurality of secondary programmes and/or data files, a reading means for reading a descriptor which identifies the secondary programme or data file associated with a secondary programme, a main memory means for storing the descriptor, a writing means for writing the descriptor into the main memory means, a searching means for searching the permanent memory for a secondary programme or data file identified by the descriptor, a retrieving means for retrieving the secondary programme or a data file, an executing means for executing the secondary programme while the main applications programme is running, and a means for returning control of the computer to the main applications programme on completion of the secondary programme.
Preferably, a first interface means is provided for outputting data from the secondary programme to the main applications programme during running of or on completion of the running of the secondary programme. Advantageously, a second interface means is provided for inputting data from the main applications programme to the secondary programme running in the computer.
Ideally, the descriptors of the secondary programmes and/or data files stored in permanent memory is stored in a descriptor file, and preferably, the descriptor file is located in the permanent memory means associated with the computer.
In one aspect of the invention the permanent memory means comprises one or more hard discs.
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a block representation of a computer according to the invention,
Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a key file stored in permanent memory in the computer of Fig. 1, and
Fig. 3 is a flow chart of a routine of a computer programme for carrying out a method according to the invention for operating a computer of Fig. 1.
Referring to the drawings and initially to Fig. 1 there is illustrated a block representation of a computer, which is indicated generally by the reference numeral
1, and which when operating according to the method of the invention is a computer also according to the invention. The computer 1 may be any suitable computer, and typically, a personal computer which comprises a microprocessor 2 which controls the operation of the computer 1. A read only memory 3 stores software for controlling operation of the computer 1. A random access memory 5 acts as a main memory for the computer for storing a computer programme or computer programmes which are currently running on the computer 1 and for storing data being operated on. A permanent storage means, which in this case, is provided by one or more hard discs 6 stores a plurality of computer programmes which may be called up to run on the computer 1. The computer programmes are stored on the hard disc 6 in storage location 8. Data files associated with the computer programmes stored on the hard disc 6 are also stored on the hard disc 6 in storage location 9. In order that the computer programmes stored on the hard disc 6 may be identified, a key file is stored on the hard disc 6 in storage location 10 which comprises a list of descriptors which identify the respective computer programmes stored on the hard disc 6, and also for identifying the stored data files. The data files stored on the hard disc 6 include a cross-reference to their associated software programme so that if a descriptor of a data file is called up its associated computer programme is automatically called up with the data file. Similarly, the computer programmes stored in permanent memory are cross-referenced to their associated data files so that on a computer programme being called up by its descriptor its associated data file or files are also called up.
The computer programmes stored in the programme storage location 8 comprise a main applications programme and a plurality of secondary programmes. As will be described below the main applications programme comprises a sub-routine which when called up by the main applications programme enables any one of the secondary programmes to run on the computer while the main applications programme is also running on the computer. Furthermore, the sub-routine as will be described below facilitates the calling up of data from any of the data files stored in the data files storage area 9 while the main applications programme is running, and also enables the computer to run a secondary programme associated with the data file or files for operating on data from the data file. The data from the data file, or which has been operated on by the relevant secondary programme is then inputted directly by the sub-routine into the main applications programme which continues to run after the secondary programme has completed its operation. Additionally, the sub-routine in the main applications programme facilitates the inputting of data from the main applications programme which is running on the computer into a secondary programme which is also running on the computer.
A key board 15 and a display monitor 17 are also provided with the computer 1 for enabling inputting of data and commands and displaying data, respectively. A printer (not shown) may also be hooked up to the computer 1.
Turning now to the key file which is stored in the key file location 10, and referring in particular to Fig. 2 the data stored in each entry in the key file will now be described. Each entry stores a descriptor of its secondary programme or a descriptor of its data file.
As well as storing the descriptors, the references associated with each descriptor are also stored and cross-referenced with the descriptor. Five pieces of data relating to each descriptor may be stored in each entry. The descriptor is stored in a storage section 20. Four other storage sections 21 to 24 are available for storing relevant data. This data may typically be, an identification of a particular customer, which may be stored in storage section 21, the identity of data files relevant to the customer which may be stored in storage section 22, other secondary programmes which may be associated with a particular customer may be stored in a storage section 23, and encryption details may be stored in storage section 24.
Turning now to Fig. 3 the sub-routine of the main applications programme for calling up a secondary programme will now be described. Only the essential features of the sub-routine of the main application programme are described with reference to Fig. 3.
Other features of the sub-routine which will be well known to those skilled in the art are not described or illustrated in the flow chart. Block 30 starts the sub-routine after it has been called up by the main applications programme, and the sub-routine moves to block 31 which reads the descriptor of the secondary programme or a data file to be called up. The subroutine then moves to block 32 which writes the descriptor to the ram 5 and then moves to block 33. Block 33 checks if the descriptor is that of a secondary programme or a data file. Should block 33 determine that the descriptor is that of a secondary programme the sub-routine moves to block 34 which searches the secondary programme storage area for the secondary programme and the sub-routine then moves to block 35. Block 35 searches for the associated data files in the data file storage area 9 which are crossreferenced in the secondary programme, and the computer programme moves to block 36 which checks if the secondary programme and the associated data files have been found.
Returning now to block 33, should block 33 determine that the descriptor is of a data file, the sub-routine moves to block 38 which searches for the data file, and moves to block 39. Block 39 searches for the relevant secondary programme associated with the data file and identified in the data file. The sub-routine then moves to block 36. Block 36 checks if the software programme and relevant data file or data files have been found. If not, the sub-routine moves to block 40 which searches a directory tree structure of all secondary programmes and data files stored on the hard disc, and the sub-routine moves to block 41. Block 41 checks if the descriptor has been found in the directory tree structure, and if not, the sub-routine moves to block 42 which aborts the sub-routine and returns control to the main applications programme with a message that the descriptor cannot be found.
Should block 41 determine that the descriptor has been found in the directory tree structure, the sub-routine moves to block 43 which reads the location of the secondary programme or data file, and then the subroutine moves to block 44 which searches for the relevant secondary programme and associated data files and moves to block 45. Block 45 checks if the secondary programme and data file or files have been found, and if not, the sub-routine moves to block 42 which has already been described.
Should block 45 determine that the secondary programme and relevant data file or associated data file or files have been found, the sub-routine moves to block 46 which retrieves the secondary programme and associated data files. The sub-routine then moves to block 47 which inputs data from the main applications programme into the secondary programme now to be run on the computer while the main applications programme is still running, should it be desired to input such data. The sub-routine then moves to block 48 which executes the sub-routine, and then to block 49. Block 49 outputs relevant data from the secondary programme to the main applications programme. The sub-routine then moves to block 50 which checks if operation of a secondary programme has been completed, and if not the subroutine is returned to block 48. Should block 50 determine that the operation of a secondary programme has been completed, the sub-routine moves to block 51 which returns control of the computer to the main applications programme.
The advantages of the invention are many. In particular, it permits interfacing of a large number of computer programmes with a main applications computer programme without the need for running the main applications programme and the other programme independently of each other, and it also avoids the need for manually transferring data from one programme to the other. Additionally, by virtue of the fact that the data from a secondary computer programme can be taken into the main applications programme which is running, the main applications programme can be relatively short and simple, since it will be no longer necessary for the main applications programme to have a plurality of sub-routines which correspond to the various programmes which may be run simultaneously with the main applications programme. In other words, the task of dealing with various different data formats can be delegated to other programmes stored in permanent memory. Additionally, there is no need for the user of the computer to manually invoke a plurality of programmes, since the main applications programme which is running on the computer automatically retrieves the relevant computer programme and associated data file from the permanent memory. The use of the key file of descriptors permits association of computer programmes and data files with various elements of the main applications programme, and the amount of data which may be associated is limited only by the available permanent storage space.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described which may be varied in detail.
Claims (24)
1. A method for operating a computer on which a main applications programme is running for retrieving a secondary programme stored in permanent memory and operating the secondary programme while the main applications programme is running, the method comprising the following steps which are carried out under the control of the main applications programme: reading a descriptor which identifies the secondary programme or a data file associated with the secondary programme, writing the descriptor to the main memory of the computer, searching the permanent memory for the secondary programme or data file identified by the descriptor, retrieving the secondary programme identified by the descriptor or associated with the data file from the permanent memory, executing the secondary programme, and on completion of the secondary programme returning control of the computer to the main applications programme.
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 in which one or more data files associated with the secondary programme are retrieved from permanent memory.
3. A method as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which data outputted from the secondary programme is read by the main applications programme.
4. A method as claimed in Claim 3 in which the data 5. Outputted from the secondary programme and read by the main applications programme is operated on by the main applications programme.
5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which data from the main applications programme is inputted 10 into the secondary programme, and the secondary programme operates on the data.
6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the secondary programme operates on data from one or more data files associated with the secondary 15 programme.
7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the secondary programme immediately commences to operate on data from a data file associated with the secondary programme in the event that the descriptor 20 written to the main memory is a descriptor which identifies the data file.
8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the main applications programme searches a specified storage medium for the secondary programme.
9. A method as claimed in Claim 8 in which the main applications programme searches a specified registered set of secondary programmes where the secondary programmes are stored in registered sets.
10. A method as claimed in Claim 8 or 9 in which the main applications programme searches a directory tree structure in the event that the secondary programme is not located in the specified storage medium.
11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the descriptors of a plurality of respective secondary programmes are stored in a specified format in a file in the permanent memory.
12. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the descriptor identifies a secondary programme.
13. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the descriptor identifies a data file.
14. A method as claimed in Claim 13 in which each data file identified by a descriptor is cross-referenced with its associated secondary programme.
15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the main applications programme controls the display of data.
16. A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the main applications programme displays a directory of the secondary programme and data files and their corresponding descriptors .
17. A method for operating a computer on which a main applications programme is running for retrieving a secondary programme stored in permanent memory and for operating the secondary programme while the main applications programme is running, the method being substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
18. A computer operating under the control of the method as claimed in any preceding claim, the computer comprising: a permanent storage means for storing a plurality of secondary programmes and/or data files, a reading means for reading a descriptor which identifies the secondary programme or data file associated with a secondary programme, a main memory means for storing the descriptor, a writing means for writing the descriptor into the main memory means, a searching means for searching the permanent memory for a secondary programme or data file identified by the descriptor, 5 a retrieving means for retrieving the secondary programme or a data file, an executing means for executing the secondary programme while the main applications programme is running, and 10 a means for returning control of the computer to the main applications programme on completion of the secondary programme.
19. A computer as claimed in Claim 18 in which a first interface means is provided for outputting data from 15 the secondary programme to the main applications programme during running of or on completion of the running of the secondary programme.
20. A computer as claimed in Claim 18 or 19 in which a second interface means is provided for inputting data 20 from the main applications programme to the secondary programme running in the computer.
21. A computer as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 20 in which the descriptors of the secondary programmes and/or data files stored in permanent memory is stored in a descriptor file.
22. A computer as claimed in Claim 21 in which the descriptor file is located in the permanent memory means associated with the computer. 5
23. A computer as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 22 in which the permanent memory means comprises one or more hard discs .
24. A computer operating under the control of the method as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 17, the 10 computer being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings .
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE960668A IE960668A1 (en) | 1996-09-23 | 1996-09-23 | A method for operating a computer |
| GB9716099A GB2317471A (en) | 1996-09-23 | 1997-07-30 | Concurrent execution of programmes |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE960668A IE960668A1 (en) | 1996-09-23 | 1996-09-23 | A method for operating a computer |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| IE960668A1 true IE960668A1 (en) | 1998-03-25 |
Family
ID=11041265
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| IE960668A IE960668A1 (en) | 1996-09-23 | 1996-09-23 | A method for operating a computer |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2317471A (en) |
| IE (1) | IE960668A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6438620B2 (en) | 1996-10-29 | 2002-08-20 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Software linking system in information processor |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5274810A (en) * | 1989-01-10 | 1993-12-28 | Bull Hn Information Systems Inc. | Dynamic control of program execution order on a personal computer |
| CA2161507A1 (en) * | 1995-10-26 | 1997-04-27 | Deborah Pinard | Method of invoking software application programs |
-
1996
- 1996-09-23 IE IE960668A patent/IE960668A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1997
- 1997-07-30 GB GB9716099A patent/GB2317471A/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9716099D0 (en) | 1997-10-01 |
| GB2317471A (en) | 1998-03-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MM4A | Patent lapsed |