US3781823A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer control unit capable of dynamically reinterpreting instructions
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1972-07-28
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Granted: 1973-12-25
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Expires: 1992-07-28
Abstract
Abstract A microprogrammed computer is disclosed in which two sets of microprograms, each set containing a microprogram to execute each program instruction, are stored in microprogram memory. A selected program instruction is provided which, when executed, changes the set of microprograms from which particular microprograms are selected to execute subsequent program instructions. Insofar as the microprograms comprising the newly selected set of microprograms differ, in general, from the corresponding microprograms comprising the previously selected set, the execution characteristics of subsequent program instructions executed by microprograms in the newly selected set are changed.
Inventors
- 👤 D Senese
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 03:31
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F9/00; G06F9/06; G06F9/30; G06F9/30181; G06F9/30196; G06F9/22; G06F9/26; G06F9/262; G06F9/268; G06F9/30003; G06F9/30076; G06F9/30145; G06F9/30189; G06F9/38; G06F9/3818; G06F9/3822
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
In a digital computer, the combination comprIsing: a microprogram memory comprising a plurality of storage locations for storing a corresponding plurality of microprogram statements, each storage location comprising means for storing any one of a plurality of memory segment codes, each memory segment code uniquely identifying a plurality of said storage locations; selection means, connected to said microprogram memory, for generating signals for accessing the microprogram statement stored in any selected storage location; a register connected to said microprogram memory and comprising means for storing the memory segment code comprising the microprogram statement last accessed by said selection means; a program memory for storing program instructions, each comprising any one of a plurality of operation codes; wherein said register is further connected to said program memory and further comprises means for storing any one of said operation codes, the operation code stored identifying a corresponding storage location of the plurality of storage locations identified by the memory segment code stored in said register; wherein said selection means is connected to said register; and wherein said selection means responds to the memory segment code and the operation code stored in said register to generate signals defining the storage location storing the microprogram statement to be accessed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
In a digital computer, the combination comprIsing: a microprogram memory comprising a plurality of storage locations for storing a corresponding plurality of microprogram statements, each storage location comprising means for storing any one of a plurality of memory segment codes, each memory segment code uniquely identifying a plurality of said storage locations; selection means, connected to said microprogram memory, for generating signals for accessing the microprogram statement stored in any selected storage location; a register connected to said microprogram memory and comprising means for storing the memory segment code comprising the microprogram statement last accessed by said selection means; a program memory for storing program instructions, each comprising any one of a plurality of operation codes; wherein said register is further connected to said program memory and further comprises means for storing any one of said operation codes, the operation code stored identifying a corresponding storage location of the plurality of storage locations identified by the memory segment code stored in said register; wherein said selection means is connected to said register; and wherein said selection means responds to the memory segment code and the operation code stored in said register to generate signals defining the storage location storing the microprogram statement to be accessed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
275 words
In a digital computer responsive to programs comprising any one or more of a set of program instructions and a selected program instruction, the combination comprising: a memory means, comprising storage locations, for storing a first and a second set of microprograms, each of said sets comprising a microprogram corresponding to each of said program instructions, each microprogram consisting of one or more microprogram statements, each microprogram statement comprising any one of a plurality of memory segment codes, each memory segment code uniquely identifying a group of said storage locations; wherein for each program instruction of said set of program instructions the memory segment code comprising the final microprogram statement in the corresponding microprogram of said first set of microprograms is a first memory segment code; wherein for said selected program instruction the memory segment code comprising the final microprogram statement in the corresponding microprogram of said first set of microprograms is a second memory segment code; wherein for each program instruction of said set of program instructions the memory segment code comprising the final microprogram statement in the corresponding microprogram of said second set of microprograms is said second memory segment code; wherein for said selected program instruction the memory segment code comprising the final microprogram statement in the corresponding microprogram of said second set of microprograms is a third memory segment code; selection means, connected to said memory means, for generating signals for selecting the microprogram statement stored in any one of said storage locations; and storage means connected to said memory means for storing in a first field the memory segment code comprising the microprogram statement last selected by said selection means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
275 words
In a digital computer responsive to programs comprising any one or more of a set of program instructions and a selected program instruction, the combination comprising: a memory means, comprising storage locations, for storing a first and a second set of microprograms, each of said sets comprising a microprogram corresponding to each of said program instructions, each microprogram consisting of one or more microprogram statements, each microprogram statement comprising any one of a plurality of memory segment codes, each memory segment code uniquely identifying a group of said storage locations; wherein for each program instruction of said set of program instructions the memory segment code comprising the final microprogram statement in the corresponding microprogram of said first set of microprograms is a first memory segment code; wherein for said selected program instruction the memory segment code comprising the final microprogram statement in the corresponding microprogram of said first set of microprograms is a second memory segment code; wherein for each program instruction of said set of program instructions the memory segment code comprising the final microprogram statement in the corresponding microprogram of said second set of microprograms is said second memory segment code; wherein for said selected program instruction the memory segment code comprising the final microprogram statement in the corresponding microprogram of said second set of microprograms is a third memory segment code; selection means, connected to said memory means, for generating signals for selecting the microprogram statement stored in any one of said storage locations; and storage means connected to said memory means for storing in a first field the memory segment code comprising the microprogram statement last selected by said selection means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said third memory segment code is identical to said second memory segment code.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said selection means is further connected to said storage means and is responsive to the memory segment code stored in said first field for generating said signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
The combination of claim 4 further comprising: program memory for storing said programs; wherein each of said program instructions comprising said programs comprises any one of a plurality of operation codes; wherein said storage means is further connected to said program memory for storing in a second field any one of said operation codes; and wherein said selection means connected to said Storage means is further responsive to the operation code sotred in said second field for generating said signals.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-24 | 1977-06-25 | 1977-12-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-24 | 1981-06-25 | 1981-12-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-24 | 1985-06-25 | 1985-12-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |