US4720778A
Expired / Lapsed
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Software debugging analyzer
Assignee: Agilent Technologies Inc
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Filing: 1985-01-31
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Granted: 1988-01-19
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Expires: 2005-01-31
Abstract
Abstract A software debugging analyzer nonintrusively acquires data concerning the execution of software on a real-time basis. Low-level event recognition is accomplished with programmable comparators, whose outputs are fed to high-level recognition comparators to define complex events. Dynamic recognition is provided by recognition cmparators programmable on a real time basis as variables are actuated. Acquired data is stored in memory in either a sequential or random access mode. A microprocessor translates high level commands into event constructs and processes the acquired data into a format suitable for display to a user.
Inventors
- 👤 Kevin M. Hall
- 👤 Daniel A. Schmelzer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:24
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F11/00; G06F11/36; G06F11/362; G06F11/3636; G06F11/364
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
232 words
Apparatus for acquiring data concerning the execution of software in a target system under test, which comprises: static event recognition means, comprising low-level event recognition detectors programmable to produce a first output signal upon the occurrence of a chosen pattern of signals received from the target system under test, and high-level event recognition detectors responsive to said first output signal programmable to produce a second output signal upon the occurrence of a chosen pattern of said first output signals; dynamic event recognition means comprising dynamic event recognition detectors programmable to produce a third output signal upon occurrence of a chosen pattern of signals received from the target system under test which represent actuation of a dynamic variable, at least one of said dynamic detectors being reprogrammable during the execution of the target system software to produce a fourth output signal upon the occurrence of a chosen pattern of signals received from the target system which represent access to a dynamically activated variable, and a dynamic sequencer responsive to said third output signal, which reprograms said dynamic detector, said dynamic sequencer also being responsive to said fourth output signal to produce a fifth output signal; acquiition memory which receives signals from the target system under test and stores selected signals; and a function generator responsive to said second output signals and to said fifth output signals to store data in said acquisition memory.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
232 words
Apparatus for acquiring data concerning the execution of software in a target system under test, which comprises: static event recognition means, comprising low-level event recognition detectors programmable to produce a first output signal upon the occurrence of a chosen pattern of signals received from the target system under test, and high-level event recognition detectors responsive to said first output signal programmable to produce a second output signal upon the occurrence of a chosen pattern of said first output signals; dynamic event recognition means comprising dynamic event recognition detectors programmable to produce a third output signal upon occurrence of a chosen pattern of signals received from the target system under test which represent actuation of a dynamic variable, at least one of said dynamic detectors being reprogrammable during the execution of the target system software to produce a fourth output signal upon the occurrence of a chosen pattern of signals received from the target system which represent access to a dynamically activated variable, and a dynamic sequencer responsive to said third output signal, which reprograms said dynamic detector, said dynamic sequencer also being responsive to said fourth output signal to produce a fifth output signal; acquiition memory which receives signals from the target system under test and stores selected signals; and a function generator responsive to said second output signals and to said fifth output signals to store data in said acquisition memory.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
239 words
A method of acquiring data concerning the execution of software in a target system under test, which comprises: monitoring the status, data and address signals on the target system bus; programming low-level event detectors responsive to said target system bus signals to produce an output whenever the target system bus signals are equal to selected values or within a range of selected values; programming high-level event detectors, responsive to the outputs of the low-level event detectors, to produce an output whenever a selected pattern of outputs from the low-level detectors occurs; programming dynamic event detectors responsive to said target system bus signals to produce a first output whenever the target system bus signals are equal to selected values or within a range of selected values; reprogramming the dynamic event detectors during the execution of the software under test to produce a second output whenever the target bus signals are equal to selected values or within a range of values determined by a sequencer in response to said first output from the dynamic event detectors and to signals on the target system bus; enabling a function generator to respond to the output from the high level event detectors and to the second output from the dynamic event detector to produce at least one output; storing the status, data and address signals on the target system bus in an acquisition memory in response to the output signal from the function generator.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
239 words
A method of acquiring data concerning the execution of software in a target system under test, which comprises: monitoring the status, data and address signals on the target system bus; programming low-level event detectors responsive to said target system bus signals to produce an output whenever the target system bus signals are equal to selected values or within a range of selected values; programming high-level event detectors, responsive to the outputs of the low-level event detectors, to produce an output whenever a selected pattern of outputs from the low-level detectors occurs; programming dynamic event detectors responsive to said target system bus signals to produce a first output whenever the target system bus signals are equal to selected values or within a range of selected values; reprogramming the dynamic event detectors during the execution of the software under test to produce a second output whenever the target bus signals are equal to selected values or within a range of values determined by a sequencer in response to said first output from the dynamic event detectors and to signals on the target system bus; enabling a function generator to respond to the output from the high level event detectors and to the second output from the dynamic event detector to produce at least one output; storing the status, data and address signals on the target system bus in an acquisition memory in response to the output signal from the function generator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-01-18 | 1991-07-20 | 1992-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-18 | 1995-07-20 | 1996-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-18 | 1999-07-20 | 2000-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |