Appeal 2007-2127
Reexamination Control No. 90/006,621
machine language composition which the application refers to as
object code, and which is required for the program's execution by a
computer. We also take notice of the following definitions [of
"compile" and "editor"] . . . .
The system as described in the specification utilizes an
"interrupt mode of operation" to allow the computer's Central
Processing Unit ("CPU") to execute a compiler and an editor
seamlessly as viewed by the computer user. In normal operation the
compiler is continuously executed by the CPU; as the compiler is
executed it performs lexical, syntactic, and semantic analyses of
program source code stored in a source buffer in the computer's
memory, outputting compiled object code into an object buffer.
Whenever the computer user strikes a key on the keyboard, a so-called
"interrupt sequence" causes the compiler's execution to pause and
directs the CPU to execute the editor. After the editor performs
whatever operation is required by the keystroke (for example, entering
an alphanumeric character into the source buffer), a "return"
instruction is executed by the CPU. This return instruction ends the
interrupt sequence and causes the CPU to resume its normal state in
which the compiler is continuously executed. The specification also
describes an alternative embodiment in which the interrupt sequence
is activated by a timer or clock instead of by the keyboard.
The system involves two separate programs: (1) a compiler program;
and (2) a keyboard interrupt service routine (a program) which contains an
editor. Two kinds of interrupts are disclosed: (1) a keyboard interrupt where
striking a key on the keyboard causes an interrupt; and (2) a timer- or clock-
activated interrupt where a hardware timer periodically causes an interrupt.
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