National Instruments Corporation

National Instruments Ireland Resources Limited

Ulrich Dieterle

Stefan Klemens Müller

Clemens Bierwisch

Rudolf Nacken

System and method for direct call of a target function by a start function by means of a processor with a memory management unit (MMU) in a computer operated by an operating system. A first task with a first memory context and with the staff function as a component executes the start function to perform a context switch from the first memory context into a second memory context. The target function is a component of a second task with the second memory context. The target function is executed in the second memory context, and the context switch is reversed to return to the first memory context after executing the target function.

Method for the direct call of a function by a software module by means of a processor with a memory-management unit (MMU)

A method for the scheduled execution of program steps (target function) by the processor of a computer at predetermined times, in which a register of the computer is read repeatedly and this value is compared with a reference value representing the predetermined time, wherein when the read value corresponds to the reference value, the target function is executed in the processor. In the described method, a technique is used that is known by the English term 'polling.' The disadvantage of the polling method is that it is not suitable for multitasking. This disadvantage is overcome by the present invention. This task is solved such that the reading of the register is performed within a start function that is executed by the processor as an interrupt service routine.

Method for the scheduled execution of a target function

A method for the direct call of a target function by a start function by means of a processor with a memory management unit (MMU) in a computer operated by an operating system. In today's multitasking operating systems, the call of a function of a first task by a second task is executed and managed by the task scheduler of the operating system. The time of the execution of the called function is uncertain and is dependent on the operating system as well as the tasks managed at every point in time by the operating system. One object of the invention is to disclose a method which enables a time-determined call of a function and which is executed immediately in connection with the call. This object is achieved in that the start function is a component of a first task with a first memory context and in that the first task performs a context switch from the first memory context into the other memory context and this memory switch is reversed after the execution of the target function.

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Stolberg, Germany

Ulrich Dieterle