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Patent Title: Controlling method invocation sequence through virtual functions in an objectoriented class library

Assignee: IBM
Patent Number: US5632034
Issue Date: 05-20-1997
Application Number:
File Date:07-02-1996


Abstract: A mechanism for controlling method invocation and avoiding problems such as premature method execution before object construction and premature object destruction before method completion, is provided through a protocol function table in a class library. For any virtual functions declared in a class library, the thread of control invoking the function is re-directed through the protocol function table where it is either selectively accepted or delayed for later acceptance pending completion of some related procedure. When used in conjunction with an automatic routine for locating the originating point in an operating program, the protocol function table is particularly useful for executing concurrency in object-oriented applications.

Notes:

Link to USPTO

IBM Pledge dated 1/11/2005