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Method and mechanism for invocation on objects with interface inheritance

  • US 6,412,019 B1
  • Filed: 01/15/1997
  • Issued: 06/25/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/19/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A computer implemented method for invocation of operations on objects with interface inheritance in an object oriented programming environment on a data processor containing memory, in which a plurality of objects are categorized into classes according to related operations, said method comprising:

  • creating an mtable for an apparent interface for an object, the mtable including a plurality of pointers to functions for said interface and a plurality of pointers to additional mtables, said additional mtables being for a plurality of inherited interfaces of said object and having the same table structure as said mtable for said apparent interface;

    providing an identifier field including identifier information for said mtable contained within said mtable;

    providing a first count field identifying a numerical count of said plurality of pointers to functions contained within said mtable;

    providing a second count field identifying a numerical count of said plurality of pointers to additional mtables contained within said table;

    pointing to data for said object using a pointer, said pointer being part of an object reference, said data for said object being separate from said object reference;

    pointing to said mtable for said object using a pointer, said pointer being part of said object reference, said pointing to data and said pointing to said mtable being facilitated by said object reference using separate pointers; and

    invoking a plurality of operations on said data and said mtable pointed to by said object reference.

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