A non-stop updating technique for device driver programs on the IROS platform

The IROS (interface for real-time operating system) uses the open systems concept and is designed to hide hardware differences. The device driver programs in the IROS compliant platform must be updated when software bugs are fixed or the I/O hardware interfaces are changed for speed or capacity enhancement. Conventional file updating methods require lengthy service interruptions or impose coding restrictions. A technique is proposed for updating device driver programs on the IROS platform that avoids interrupting service and imposing coding restrictions. This technique utilizes redundant configuration like that in telecommunication systems.