|
|
|
| Authored by: Ian Al on Saturday, April 21 2012 @ 01:14 PM EDT |
We say there is an interface between the two which allows us to fit the light
bulb to the socket. We can define it in a document by describing the mechanical
design (bayonet or screw) and the electromechanical design (a central connection
for one contact and the screw construction for the other or a double connection
for the bayonet fitting).
However, although we have the Light Fitting Interface Specification in writing,
if the interface between bulb and socket were a real thing, then the light bulb
would not connect to the socket, electrically. The interface would prevent the
ligh bulb lighting up.
The interface is not real. It is an abstract idea to show us how to fit a light
bulb in a socket. The Specification can, also, be used to implement both the
light bulb and the socket.
If the functional working of the interface can be copyrighted, by copyrighting
the Specification then nobody can implement the light bulb or the light socket
because the interface, which does not exist, is protected by copyright.
The Java APInterface Specification is how programmers understand the way to plug
their programs into actual implemented class libraries. The interface only
exists as an idea in the programmer's mind and there is no code for the
interface between program and library. The program code works straight into the
library code with no interface in between.
---
Regards
Ian Al
Software Patents: It's the disclosed functions in the patent, stupid![ Reply to This | Parent | # ]
|
|
|
|
|
