Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for generating, from a source signal defining a subject class to be tested, an inspection signal defining an inspection class that has one or more members for (i) generating a test object as an instantiation of the subject class or a class derived therefrom, (ii) invoking one or more selected method members of the test object, and (iii) generating a reporting signal based upon an outcome of invocation of those members. he inspection class, as defined by the inspection signal, can include one or more method members, referred to as "inspection members," for testing corresponding method members of the test object (and, therefore, in the subject class). So-called "test suite members," that are also defined as part of the inspection class, exercise the inspection members. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for responding to an inspection signal to create an inspection object instantiating the inspection class.

Abstract: A data conversion apparatus and method for translating information stored in a first relational database to that stored in a second relational database, and for translating information in a relational database used by a first selected version of a computer program into information stored in a second relational database for use by a second selected version of a computer program. The apparatus and method thus allow the sharing of data by computer systems running different versions of a given software package. The data conversion apparatus includes a first file storage element for storing a first relational database having a plurality of digital records representing information used by a first selected version of a computer program, and a second file storage element capable of storing a second relational database representing at least a portion of the information from the first database for use by a second selected version of the computer program.

Abstract: A digital data processing apparatus for manufacturing process control includes input elements for inputting digital signals representative resource elements consumed in a manufacturing process, resource elements produced by the manufacturing process and manufacturing relations between at least one consumed resource and a set of one or more produced resources. These manufacturing relations include at least one of an operational relation, a planning relation, and a financial relation. A production modeling element generates and stores a production model representative of the manufacturing relations. The modeling element includes a sub-element for generating digital signals representing manufacturing one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many relations between consumed and produced resource elements.