Abstract: A system and method for operating application software in a safety critical environment have a data processor for effecting processing operations and an intermediate shell for interacting with an operating system and application software. A safety critical processor is receptive of a series of timing signals from the intermediate shell for determining that a time interval between two of the series of timing signals is greater than a predetermined value thereby constituting a potential safety critical failure and indicates a potential safety critical failure to the intermediate shell.

Abstract: A system and method for operating application software in a safety critical environment comprises providing a data processor having an operating system for effecting processing operations and an intermediate shell which interacts with the operating system and application software to emulate a safety critical environment to the application software. The application software is run by interacting solely with the intermediate shell to effect a safety critical environment therefor.

Abstract: A portable memory device and method of securing the integrity of data stored therein. The integrity of the stored data is secured by writing input data into the device in a preselected range of storage locations between a first address and a last address, storing a starting address corresponding to a memory address between the first address and the last address, sequentially addressing the memory from the starting address and writing input data into each of the sequentially addressed storage locations. The writing of input data sequentially from the first address to the last address constitutes a memory cycle and the number of the current memory cycle is stored in the device. The stored output data is transmitted outside of the device along with the number of the current memory cycle, so that each storage location in the range of storage locations has a memory cycle number associated with the data stored therein to indicate if an overwrite and therefore a loss in the integrity of the data has occurred.

Abstract: An automatic teller system and a method of operating same wherein the system can receive a personalized normal PIN number and emergency PIN number from a user. If the user enters the emergency PIN number, the system determines that it is an emergency PIN number and actuates a silent alarm. The system will also simulate a normal transaction so as to not alert a thief or potential thief that the alarm has been actuated.

Abstract: A system and method for operating application software in a safety critical environment comprises providing a data processor having an operating system for effecting processing operations and an intermediate shell which interacts with the operating system and application software to emulate a safety critical environment to the application software. The application software is run by interacting solely with the intermediate shell to effect a safety critical environment therefor.