Abstract: A system of the present invention includes a server connected to one or more workstations or "clients" through a computer network. Methods are provided whereby network data access operations, such as are common in shared data processing, are minimized to only those which are necessary for system operation. In all other instances (i.e., time periods when updating is not needed), a workstation may gain access to the data from a local copy stored in a local buffer, preferably a rapid-access memory of the client. At periodic intervals, a workstation is interrupted for marking its local copy of the data as "invalid"--that is, the copy may be inconsistent with a corresponding version stored on the server. With the next access to the data, the local copy is updated from the version resident on the server. Additional optimization may be added for determining whether the server version has been "touched" (i.e.

Abstract: Relational database management system (RDBMS) with an object-based, interactive visual-programming language provides programming by "visual inheritance." A user places screen objects (e.g., boxes, screen buttons, table objects, and the like) on an on-screen window or "form," visually attaches selected "properties" and "methods" to the screen objects, and then establishes an containership-based event model that dictates how and when these properties and methods will be invoked. An object inherits or derives properties and methods from other (parent) objects via its visual containership. The creation and maintenance of application programs is greatly simplified.

Abstract: The system of the present invention comprises a development system having an Expression Builder for assisting a user with creating an expression. With full syntax checking enabled, the user builds an expression in "token" mode. As the user enters each token element, the system attempts to validate the expression and, if the expression is valid, displays the result. If the expression is incomplete or invalid, however, the system displays a message explaining what is needed. The Expression Builder of the present invention employs placeholders or "proxies" for representing elements in an expression which should be replaced before the expression is valid. The expression is dynamically adjusted during user editing as required to maintain expression validity. In this manner, the user is provided with in situ assistance in constructing syntactically-correct expressions.

Abstract: An object-oriented development system of the present invention includes a language compiler having an optimizer for generating computer applications with improved speed and size. C++ optimization methods of the present invention are described, including virtual function and base optimization, using thunks for virtual member pointers, and passing classes by value. An object-oriented calling convention of the present invention, which affords rapid and efficient access to data and methods of objects, is also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes a Computer-based Training system (CBT) having one or more Application Translation Units (ATUs), a Message Engine, and a Script Engine. For one or more target applications of interest, an ATU is provided for processing events specific to that application, thereby trapping events and translating them into abstract messages or "meta-messages" for conveying information about a particular event to the system. A computer-aided software testing embodiment of the present invention is also described. The system provides prefabricated building blocks for constructing a high-level model of an application's User Interface (UI). This high-level model serves as a middle ground between test scripts and the application being tested. The knowledge of how a given UI element is controlled or how it can be observed is retained in the model rather than in a test script. Consequently, the test script consists of easy-to-maintain, high-level testing commands only.

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet system of the present invention includes a Formula Evaluator having a preferred interface and methods for compiling spreadsheet formulas into native machine language for a target processor/coprocessor. Methods are provided for improved cell lookups, whereby a system memory address for a cell record may be compiled directly into the machine language sequence for a compiled formula. Additional methods are provided for simplifying error checking. The methods adapt NaN (IEEE format) values for encoding spreadsheet ERR and NA values, so that the on-chip logic of the coprocessor may be employed for correctly propagating ERR and NA values. Preferred auditing methodology is also described, which includes further modifying the format of NaN values so that a NaN encoding an ERR or NA also embeds the address of the originating cell (i.e., the first cell which first gave rise to the ERR or NA value).

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet system of the present invention includes a notebook interface having a plurality of notebook pages, each of which may contain a spread of information cells, or other desired page type (e.g., Graphs page). Methods are provided for rapidly accessing and processing information on the different pages, including displaying a plurality of page identifiers for selecting individual pages, and further including a preferred syntax for referencing information. Additional methods are provided for editing cells and blocks of cells.

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet system of the present invention includes an intelligent graphing module for automatically selecting a graph type based on a user's own data. Methods are described for determining the level of complexity present in a user's data and for automatically selecting a preferred graph type based on that determined complexity. The system includes a preferred interface for receiving selections from the user indicating an information set (e.g., a block of contiguous or non-contiguous spreadsheet cells) to visualize graphically.

Abstract: System and methods are provided whereby screen write operations, such as common in data processing, are performed at a frequency matched to a user's ability to perceive such information. Specifically, screen writing operations are minimized to only those which are really necessary for perception by the user. In all other instances (i.e., time periods when updating is not needed), image information is written to rapid-access memory. At periodic intervals, the system is interrupted so that a display image (maintained in video memory) is updated from the image stored in the rapid-access memory. A screen device (CRT) coupled to the video memory is updated accordingly (upon the next scan of video memory). By maintaining image data locally, the penalty incurred with frequent, large data transfers to video or display memory is avoided.

Abstract: Graphical user interface system and methods for providing "hints" for screen objects of interest, particularly user interface elements which rely upon multitudes of iconic (bitmap image) indicia. The interface includes a static (status) frame or window positioned in a non-intrusive fashion below or to one side of a client area (active portion) of a user interface. The frame is continually updated with appropriate descriptors or "hints" (e.g., text and/or graphics) as a screen cursor moves from one screen object to another.

Abstract: A development system having a language compiler generating application and system software from source listings. The system includes an Integrated Development Environment having a browser. Inspection of symbols (e.g., classes, objects, methods, variables, and the like) may be done dynamically, i.e. while retaining active scope of the symbol. More particularly, the browser of the system directly references symbol information stored in object code or executable modules, which are generated during compilation of the source listings. In this manner, the system provides symbol information directly relevant to the context (location in the source listing) that the user/programmer is currently working. In addition, a user/programmer may use a filter interface resembling a DIP (dual-inline package) switch for managing complex and voluminous information.

Abstract: The present invention includes a computer-based training system (CBT) having one or more Application Translation Units (ATUs), a message engine, and a script engine. For one or more target applications of interest, an ATU is provided for processing events specific to that application, thereby trapping events and translating them into abstract messages or "meta-messages" for conveying information about a particular event to the system. A general operating system ATU is also provided for trapping general system events. Translated event messages are processed by event handlers. System or application-specific messages which are not of interest are simply allowed to pass through. The individual handlers dispatch their respective messages to the script engine, which includes instructions for directing the activity of the target application(s). The script engine, in turn, acts upon an incoming message. The dispatched message triggers appropriate action (as specified by instructions within the script).

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet system of the present invention includes a notebook interface having a plurality of notebook pages, each of which may contain a spread of information cells, or other desired page type (e.g., Graphs page). Methods are provided for rapidly accessing and processing information on the different pages, including displaying a plurality of page identifiers for selecting individual pages, and further including a preferred syntax for referencing information. Additional methods are provided for editing cells and blocks of cells.

Abstract: A development system of the present invention includes a compiler, a linker, and an interface. The compiler serves to compile source listings into object modules (which are initially stored in .OBJ files). A librarian is provided for combining desired ones of the .OBJ files into one or more library files. For each library file, the librarian provides an Extended Dictionary of the present invention, which includes a Dependency List and an Unresolved Externals List for each module of the library. Methods are described for linking object modules from .OBJ files and library files, where library object modules which are not needed for the link may be determined before the libraries are scanned during the first pass of the linker. In this manner, library object modules which are not needed during subsequent linking operations can be skipped.

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet system includes an intelligent analytical graphing module for creating complex analytical graphs from user-supplied information. Methods are described for automatically creating one or more desired analyses on a spread of user-supplied information, all without the user having to modify his or her information or supply (or even understand) the operations necessary for a given analysis. The system includes a preferred interface for receiving selections from the user indicating one or more analyses to be performed on the information, and for displaying analytical graphs for visualizing the result of a selected analysis.

Abstract: A system of the present invention includes a development system having a language compiler for generating application and system software from source listings. The system includes an Integrated Development Environment having a browser. Methods of the present invention include inspecting symbols (e.g., classes, objects, methods, variables, and the like) dynamically, i.e., while retaining active scope of the symbol. More particularly, the browser of the present invention directly references symbol information stored in object code or executable modules, which are generated during compilation of the source listings. In this manner, the system provides symbol information directly relevant to the context (location in source listing) the user/programmer is currently working.

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet of the present invention includes a scenario manager having a preferred interface and methods for creating and managing various versions or "scenarios" of a spreadsheet model. Methods are provided for specifying an area of the model to track (capture area) and capturing various versions (modifications) of the base model. Additional methods are provided for automatically identifying and reporting information cells which are affected ("changing" and "result" cells) from version to version. Preferred storage methodology is also described for maintaining multiple versions of a spreadsheet or data model.

Abstract: A computer system for executing application programs with limited available main memory capacity includes a main memory management system. The architecture of the stub vectors of a swappable code object and the protocol for referencing the stubs in active call frames reduces the overhead time of code object swapping. The stub vectors for a swappable code object are clustered together in memory; and each cluster comprises at least one entry stub and a return stub. A return stub vector is referenced in an active call frame only when its associated code object is not resident in main memory or when the code object has been placed on probation in contemplation of moving the object out of main memory. A linked list of resident code objects is employed in the selection of objects to be removed from main memory. A number of the least recently used code objects are put on probation in anticipation of the need to swap code between main memory and bulk memory.