Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reconfiguring application comprising a plurality of base code components at startup. A control application first retrieves the plurality of base components responsive to receiving a command to execute the application program. Prior to beginning execution, however, the control application replaces a selected base code component with another code component, and then subsequently replaces that newly inserted code component with yet another code component. Whether any given code component is to be replaced at startup is determined based on an annotation included in the code components. Once the application program has been reconfigured to include the appropriate code components, the application program is executed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reconfiguring application comprising a plurality of base code components at startup. A control application first retrieves the plurality of base components responsive to receiving a command to execute the application program. Prior to beginning execution, however, the control application replaces a selected base code component with another code component, and then subsequently replaces that newly inserted code component with yet another code component. Whether any given code component is to be replaced at startup is determined based on an annotation included in the code components. Once the application program has been reconfigured to include the appropriate code components, the application program is executed.

Abstract: A touch sensitive apparatus and method of operation to improve visual feedback and visual perception of tactile input to an operator. The apparatus includes a touch screen device or display having a touch overlay, a processor and stored program instructions in a memory in which a three-dimensional graphical image, such as a key element, is created in the apparatus and shown on the display as an input device or keypad to the processor. Each key element includes a beveled surface surrounding a flat surface. When a displayed key element is touched by a probe, such as a finger, the screen area about the displayed key element and the finger, visually enlarges or “splats” confirming the selection of the particular key.

Abstract: A method of queuing messages for communications between computer programs by placing a plurality of messages in a main queue, placing one or more property messages in one or more property queues associated with the main queue and, for each property message, specifying at least one property of a respective message in the main queue and a unique identifier for the respective message. A property name may be specified for a message, or a property value, or some combination of property names and values. An application program interface (API) makes the main queue and the one or more property queues appear as a single priority queue. A message is retrieved from the main queue according to a predefined priority list which includes the at least one property, which can again be a property name, a property value, or some combination of property names and values. The priority list can be dynamically modified.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for displaying a list of items in point of sale transactions on a touch screen user interface by virtually adjusting the display area of a touch screen user interface. The method and system achieve the forgoing by the following steps. Detecting a selection and manipulation of the icon utilized as a virtual handle for expanding and contracting the window for displaying said list of items in point of sale transactions. Determining whether the window for displaying said list of items in point of sale transactions is in either an expanded or contracted state. If it is determined that said window for displaying said list of items in point of sale transactions is in a contracted state, enlarging the window for displaying the list of items in point of sale transactions in response to the detected manipulation of the icon utilized as a virtual handle.