Abstract: Presently disclosed are a method and apparatus for generating graphics in a protected manner by establishing a user graphics partition while in an executive context. Once the user context is established, an operating mode is switched to the user context and then executing a user graphics program while in the user context. The operating mode then reverts to the executive context when the user context expires.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing resource needs for a configurable computing system representing the configuration in a tree structure. The tree structure has a plurality of nodes representing stored data. A first set of the nodes comprises childless nodes and a second set of the nodes comprises parent nodes. Each parent node has at least one child node. The method for analyzing comprises the steps of: (a) determining the worst case resource needs of the childless nodes during an execution cycle by evaluating the worst case values of any selected attributes that the childless node may have; (b) determining the worst case resource needs of the parent nodes during an execution cycle; and, (c) recursively applying the rules used for evaluating the worst case resource needs of the individual nodes, above, starting with a root node of the plurality of nodes, to determine the worst case resource needs of the entire tree structure.

Abstract: Presently disclosed are a method and apparatus for generating graphics in a protected manner by establishing a user graphics partition while in an executive context. Once the user context is established, an operating mode is switched to the user context and then executing a user graphics program while in the user context. The operating mode then reverts to the executive context when the user context expires.

Abstract: A statechart includes a state having two or more parallel states. The two or more parallel states are ordered to ensure determinism for the system. The statecharts can be modified Harel statecharts. The statecharts can be utilized to generate avionics software.

Abstract: A method of assisting movement of a cursor toward a target on a display screen is disclosed. According to the method, an initial cursor movement is detected. It is determined whether the direction of the initial cursor movement includes a component that is directed toward the target. A movement correction is defined as at least a portion of the component when the cursor is within a predetermined distance from the target. The initial cursor movement is combined with the movement correction to create a total cursor movement. The magnitude of the total cursor movement is adjusted to equal the magnitude of the initial cursor movement. If the cursor is within predetermined distances from multiple targets, a movement correction for each target is defined, and the movement corrections for all targets are combined with the initial cursor movement to create a total cursor movement. The magnitude of the total cursor movement is adjusted to equal the magnitude of the initial cursor movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for entering data into an avionics system which uses a large multi-functional display, with a graphical user interface, which is capable of direct data entry into pre-selected fields and further includes a scratch pad for temporarily storing data prior to entry into a later selected data field. The scratch pad is capable of receiving stacked data items as well as automatically distributing compound data items to their appropriate display fields.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting a waypoint into a preexisting flight plan which includes selecting a waypoint on a graphical display of a portion of the flight plan and automatically generating a proposed changed flight plan based upon inserting the waypoint into the nearest leg of the flight plan.

Abstract: A navigation system such as a flight management system allows operator-defined waypoints to be selected. A pilot waypoint can be selected via an interface which provides a place-bearing-distance label when the waypoint is not on a flight plan. The label is in an along-track-distance format when the waypoint is on the flight plan. The labels provide information in a fashion consistent with Air Traffic Control (ATC) phraseology.