Abstract: Described is a system and method by which a collection of software packages for installing (e.g., on an embedded computing device) are reviewed for their dependent relations, whereby it is possible to choose a maximal set of install possibilities to allow for maximal version updates for any given package in the fewest update steps possible, while honoring package dependency constraints. An update validation process organizes and validates update packages that have been downloaded to a device, and builds a graph for each group. The graph data including paths between updates are processed to validate the updates and to determine a minimal and optimal set of packages that can be applied to the existing image on the device to produce the desired update, with the least amount of weight (cost) when more than one path can be used to get to the same version.

Abstract: Described is a system and method in which software updates in the form of self-contained, secure entities are applied to an embedded device's non-volatile storage in a failsafe manner. Various types of software updates may be applied, and updates may contain executable code and/or data. Following a reboot, an initial program loader determines an update mode, and if updating, boots to a special update loader. The update loader processes update packages to apply the updates. Kernel partition, system partition and reserve section updates may be updated with entire files or binary difference files, with failure handling mechanisms are provided for each type of update. Updates may be simulated before committing them. Updates may be relocated in memory as appropriate for a device.

Abstract: Described is a system and method in which software images including updates are provided as packages. The package is self-describing, thereby facilitating the replacement of only component parts of an image. A software build process maps operating system features (comprising files, metadata, configuration information and so forth) into the packages, and executable code is processed for relocation purposes. The final package includes a device manifest file that describes the package and conveys dependency information and information about the priority of settings (shadow data).

Abstract: An incremental garbage collector is disclosed. Upon termination of a function or program, the incremental garbage collector scans the object heap for objects allocated by the function or program that are not referenced outside the function or program that allocated the objects. Memory occupied by such objects is immediately reclaimed without having to wait for the garbage collector.

Abstract: Combining multiple Java class files into a run-time image is disclosed. The run-time image of the Java class files is such that class files are in a preloaded and preparsed state for a Java virtual machine. Desirably, the run-time image is a DLL file stored in read-only memory (ROM), and comprises non-redundant data.

Abstract: An incremental garbage collector is disclosed. Upon termination of a function or program, the incremental garbage collector scans the object heap for objects allocated by the function or program that are not referenced outside the function or program that allocated the objects. Memory occupied by such objects is immediately reclaimed without having to wait for the garbage collector.

Abstract: Transforming the size of an input position indicator, such as a cursor, within a window presented by a display screen of a computer system. The window typically includes borders defining an enclosed presentation area for displaying information on the display screen. In response to determining the position of the input position indicator within the window, the size of the input position indicator can be transformed based upon that position determination.

Abstract: Controlling the size of sides defining the area of a window presenting an enclosed area for displaying information on a display screen of a computer system. A transformation control can be presented on the display screen. This transformation control can be used to transform a window having a first geometrical shape to a window having a second geometrical shape. The window is transformed to the second geometrical shape in response to selection of the first transformation control. This transformation of the window is completed by adjusting the window sides, which define the presentation area for displaying information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-dimensional perspective, virtual workspace to window based display systems. The user may activate control buttons to transform a typical two-dimensional window to a three-dimensional perspective, virtual workspace. The transformation to the three-dimensional workspace provides a perspective or sense of depth to the display of the windows containing computer applications. In this manner, a simulated three-dimensional window display environment for the operating system is provided. The operating system utilized in connection with the present invention receives data for storage in a destination rectangle in a frame buffer. The data designated for storage in a destination rectangle is generally given in pixel coordinates. The operating system scales the data's dimensions to the provide a three-dimensional perspective appearance on the display screen.