Abstract: Interface object classes providing a template class (402) for list boxes (500) and a template class (410) for combo boxes (506) which encapsulates a linkage mechanism to associate the items listed in the list box and combo box to objects (614) in a business object (612). When an item is selected in a list box or combo box, the object associated with the selected item is referenced automatically without explicit coding.

Abstract: An object-oriented memory management framework (10) and method therefor provide for a foreign pointer class (14, 400) and a foreign object class (12) each having a plurality of encapsulated methods and variables for memory management. The foreign pointer class (14) provides one or more instances of active, passive, and restrictive foreign pointers (274, 284, 292). The framework (10) further includes a foreign object class (12) for providing one or more instances of foreign objects (16), where each foreign object (16) encapsulated an active list variable (32), a passive list variable (36), and a restrictive list variable (34) for recording therein any foreign pointer pointing thereto.

Abstract: A method and a system (10) are provided for generating source code (28) for relating a dialog interface with a business object in a computing application. The system (10) includes a memory (14, 18) operable to store an attribute definition file (16). An interface (12) is coupled to the memory (14, 18). The interface (12) allows a user of the system (10) to create an application configuration file (19) from the attribute definition file (16). A processor (24), which is coupled to the memory (14, 18) and the interface (12), automatically generates source code (28) in response to the application configuration file (19) to relate the dialog interface with the business object. The method is performed on a computer system, such as the system (10) of the present invention. The method includes receiving configuration information specifying a relationship between at least one interface object and at least one business object which is represented by the interface object.

Abstract: A communication system (10) has a first computer (20), central controller (16) and controlled equipment (18). An operator may enter a desired performance by equipment (18) on first computer (20) which is placed in a communications packet with a device number, channel number, and one or more parameters and then sent to central controller (16) for processing. Central controller (16) loads the parameters into memory (270) and calls an appropriate function that uses the parameters to carry out the desired performance of the equipment (18). The receipt and processing of the communication packet may be acknowledged by the central controller (16) to computer (20).