Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for distributing changes to an application are disclosed. A graphical application modeling tool is provided for displaying a model of a pattern of the application. The model has a plurality of elements, where each element is linked to another element via a port. Each port representing a class that contains information about the pattern qualities of that port as related to the element. A change that is applied to a first element of the plurality of elements of the model is propagated to a second element of the plurality of elements via linked ports associated with the first and second elements.

Abstract: In a graphical modeling environment, one of a selection of transformation operations is performed on a graphical object by first selecting the graphical object. A user may select a particular transformation operation to be executed on the graphical object from a list of transformation operations displayed to the user. A transformed graphical object derived from the selected graphical object may be then automatically created without retrieving the transformed graphical object from a library or other source.

Abstract: An adaptive content platform includes one or more content-enabled, dependent applications, each of which includes a user interface and business logic. A services layer, which is interfaced with the dependent applications and a software infrastructure, provides one or more services that are usable by the dependent applications.

Abstract: A method and system of automatically generating source code for configuring a programmable microcontroller. The method involves displaying virtual blocks in a computerized design system where the virtual blocks correspond to programmable circuit blocks in a microcontroller chip. The user selects a user module that defines a particular function to be performed on the microcontroller. The user assigns the virtual blocks to the user module. The design system then automatically generates source code for configuring the programmable blocks to perform the desired function. The source code can then be assembled, linked and loaded into the microcontroller's memory system. When executed on the microcontroller, the executable code will then set registers within the blocks to implement the function. Source code is automatically generated for: (1) realizing the user module in a hardware resource; and also (2) to configure the user module to behave in a prescribed manner.

Abstract: A method for accessing graphical information including receiving one or more graphics commands written in an application programming interface (API). The graphics commands are converted into a graphical language that facilitates the execution of the commands for a plurality of output devices of one or more types.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a system and method for increasing a user's ease and efficiency of viewing help text related to a function or method call. An application development environment (ADE) may display a prototype tip for a function in a source code window when the user is currently creating or editing a function call to that function. The prototype tip may include a button or other GUI element which the user may click or operate to cause help text for the function and/or help text for one or more parameters of the function to be displayed. The help text that is displayed in response to the user's request may appear in or appear overlayed on the source code window. The help text may be displayed in a convenient location near the current function call.

Abstract: A computer implemented system for a dynamic screen generation and navigation engine is provided. The system includes a set of screen templates, a screen data document, and a screen manager. The screen data document includes screen data for at least one screen template of the set of screen templates. The screen manager includes a generator engine and a navigator engine. In response to user input, the generator engine obtains screen data from the screen data document, obtains a screen template from the set of screen templates based on the obtained screen data, combines the obtained screen data with the obtained screen template to generate a screen, and displays the generated screen. The navigator engine obtains a user selection for the generated screen, references the screen data corresponding to the obtained user selection to determine a next screen to generate, and prompts the generator engine to generate the next screen based on the referenced screen data.

Abstract: System and method for executing a graphical program. A first structure in a graphical program is displayed on a display. The first structure includes two or more frames, each configured to contain a respective portion of the graphical program. The respective portions of the graphical program are included in the two or more frames. During execution of the graphical program, the first structure executes the respective portions of the graphical program in the two or more frames in parallel via respective execution processes. When a first portion of the respective portions completes execution prior to all others of the portions, execution of the other portions is terminated.

Abstract: Configuring wires/icons in a diagram. The diagram may be an executable diagram such as a graphical program or a system diagram. The diagram may include a plurality of icons that are connected by wires, and the icons may visually represent functionality of the diagram. The diagram may be executable to perform the functionality. Displaying the diagram may include displaying a first wire in the diagram, where the first wire connects a first icon and a second icon. Data transfer functionality may be specified for the first wire and/or the first or second icon in the diagram. The data transfer functionality may be visually indicated in the diagram, e.g., by appearances of the first icon, the second icon, the first wire, and/or icons displayed proximate to these components of the diagram.

Abstract: Configuring wires/icons in a diagram. The diagram may be an executable diagram such as a graphical program or a system diagram. The diagram may include a plurality of icons that are connected by wires, and the icons may visually represent functionality of the diagram. The diagram may be executable to perform the functionality. Displaying the diagram may include displaying a first wire in the diagram, where the first wire connects a first icon and a second icon. Data transfer functionality may be specified for the first wire and/or the first or second icon in the diagram. The data transfer functionality may be visually indicated in the diagram, e.g., by appearances of the first icon, the second icon, the first wire, and/or icons displayed proximate to these components of the diagram.

Abstract: An approach which may be regarded as a company advanced programming interface (CAPI) applicable, for instance, to boiler displays and remote man-machine interfaces. CAPI may use a product software structure combined with a PC or web based program capable of creating an embedded microcontroller program without a need for programming capabilities or a program recompile. Implementation may be done at both the product microcontroller level and the PC or web based program to be used by an end customer to “customize” its product. The present approach may partially move development and final tuning processes to an OEM. Modifications of the product may be done without a need for specific and expensive software development tools for embedded devices such as a compiler and a debugger, and hardware tools for simulation and analysis, and other like items. The present approach may also provide immediate response to simple OEM requirements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating presentation and business models for common management platform tasks in a storage area network (SAN) are disclosed. A graphical user interface (GUI) object may be mapped to a task object, which include action(s) performed on a SAN. A selection of task objects from a collection of task objects is received, which are needed to implement the underlying functionality of a GUI object. The collection of task objects is part of a task framework. An arrangement of the task objects according to a hierarchy of the framework is received. The hierarchy includes simple task objects, corresponding to actions performed on a SAN, and composite task objects, corresponding to at least two simple task objects and may include other composite task objects. The arranged task objects are mapped to the GUI object by extending a presentation object to encapsulate the GUI object and the arranged task objects.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, computer-readable media, and an application system are disclosed for creating and deploying metadata-generated applications. Access is provided to one or more type libraries that each include one or more defined object types configurable for use in generating the application. The defined object types include data structure types, rule types, and data types. Input is elicited from a user regarding desired content and function of the application. Based on the user input, metadata is generated to adapt the defined object types to generate the application. Metadata is generated to adapt the defined data structure types to create one or more application databases, to adapt the defined rule types to create one or more application behaviors, and to adapt the defined data types to create one or more application data types.

Abstract: A system and method enable a user to specify function signatures for automated code generators to generate code based on a model representation. The method for automatically generating a function based on the model representation includes providing at least a portion of the model representation. A function signature is received for the model representation. The function signature is generated by a user. The function is generated based on the model representation and the function signature. A user interface can be provided to enable the user to enter the function signature and also to present a preview of a function that results from the function signature as modifications are made to the function signature. The user can enter the function signature using regular expressions, if desired.

Abstract: A map distribution system includes a map distribution server that distributes map data to a navigation device. The server includes a first table having entries that each include update data in correspondence with an ID for the update data and an ID for each other update data upon which the update data depends, a second table having entries that each include an area ID of an area of the map data in correspondence with a version of the area and the ID for each update data that is applied in the version of the area, and an update manager that refers to the second table to select the ID for each update data required for updating an area selected based on input from the navigation device and the required ID for each other update data upon which any update data required for updating the area selected depends.

Abstract: A test environment may include qualitative evaluations of the test code used to test application code. Several qualitative evaluations may be determined from analysis of test code in compiled or source form, including evaluating descriptive assertions made by the test code, dependency evaluations, cyclomatic complexity evaluations, return value assertions, mutable parameter assertions, and test effectiveness history. The qualitative evaluations may also include analysis of the test code in relation to the application code, including exception capturing, boundary conditions, assertions for returned values, and other evaluations. The test code evaluations may be presented in a user interface along with the test code and may be used to manage testing progress of an application. The test code evaluations may be integrated into a code development application with a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A user may utilize a prototyping environment to create a sequence of motion control, machine vision, and/or data acquisition (DAQ) operations, e.g., without needing to write or construct code in any programming language. For example, the environment may provide a graphical user interface (GUI) enabling the user to develop/prototype the sequence at a high level, by selecting from and configuring a sequence of operations using the GUI. The prototyping environment application may then be operable to automatically, i.e., programmatically, generate graphical program code implementing the sequence. For example, the environment may generate a standalone graphical program operable to perform the sequence of operations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing rich semantic feedback to programmers by executing programs, or parts of programs, in data contexts relevant to the programmer are provided. According to one embodiment, a method is provided for communicating semantic information to a programmer. A conversational programming agent of a programming environment receives (i) information regarding multiple programming building blocks and (ii) information indicative of a current situation relating to the programming building blocks. The conversational programming agent evaluates the programming building blocks based on the current situation. Then, the conversational programming agent provides semantic feedback regarding the programming building blocks to the programmer based on results of the evaluation.

Abstract: An appliance development toolkit (10) has a system configurator (28) to create content (20) that affects the operation of and user interaction with an appliance (12). For example, an editor (30, 32) creates instances (42) and associations by which the appliance (12) can create a dynamic user interface (64) at runtime.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, meta-model information associated with an enterprise portal is defined. The meta-model information may then be consumed (e.g., by a design tool) when not in communication with an executing enterprise portal server. According to some embodiments, the meta-model information includes UML class diagram definitions associated with the enterprise portal.

Abstract: A user accessing a first web application can request to clone that application to form a second web application, where the first web application may be owned by another user. The cloning operation involves copying at least part of a directory for the first web application to a new directory for the second web application. For example, non-private content types, queries, and/or hard-coded images and strings can be copied from the parent directory to the clone directory. The clone web application is then rendered in accordance with the content in its directory.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and using configuration diagrams for configuring distributed systems. The methods described herein may be used for various types of operations in configuring distributed systems, including creating programs, managing programs in the distributed system, deploying programs to various distributed devices, configuring remote execution or inter-operation of distributed programs, and executing distributed applications. Embodiments of the invention utilize graphical iconic-based techniques for performing the above operations. The configuration diagram may include device icons which represent devices and program icons which represent programs. Device icons and program icons may be associated with each other to accomplish various program creation and deployment operations. Device icons and program icons may also interact with graphical program nodes or icons. Context sensitive device connections and/or program connections are displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for programmatically determining interface information for a graphical program. Interface information for a graphical program may include information necessary to invoke execution of the graphical program. A first program may receive a request for information regarding an interface of a graphical program. In response to the request, the first program may programmatically determine the information regarding the interface of the graphical program. The interface information may include such information as parameters of the graphical program, their respective data types, whether each parameter is an input parameter, an output parameter, or both, and default values for input parameters. The programmatically determined information regarding the interface of the graphical program may then be returned to a second program. The second program may invoke execution of the graphical program according to the received information.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a visual design tool associated with a generic modeling framework may be selected, and a set of design-time functions used in the visual design tool may be identified. A set of design-time rules may be created (e.g., by a rule creator), each rule corresponding to an identified design-time function. In addition, parameters may be defined for each rule in terms of entities of a language of the generic modeling framework. A set of basic rule cases may then be defined for each rule to specify rule logic, and an extension mechanism may be provided to enable the defined set of basic rule cases to be extended outside the generic modeling framework. According to some embodiments, the set of rules and associated basic rule cases may be interpreted at run-time by the modeling framework.

Abstract: Automatic conversion of textual program code to graphical program code is performed. The method automatically translates the given functionality of a textual program code into executable graphical program code, corresponding to the same functionality. The method includes a parsing routine that generates a syntax tree and code generation routines, which create graphical program code from the syntax tree.

Abstract: An IMS process flow toolset can be used to create an IMS process flow application. The IMS process flow application can include an IMS process flow control program. The IMS process flow control program can embody process flow elements such as business logic and events as well as communication with external non-IMS applications. Both the IMS process flow application and IMS process flow control program can be run within the IMS.

Abstract: A system for developing an application program having functionality that corresponds to a finite state machine (FSM) model includes a visual interface that generates a graphical environment on a display for displaying an FSM model representing functionality of the program, a dynamic state machine processor that uses XML descriptions associated with the FSM model to generate the program executed at run-time, and an extensible graphic user interface that provides the end-user interface features to the end-user as generated during run-time by the processor based on the FSM model.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus for programming a computing apparatus are disclosed. The method is a computer-implemented method for use in a computer programming environment, and comprises invoking a script; and determining an execution order for the invoked script predicated on the passing of parameters between scripted actions. The apparatus, in a first aspect, includes a program storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by a processor, performs the method. In a second aspect, the apparatus includes a computing apparatus programmed to perform the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for a distributed resource understanding tool. In one embodiment of the invention, a distributed resources understanding tool data processing system can include an IDE configured for operation in a local development platform coupled to a remote host, a local implementation of a resource understanding tool coupled to the IDE, a remote implementation of the resource understanding tool associated with the remote host, and resource understanding tool synchronization logic. The logic can include program code enabled to invoke the local implementation of the resource understanding tool, further invoke the remote implementation of the resource understanding tool, combine results sets produced by each of the local and remote implementations of the resource understanding tool to produce a composite results set, and render the composite results set in the IDE.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, related to designtime services for multiple patterns of a visual modeling language environment (e.g., generic services to handle events related to pattern components in a designtime environment). Input characterizing events related to patterns components may be received in a visual modeling tool, a type of event may be associated with a service to resolve events related to different patterns having a same type of event, and the service may be initiated to resolve the type of event.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing information between disparate systems environments, code editors, and data editors, including Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) editors. The technique can be used to identify non-supported features or extensions in a multiple system or multiple system or code editor environment. In accordance with an embodiment, the system defines a standard for sharing data between two or more system environments, wherein the standard defines a list or flag whose semantics describe to the receiving system environment to delete upon write any features that are not understood by that environment, or which are flagged for such deletion.

Abstract: A configurable class system for an application author working in an application development environment that automates the handling of undo, redo and logging operations is discussed. The configurable class system removes the burden from the application author of having to custom manage undo, redo and logging information during application writing by providing the necessary mechanisms to every application object created. The configurable class system also allows the application author to handle exceptional state changes in an application by configuring the underlying base classes provided by the configurable class system. Additionally, the embodiments of the present invention enable the application author to customize the compression of a series of identified operations by selecting the type of operations that are to be compressed and the manner in which the compression is to occur.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for providing hosted highly tailored vertical applications. In accordance with one embodiment, a set of universal configuration options for a customer relationship management application is created and presented to a user. The user selects one or more options from the set of options provided and the selected options are used to automatically configure a tailored customer relationship management application. For one embodiment of the invention multiple incompatible business entities and processes from existing verticals are decomposed to provide a set of configurations options to a customer company. The customer company selects from the provided configuration options and a highly tailored vertical is automatically configured based upon the selected configuration options.

Abstract: Automatic conversion of textual program code to graphical program code is performed. The method automatically translates the given functionality of a textual program code into executable graphical program code, corresponding to the same functionality. The method includes a parsing routine that generates a syntax tree and code generation routines, which create graphical program code from the syntax tree.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system for providing for the editing of software code in a software model driven development process, the method including the step of providing a plurality of custom native software code editors each in a different software language. The method, computer program product and system also includes the step of moving one of the plurality of custom native software code editors into a code view display area depending on a user selected element, thereby allowing a user to edit the software code relating to the user selected element using the custom native software code editor moved into the code view display area.

Abstract: A machine tool control system. A machine tool controller is provided to receive commands from an input source and provide control instructions to a machine tool based at least in part on the commands. An operator interface is provided for inputting commands to the controller. The interface includes a display screen having images of individual command functions, the images being selectable on the screen to place into a sequence of command functions selected by an operator. A sequence generator indicates sequential ordering of the command functions represented by the sequence of images on the screen, such that a sequence of images on the screen selected by the operator is translated by the operator controller sequence generator into a sequence of commands to be inputted into the controller. The operator interface may include one or more images each representing a plurality of individual command functions in a defined sequence.

Abstract: A unified architectural diagram that contains links to different kinds of information (a new map) extends the functionality of current standardized development architectural diagrams by linking information to each component of the solution. The new map offers software development processes without architectural diagrams a new centralized, visual representation of every component and process that comprise a large software solution as well as how those components and processes are connected to each other within the solution, offering an opportunity for understanding at an individual level that otherwise would be impractical.

Abstract: The invention is a computer programming method that includes inputting a drawing shape or drawing figure into a computer via a user interface of the computer. In response to a prompt that is generated related to the input drawing shape or drawing figure, data is input into the computer via the user interface. Computer program code is then synthesized that is related to the input drawing shape or drawing figure and the input data. The foregoing steps can be repeated for at least one other drawing shape or drawing figure that has an entry point connected to a previously entered drawing shape or drawing figure.

Abstract: System and method for communicating between graphical programs executing on respective devices, e.g., a programmable hardware element (PHE) and a controller. The system includes a first node representing a first in, first out (FIFO) structure, and a second node providing a controller interface to the FIFO structure. A first portion of the FIFO is implemented on the PHE, and a second portion of the FIFO is implemented in memory of the controller. The first and second nodes are operable to be included respectively in first and second graphical programs, where the first graphical program is deployable to the PHE, where the second graphical program is deployable to the controller, and where the graphical programs communicate via the FIFO in cooperatively performing a specified task. The FIFO may implement a Direct Memory Access (DMA) FIFO, where at least part of a DMA controller is implemented on or coupled to the PHE.

Abstract: System and method for implementing a design flow for a programmable hardware element (PHE) coupled to a processor. A graphical program (GP) that specifies performance criteria is received. The GP is mapped for deployment, with a first portion targeted for execution by the processor, and a second portion targeted for implementation in the PHE. A determination is made as to whether the graphical program meets the performance criteria. If not, the GP is remapped for deployment, including identifying and specifying the sub-portion for implementation in the PHE, thereby moving the sub-portion from the first portion to the second portion, and/or identifying and specifying the sub-portion for execution on the processor, thereby moving the sub-portion from the second portion to the first portion. The determining and remapping are repeated until the performance criteria are met. The first and second portions are deployed to the processor and the PHE, respectively.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method including receiving an output file from a profiling utility by an integrated development environment component. The output file is used to generate an interactive presentation of data by a computer system to visually organize profiling data automatically. Corresponding source code is displayed in response to a user selection of a data point of the interactive presentation within the integrated development environment.

Abstract: The present invention allows a user to graphically define a hierarchy of user-defined, executable classes of graphical objects that can be implemented in a graphical model. The present invention supports the features of inheritance, abstraction and polymorphism. Further, descendant classes of graphical objects can graphically extend the behavior and/or structure of ancestor classes of graphical objects.

Abstract: A method and respective system for performing a reconfiguration of a plurality of resources, where the resources reside on multiple different system platforms including a mainframe with a policy-based automation manager. A reconfiguration method with an improved switching facility between such configurations is provided by using a predefined automation choice group as a part of a predetermined automation policy, pre-selecting one group member as preferred to be activated in case a predetermined automation choice group is determined for operation, providing a user interface for triggering a reconfiguration of the resources according to the automation policy, and initiating an automatic change from a first resource configuration into a second resource configuration when the trigger is actuated.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of visualizing and modeling the interaction relationship among entities. An example method of visualizing the interaction relationship among entities includes the steps of: presenting the internal logic of entity in an entity container; and presenting the interaction relationship among the entities in an interaction space. A method of modeling the interaction relationship among entities, includes the steps of: defining each entity related to said interaction relationship; defining an interface of said each entity in an interaction space; and defining interaction logics among said interfaces in the interaction space.

Abstract: A computer implemented process for identifying conflicts between policies for a method invocable by an object is described, in which the method is a member of at least one statically defined method grouping having a corresponding policy. The process comprises, for each method grouping, obtaining each method which is a member of the method grouping, associating therewith the corresponding method grouping policy, and comparing policies associated with methods which are members of two or more method groupings to identify conflicts.

Abstract: Server side internet applications are created by placing interactive server side components (ISSC's) on internet pages. ISSC's encapsulate dynamic page functions including processing of user responses on the server and thus can be reused, which drastically reduces programming effort. The ISSC technique remembers information (in form of an ISSC object) about each ISSC during dynamic page generation on the server. Then, it generates HTML code in a way such that the ISSC event is sent to the server using a conventional HTTP GET or POST request. On the server, the event is then passed to the corresponding ISSC object. All components work without disturbing each other, even when nested or combined. A browser based editor can also be used to place ISSC's on pages and to modify their properties. During dynamic page generation, scripts and handles are embedded into the page that permit editing of the page itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and computer program product that reduces the size of a failing test. A tree is created from the test's programming code, where the tree represents the syntactical and the semantic bounds between the programming code elements. By analyzing this tree and iteratively pruning the irrelevant sub-trees it is possible to eliminate many non necessary parts of the code, and recreate a new legal test, which represents the same error, but is potentially much smaller and therefore easier to understand and debug.

Abstract: A method for responding to changes to properties of component instances is disclosed. A routine, that is to be informed of changes that occur to a particular property of a plurality of properties of a component instance, is registered. The value of the particular property is detected as changed when the value of the particular property changes because of a change to another property of the plurality of properties. A call is made to the routine to indicate that the particular property has changed.

Abstract: A method, computer program and a system for automatically generating entity templates when copying at least one software element are provided. In the method, upon receiving a request to copy a selected element, such as a group of elements in a graphics program, a common entity template is automatically created for the element if it is not currently linked to an entity template or is only linked to a non-modifiable template, such that when modifications are made to the entity template, the modifications are also made to the originally selected element and all copies thereof, simultaneously.

Abstract: A system for programming a computer provides a set of software-based virtual machines each for instructing a computer to carry out a selected operation. Each virtual machine is represented by a virtual front panel displayed on a screen and each virtual front panel graphically displays operator controllable values of input and output parameters utilized by the virtual machine it represents. The system is adapted to synthesize a new virtual machine for instructing the computer to perform a sequence of operations wherein each operation is carried out by the computer according to the instructions of an operator selected one of the existing virtual machines. The system also creates a new virtual front panel for displaying input and output parameters associated with the new virtual machine. The system permits the operator to program the computer by directing synthesis of a hierarchy of virtual machines.