Abstract: A configuration system for an intelligent assist system is provided. The intelligent assist system includes a module, and a computational node on the module. The configuration system includes a host computer system capable of executing a stored program. The host computer system is in communication with the computational node via a communication link. The system also includes a graphical user interface enabling a user to manipulate objects related to the module or the computational node, and a plurality of visual indicators corresponding to a status of the module, the computational node, or the communication link.

Abstract: A mutability mechanism is provided for parsing an object at loading time. The mutability mechanism inserts a property into the object that indicates whether or not the object is immutable. The mutability mechanism looks at the code for the object and determines whether any other objects can modify the object. If the object cannot be modified after it is created, then the new property is set to indicate that the object is immutable; otherwise, the property is set to indicate that the object is mutable. This property can be inspected at runtime when a call is made to a program object. If an object passed as an argument is marked mutable, a clone of this object must be passed to the callee. However, if an object passed as an argument is marked immutable, a simple reference to the object may be passed as an argument to the callee.

Abstract: Improved techniques for reducing the time and cost associated with producing compiler products are disclosed. A programming system including an enhanced compiler suitable for compilation of source programs is disclosed. The enhanced compiler can be used to compile source programs so that template (or generic) instances already available from the libraries are not recreated. The enhanced compiler can efficiently compile a request to create an instance by determining whether the instance is already available in one of the libraries. If the instance is already available from one of the libraries, the instance need not be created. In comparison with conventional models, the enhanced compiler can access libraries directly without requiring a significant amount of preparatory work and/or costly operations such as preparation of options files and transformation of instance names to linker symbol names. As a result, the enhanced compiler is more efficient (faster) than convention compilers.

Abstract: A secure repository individualized for a hardware environment and a method and system for providing the same. The secure repository includes a hidden cryptographic key and code that applies the key without requiring access to a copy of the key. The code that implements the secure repository is generated in a manner that is at least partly based on a hardware ID associated with the hardware environment in which the secure repository is to be installed, and may also be based on a random number. Cryptographic functions implemented by the secure repository include decryption of encrypted information and validation of cryptographically signed information. The secure repository may be coupled to an application program, which uses cryptographic services provided by the secure repository, by way of a decoupling interface that provides a common communication and authentication interface for diverse types of secure repositories.

Abstract: There is disclosed improved apparatus and methodology for customizing software. With respect to GUI resources such as splash-screens, a dynamic link library containing a customer's customized resources and a default link library containing the manufacturer's default resources are prepared at design time. Source code is normally not included in the customized dynamic link library. At run time, the customer resources are automatically included by operation of a resource manager algorithm and appear on the computer terminal screen unless they were not made available initially in which case the equivalent default resource is shown on the screen. If there are any bugs which are induced by the customer's specifications to be corrected, or if the customized dynamic link library is changed for some other reason, the source code does not have to be rewritten as it is not included in the dynamic link library.

Abstract: An efficient method for protecting entry addresses in computer programs allows direct jumps to permissible entry addresses. The permissible entry addresses are identified with a correlation of data which are not provided within the same individual instruction. By organizing the program code, the compiler or linker ensures that only legal entry addresses satisfy this correlation.

Abstract: Based on software developed with use-cases, a suite of metrics for the Product/Process (PP) complexity of software systems as well the PP complexity of each stage in the software development process—analysis, design, and testing—is provided. The metrics suite is important for software quality assurance—Validation and Verification (V&V) as well as for understanding new complexities brought into software development by new technologies. The metrics can be collected based on the two most important documents of use-case software development—scenario diagrams and state diagrams. All metrics are CASE tool computable. Thus, each iterative or incremental development process can be quantitatively measured and compared without incurring extra cost or load on the project team. Efficiency metrics for implementation and test stages, normalization rules and logic-metrics for business tables are also presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods integrate and provide platform independence to shared component objects. A host is targeted for a mobile device and registers software components. Upon a request for services by an application program, the host finds and facilitates the creation of instances requested by the application program, thereby providing platform independence to the application program and the developer thereof. A module, deployable unit of software components, is also an addressable and programmable object during a run time, thereby facilitating implicit registry of software components on the target device and reducing storage space required on a target device, as well as the CPU processing power. The module also provides module-wide variables, thereby enabling distinct instances constructed from classes contained within the module to share common variables.

Abstract: A compiler which generates object codes based on a source program includes: an instruction detection section detecting instruction scheduling information described in the source program, the instruction scheduling information describing first and second operation instruction information and the number of cycles or the number of instructions to be secured between the object code corresponding to the first operation instruction information and the object code corresponding to the second operation instruction information; and an object code insertion section inserting an object code, which is irrelevant to the object code corresponding to the first operation instruction information and the object code corresponding to the second operation instruction, between these object codes by as much as the number of cycles or number of instructions.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus that enables an undefined variable reference check on a dynamic variable. A dynamic variable specifying section specifies target dynamic variables from a source file. An area specifying section specifies areas ensured in the case of dynamic variables specified by the dynamic variable specifying section being developed into a memory at the time of executing a load module. An initializing section initializes areas specified by the area specifying section to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for modifying a compiled executable code file by adding patches that add functionality when the modified executable code file is executed. The modifying is performed without recompiling, relinking or rewriting the code file. Adding a patch involves creating a patch handler which when executed causes the patch statements to be executed, and may involve replacing one or more existing compiled instructions in the file with patching instructions to transfer flow of execution to the appropriate patch handler. The instructions replaced by the patching instructions can also be added to the patch handler. Patches can also include code statements which form a complete module, such as an invokable routine, which can be referenced by other patch statements to cause the module to be executed. Specialized trace requests can also be added as patch statements. The trace requests will make specified information about the current execution of the executable code file available to a software developer.

Abstract: A method of storing version and product information of libraries used in the building of an executable file. For each library, a source file containing the version and product information is constructed, compiled and the resulting version object file is stored in the library. When the build of an executable occurs, the version object file for each of the libraries needed for the build is obtained and stored in a temporary area. A list is made of the names of the stored version object files and, when the executable is compiled, the list is submitted to the compiler command so that the version object files of each library are compiled into the executable file. In one alternative, a compound library formed from a selected set of libraries can be compiled into the executable. A utility program can be used to retrieve the stored version and product information in the executable.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiments, an object oriented mechanism and method allow creating system level Java code that is protected, and therefore cannot be accessed or extended by unauthorized users or programs. Several new tests are performed during loading, linking, and initialization of a class that assure that the class is as the operating system expects. In addition, one or more runtime tests may be performed to prevent programs from getting into the Java system level code via a runtime “back door.” By providing additional tests when classes are loaded and when certain types of methods and functions are invoked at runtime, the Java system level code is protected from unauthorized access and use.

Abstract: A method for executing a dynamically loaded program having a main program unit includes executing the main unit a first time, creating at least one library file containing only application program files loaded during the first execution, specifying a system program file input and executing the main program unit a second time using the system program file input and the at least one library file for dynamically loaded program files. A method for optimizing a dynamically loaded program, the program including a main program unit includes creating at least one library file containing only application program files loaded during execution of the main program unit and optimizing the program based upon a list of application program files in the library file.

Abstract: A electronic asset lending library method and apparatus enables the electronic management and reassignment of licenses for unused electronic assets installed on computers connected through a communications network. Licensing data for the unused electronic assets is released by the currently assigned owner and made available to one or more communities of users for display by product category, name, or keyword search. Once released, the lending library notifies the currently assigned owner to remove the unused electronic asset from their computer and transfers the licensing data to a library account. Eligible borrowers are permitted to request a re-assignment of an available released license for an unused electronic asset from a lending library account to their own account. Upon re-assignment the electronic asset lending library automatically notifies the borrower with instructions for the download and installation of the unused electronic asset to their computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual linker. The visual linker includes a link server that implements linking instructions for sections to a memory. The visual linker also includes a graphical user interface that receives said instructions and displays said sections within said memory. The visual linker also includes an application programming interface that receives said instructions and reports the results of said linking instruction and said sections within said memory. The visual linker also includes an incomplete link comprising sections not allocated to said memory. The visual linker also includes a link recipe comprising said instructions implemented by said link server.

Abstract: A library manager holds related program fragments, for example, control logic fragments and visualization program fragments sharing the same control variables, in library files. Multiple copies of control logic program fragments are instantiated to develop a control program and of the control variable tags for each copy of the control logic program fragments are renamed to prevent conflicts. At a later time, visualization program fragments related to the control logic program fragments are identified by their common origin in the library manger. The control variables of these visual program fragments may then be automatically renamed by using their library files as a guide. The library files may also hold related non-program information.

Abstract: A pipelined, simultaneous and redundantly threaded (“SRT”) processor comprising, among other components, load/store units configured to perform load and store operations to or from data locations such as a data cache and data registers and a cycle counter configured to keep a running count of processor clock cycles. The processor is configured to detect transient faults during program execution by executing instructions in at least two redundant copies of a program thread and wherein false errors caused by incorrectly replicating cycle count values in the redundant program threads are avoided by implementing a cycle count queue for storing the actual values fetched by read cycle count instructions in the first program thread. The load/store units then access the cycle count queue and not the cycle counter to fetch cycle count values in response to read cycle count instructions in the second program thread.

Abstract: A definition module generates configuration instructions used to build one or more machines. The definition module generates the configuration instructions by drawing from a generic library of configuration objects having a variety of attributes and parameters associated therewith. A pre-established template defines how the information provided in the library is organized to build groups of machines. An inheritance mechanism is provided for automatically resolving unspecified parameter values by searching through a hierarchy of objects to determine the unspecified values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a heap smashing condition. A call to a library function, such as a request to write a data block to the heap section of a memory, is intercepted from a program being executed. In an embodiment, a fault-containment wrapper module determines whether performing the write request would smash the heap. If it would smash the heap, an error handling procedure is executed instead of writing the data block. If it would not smash the heap, the fault-containment wrapper module causes the data block to be written to the memory as requested.

Abstract: An improved source-level debugger for object-oriented application programs which may include linked native language dynamic load libraries. The debugger is compatible with the Java Platform Debugger Architecture (“JPDA”), and provides new capabilities such as patching of Java variables and reading and writing strings from and to the application under test and being run by a local or remote Java Virtual Machine.

Abstract: Interactive media such as a DVD can be created in more than one location. The editing of the content into chapters and the creation of menus that can access the content can be created at one location, and information regarding the menus and the chapters can then be transmitted to a second location and the DVD or other media can be recorded at the first or second location. A software driven system controls, accelerates and simplifies the process.

Abstract: The speed of execution of linked programs is improved to the extent possible within the limit of the capacity of memory storing linked programs. As initial settings, all class libraries are set for linking (221). By this means, all class libraries are linked (223). Then, a judgment is made as to whether there is overflow of memory storing linked programs (225). If there is overflow, the maximum value of the number of applications using currently linked class libraries is set in variable N (231). Then, settings are modified such that class libraries used by N or more applications are not linked, and linking is again performed (223). If memory overflow does not occur, processing ends (228).

Abstract: For a given set of programs and their related DLLs the following tool and method finds the minimum set of DLLs for which to apply demand loading and quantifies a lower bound on the expected performance improvement that comes from applying demand loading to the identified set of DLLs. Additionally, the tool and method identifies the set of DLLs in which demand loading cannot be applied because of data exports, but which might benefit from demand loading.

Abstract: Linking a virtual method comprises receiving a program comprising multiple program units, enumerating classes of the program, determining whether a virtual method of the program has been overridden at least once, creating a virtual method jump table indexed by a type indicator if the virtual method has been overridden and rewriting at least one call instruction that calls the virtual method. The at least one call instruction is rewritten to include the type indicator of a called object. The table comprises at least one entry including an address of a virtual method.

Abstract: A hardware abstraction layer operates as a system architectural layer between a real-time operating system and an underlying configurable processor. The hardware abstraction layer provides an abstraction of processor-specific functionality to the operating system. In particular, it abstracts configurable processor features visible to the operating system to provide a uniform, standardized interface between the operating system and the configurable processor on which it runs. Thus, an operating system running on top of the hardware abstraction layer will work on all configurations of the processor which differ from one another only in the configuration parameters covered by the hardware abstraction layer. The hardware abstraction layer may be generated using the same information that is used to describe the features being configured in the configurable processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a controlled, dynamically loaded, modular, cryptographic implementation for integration of flexible policy implementations on policy engines, and the like, into a base executable having at least one slot. The base executable may rely on an integrated loader to control loading and linking of fillers and submodules. A policy module may be included for use in limiting each module's function, access, and potential for modification or substitution. The policy may be implemented organically within a manager layer or may be modularized further in an underlying engine layer as an independent policy, or as a policy created by a policy engine existing in an engine layer. The policy module is subordinate to the manager module in the manager layer in that the manager module calls the policy module when it is needed by the manager module. The policy module is preferably dynamically linkable, providing flexibility, and is layered deeper within the filler module than the manager module.

Abstract: A computer method for patching applications that are incompatible with an operating system is provided. The method determines if an application is compatible with an operating system, and if the application is determined to be incompatible, a shim dynamic link library is loaded that replaces all of the incompatible functions contained within the application's dynamic link libraries.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for archiving data. A request is received that specifies application data to be archived. Customizing data that is associated with a computer software application in which the specified application data was created is retrieved. The specified application data and the customizing data are stored in a data archive. Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for displaying archive data are also presented.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for correcting compiler errors. A database is searched to obtain keywords in which error messages are associated with keywords in response to an error originating from a source file during compiling of the source file. The keywords are used to construct a search for a correct source file. The correct source file is retrieved from a source based on a search using the keywords. The correct source file is compiled with other source files.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing automated incremental compilation of computer programs. The system has a library generation logic that generates a dynamic link library of a plurality of computer programs, and a work area creation logic that creates a program work area. A program copy logic copies at least one computer program into the program work area to enable the computer program to be modified. A program generation logic then generates an executable program that includes all of the computer programs in said program work area and the plurality of computer programs in the dynamic link library.

Abstract: In a control apparatus for operating with program data, it is possible to alter the operation of a control circuit by rewriting the data of the program memory built in an LSI, with ease and at a low cost independently of the operation of the control circuit.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with this invention link a program module, which implements dynamic linkage to an external function and executes the external function. Such methods and systems replace a function name described in a header portion of a program module and a function name to be referred to by the program module with other names, and link functions having the same names as the replaced function names and executing the linked functions in place of an original function.

Abstract: The present system and method improves the way of forwarding a reference from an importing module to an exporting module. The present system and method allow forwarding of a reference(s) through a forwarder exporting module for a specified export(s) when an explicit entrypoint(s) does/do not exist for the specified export(s) in the forwarder exporting module and still allow correlation from the importing module to the exporting module when the loader is loading the importing module during a load time. One or more implicit forwarder record(s) is stored in the exporting module by a linker. Each implicit forwarder record designates a respective target module. The loader determines whether an explicit entrypoint exists in the exporting module for the reference of the specified export. The loader resolves the reference by using the explicit entrypoint to determine a location of the specified export if the explicit entrypoint exists.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling existing application programs for operation in speech recognition environments. Existing applications programs written with a dynamically linked library or object library, with no speech recognition capability, are capable of accepting input from a speech recognition without modification. An alternate dynamic library or object library is provided that supports the same interface or objects used by the original program. The alternate library is written so that it is aware of and receives input from the speech recognition system. The alternate library passes the input to the application program using the existing interfaces.

Abstract: Techniques for developing and exchanging virtual machine implementations and/or support library implementations are described. In one embodiment, the virtual machine design specifies a set of functions for executing all or substantially all support library operations that are dependent on the implementation of the virtual machine. When a developer desires to substitute one virtual machine implementation for another, the developer is able to basically “plug-in” the second virtual machine implementation with minimal impact on the support libraries since both virtual machine implementations provide implementations for the set of specified functions that are dependent on the implementation of the respective virtual machine. Conversely, different support libraries may be utilized in conjunction with a particular virtual machine implementation.

Abstract: A software development system is described in which lattice theory is used to model the compatibility and desirability in the target execution environment of various build option parameters selected by a user. A library selector is formed by combining the build option parameters of each source code entity to produce a selector having the maximum level of execution environment requirements needed among the group of source code entities being compiled. This library selector may be used to select a particular library of machine code entities compatible with these execution environment requirements whilst providing the most desirable machine code entities to exploit the capabilities of the target data processing system.

Abstract: A program execution apparatus for creating an executable program and executing the program includes a conversion module creating unit which creates an address reference conversion module containing a function call to call an external function module that is called from a source program. A program transforming unit transforms the source program into an object program. A linking unit links the object program produced by the program transforming unit to the address reference conversion module created by the conversion module creating unit to form an executable program, thereby the executable program containing the function call.

Abstract: A base function provides a base function semantic. During service installation, an unconditional branch instruction to a service function replaces one or more instructions at the beginning of a base function. The service function provides a service semantic such as instrumentation, redirection, replacement, or extension. After service installation, a pass function includes the replaced base function instructions and an unconditional branch instruction to the logically subsequent base function instruction. Thus, the pass function provides a service-free base function semantic. The service function calls the pass function an arbitrary number of times before and/or after executing any other service function instructions. The pass function is allocated statically or dynamically. A statically allocated pass function is callable before and/or after service installation to guarantee a service-free base function semantic.

Abstract: The software program provides a unique arrangement and integration of CD drive, data server, and PC hard disk drive technologies. The program provides open-ended, flexible, and timely updating of software programs and content for users at a remote site because the user can download individual updated program modules as needed from a designated information site through a data server to a PC hard disk drive during a program run. Therefore, the user is not required to download the updated program, await the next release of a CD containing the updated program, or use the updated program directly on a designated information site. In addition to the program modules on the CD, the user can use downloaded updated program modules from either the current or a previous program run. The updated program modules are either replacements for those on the CD or additional program modules to the entire program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for optimizing the runtime behavior of database or other applications by allowing selection of alternative code segments during linking of pre-compiled object modules. A macro-preprocessor inserts a declaration for a global variable in the source code in response to an occurrence of a command of interest. The linker selects object modules for executing other commands based on the presence or absence of the declaration for the global variable in the preprocessed source code. The method and apparatus are useful in implementing programming language statements including non-procedural programming languages such as the Embedded Structured Query Language (ESQL).

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for automatically generating libraries for use in distributing software components without requiring the software components to be completely. The system receives a behavioral description of the system components and determines the optimal required functionality between hardware and software and provides that functionality while varying the parameters (e.g. size or power) of the hardware and/or software. Thus, for instance, the hardware and the processors for the software can be formed on a reconfigurable logic device, each being no bigger than is necessary to form the desired functions. The codesign system outputs a description of the required processors, machine code to run on the processors, and a net list or register transfer level description of the necessary hardware.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for parameterized expressions. In general, a plurality of first variables is defined with reference to variable widths. A plurality of second variables is also defined without reference to variable widths. Computer code is compiled including the first and second variables. Also, the variable widths of the second variables are inferred from the variable widths of the first variables.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling an automated material handling procedure. The method includes receiving a recipe file comprising component information and mapping information; interacting with a user to create a procedure for executing a set of material handling steps; and causing a automated material-handling apparatus to carry out the set of material-handling steps by executing the procedure. The mapping information relates a source component and a destination component. The mapping information defines one or more transfers of at least one source component material to at least one destination component location. The method includes providing to the user an assortment of pre-programmed code objects and receiving from the user a selection and arrangement of the pre-programmed code objects. The procedure is defined by the user's selection and arrangement.

Abstract: Automatic parameter help is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises an editor to provide for developing source code for a computer program, where the source code includes an identifier; and an automatic help module invoked upon a predetermined event by the editor. The automatic help module is operative to display reference information associated with the identifier.

Abstract: A computer program that indicates lexical impact of various words in a text and provides various statistics relating to lexical impact of the text. Also, a ranked thesaurus for listing alternative words (e.g., synonyms, antonyms, related), along with an indication of their relative lexical impact (item 141). The thesaurus may alternatively rank words according to ranking system.

Abstract: A resource access system and method for providing interpreters with the ability to provide interpreter applications access to any desired server resource regardless of type of server and current capability of the client node to access such server resources. The invention is an application-level extension of the interpreter, enabling the interpreter to provide server resource access independently of the type of operating system implemented in the client node. In addition, the invention utilizes existing techniques to communicate with the server, such as a distributed object system or an existing client redirector, enabling the invention to provide such access with minimal modifications to the client or server nodes, accommodating the client node's current capability to access the server resources. Also, the resource access system provides access without having to use a foreign application interface.

Abstract: The concept of a general purpose aspect is introduced where an aspect transparently forces cross-cutting behavior on object classes and other software entities. A reusable aspect is further described for use as part of an aspect library.

Abstract: A method for simulating a first processor (e.g., target processor) on a second processor (e.g., host processor) includes translating assembly language instructions associated with the first processor into ‘C’ language code. The ‘C’ language code is then compiled by a compiler program running on the second processor. The compiled code is then executed by the second processor to simulate the first processor. For example, the code may be checked to determine whether it is functionally correct and/or run-time statistics may be collected regarding the program associated with the first processor.

Abstract: A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal (i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transactions related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal.