Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software program development tool – Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-22
2001-07-24
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software program development tool
Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266806
ABSTRACT:
NOTICE
“Copyright 1997 DSC Corporation.” A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatever.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of computer systems. More specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for summarizing object interactions in a software program.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computer systems in general are well known. A typical system comprises a computer, keyboard, mouse, and a monitor. Further, the computer might comprise a CPU, and RAM and allows various software programs to be used. Software programs are well known and will not be described in detail. Briefly, a software program allows a computer to be customized to perform functions and services that a user demands. Software programs are created using various programming tools which might include, a programming language, editors, debuggers, and other tools to assist the programmer. Software has become so advanced, that programmers use a visual representation of their program to help them develop and finalize the software. This is especially true with object-oriented programming.
Object-oriented programs utilize multiple objects. An object is a “black box” that receives and sends messages and is generally capable of performing a specific task. Programming in an object-oriented language involves sending messages to and from various objects. The objects use these messages as inputs to perform their specific task. The specific tasks are strung together in order to accomplish the desired function of the software program. In general, the programmer is not concerned with how the object works, but rather is only concerned with what the object does.
Development of complex software programs is typically shared among a number of groups with each group taking responsibility for a subsystem of the overall software program according to a predetermined high-level design. This high level design typically breaks the program into a number of subsystems with each subsystem consisting of a collection of objects. The objects of one subsystem communicate with objects from another subsystem by sending and receiving messages. When messages are sent and received between objects of different subsystems being developed by different groups, an interface is formed between the two subsystems. The integrity of the high level design, depends upon maintenance of these interfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, a need has arisen for a system and method that will facilitate maintaining the integrity of the high level design of an object-oriented software program. The system and method according to the present invention facilitate maintaining the integrity of the high-level design by producing an object summary. In the context of this specification, an object summary refers to a collection of information that enables tracking of the interactions between and among the various objects present in an object-oriented software program.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for generating an object summary for an object-oriented software program that includes a means for inputting information associated with objects of the object-oriented software program. Object information defining a set of objects used in the object-oriented software program is determined from the inputted information. Interaction information indicating communication between the objects of said set of objects used in the object-oriented software program is also determined from the inputted information. An object summary is generated from the object information and the interaction information. The object summary includes an object summary matrix indicating which objects of the set of objects interact. The object summary can then be displayed for analysis.
The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide various technical advantages. For example, the present invention enables the interactions between and among the various objects used in an object-oriented software program to be summarized. This summary, in turn, provides software architects with a convenient means to verify the integrity of the high level design of a software program. Other features and aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and detailed description of the invention.
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Hurd, II Donald M.
Jacobs Lance D.
Weldon, Jr. Richard S.
Alcatel USA Sourcing L.P.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Ingberg Todd
Powell Mark R.
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