U.S. patent application number 10/105062 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-27 for system and method for providing an interface for com-compliant applications to communicate with embedded systems.
Invention is credited to Fertitta, Kirk, Underseth, Mark, Valois, Hugues.
Application Number | 20030061292 10/105062 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27402975 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030061292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Underseth, Mark ; et
al. |
March 27, 2003 |
System and method for providing an interface for com-compliant
applications to communicate with embedded systems
Abstract
A system and method for providing seamless communication with
threads executing on an embedded computer. Using a DAT system, a
programmer can test the communication interfaces of a thread via
either a scripting program, any COM-compliant program, or a
graphical test utility. The DAT system automatically formats a
block of data that is transmitted between the embedded computer and
a host computer and accounts for machine specific enumeration
sizes, machine specific pointer sizes, machine specific structure
alignment boundaries, machine specific integer sizes, and machine
specific byte ordering.
Inventors: |
Underseth, Mark; (Carlsbad,
CA) ; Fertitta, Kirk; (San Diego, CA) ;
Valois, Hugues; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
27402975 |
Appl. No.: |
10/105062 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60278212 |
Mar 23, 2001 |
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60299555 |
Jun 19, 2001 |
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60363436 |
Mar 11, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/206 ;
709/201; 719/330 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 9/542 20130101;
G06F 2209/542 20130101; Y10S 707/99944 20130101; G06F 9/546
20130101; Y10S 707/99943 20130101; Y10S 707/99945 20130101; G06F
9/54 20130101; G06F 8/36 20130101; G06F 11/3636 20130101; G06F
9/547 20130101; Y10S 707/99942 20130101; G06F 2209/546 20130101;
G06F 2209/547 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/206 ;
709/201; 709/330 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/16; G06F
009/46 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A system for providing communication between a host computer and
an embedded computer, the system comprising: an embedded computer
executing a plurality of threads that provide a plurality of
communication interfaces, each communication interface having a
plurality of data fields; a communication database identifying each
of the communication interfaces, wherein the communication database
is automatically generated, at least in part, from information
comprising: an interface description file that defines the
communications interfaces; machine characteristics of the embedded
device; machine characteristics of a host platform; and a
communication module for providing an application programming
interface for a COM-compliant application to access the
communication interface, wherein the communication module is
automatically generated based upon information from the
communication database; wherein an object in the COM-compliant
application identifies at least one of the communication interfaces
in the communication database and invokes a function with respect
to at least one data field in the identified communication
interface via the application programming interface, wherein the
function is selected from the group comprising: storing data in one
of the data fields, reading data from one of the data fields, and
testing a data field.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication interface is
either a message-based or a remote function call-based
interface.
3. A system for providing communication between a host computer and
an embedded computer, the system comprising: an embedded computer
executing a plurality of threads that each provide a communication
interface; a communication database identifying the communication
interface of each of the threads; and a COM object configured to
provide a plurality of functions to a COM-compliant application for
a communicating with each of the communication interfaces, wherein
the COM object is automatically generated based, at least in part,
upon the communication interfaces in the messaging database.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the messaging database is
generated, at least in part, from information from an interface
description file.
5. A system for providing communication between a host computer and
an embedded computer, the system comprising: a plurality of threads
that each provide a communication interface; a communication
database identifying each of the communication interfaces; and a
COM object providing a plurality of functions for communicating
with each of the communication interfaces, wherein the COM object
is automatically generated based, at least in part, upon
communication interfaces in the communication database.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the communication database is
generated, at least in part, from information from an interface
description file.
7. A method of providing communication with a thread, the method
comprising: retrieving a reference to a communication object,
wherein the communication object provides an interface for a
COM-compliant application to access a communication interface that
is owned by a thread that is executing on an embedded computer; and
storing data in at least one data field in the communication
interface.
8. The method of claim 7, additionally comprising invoking a send
method of the communication object thereby transmitting the stored
data to the thread that is executing on the embedded computer.
9. A method of providing communication with a thread, the method
comprising: retrieving a reference to a communication object,
wherein the communication object provides an interface for
COM-compliant application to access a communication; and invoking a
read method of the communication object thereby receiving via the
interface a communication that is provided by a thread that is
executing on an embedded computer.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the communication is a
message.
11. A method of providing communication with a thread, the method
comprising: generating a communication database that describes at
least one communication characteristic of a communication interface
that is defined in an interface description file; requesting a
database object to provide an identifier for each of the
communications interfaces; requesting the database object to access
a selected one of the communications interfaces; retrieving a
reference to a communication object, wherein the communication
object provides an interface for a COM-compliant application to
access a communication that is owned by a thread that is executing
on an embedded computer; and storing data in at least one data
field in the communication.
12. A method of providing communication with a thread, the method
comprising: retrieving a reference to a communication object,
wherein the communication object provides an interface for a
COM-compliant application to access a communication interface that
is managed by a thread that is executing on an embedded computer;
and storing data in at least one data field in the
communication.
13. A method of providing access to a communication, the method
comprising: providing a communication object that comprises at
least one function for accessing a communication interface from a
COM-compliant application; and accessing the communication
interface via the COM-compliant application.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the communication interface is
owned by an embedded thread that is executing on an embedded
computer, and wherein accessing the communication interface via the
COM-compliant application comprises transmitting to the embedded
thread at least one element of data from a thread that is executing
remotely.
15. A system for providing access to a communication, the method
comprising: a communication object that comprises at least one
function for accessing a communication interface from a
COM-compliant application; and means for accessing the
communication interface via the COM-compliant application.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the communication interface is
owned by an embedded thread that is executing on an embedded
computer, and wherein the means for accessing the communication
interface via the COM-compliant application comprises means for
transmitting to the embedded thread at least one element of data
from a thread that is executing on a host computer.
17. An executable communication object, the communication object
comprising: at least one application programming interface for
accessing a communication interface from a COM-compliant
application, wherein the application programming interface is
selected from the group comprising: a broadcasting interface for
broadcasting the communication, an interface for sending the
communication, a registration interface for registering the
communication, and a subscription interface for subscribing to the
communication, wherein each of the plurality of interfaces are
automatically generated based, at least in part, information that
is stored in an interface description file that describes a
communication interface.
18. A system for communicating with a thread, the system
comprising: means for generating a communication database that
describes at least one communication characteristic of a
communication interface that is defined in an interface description
file; means for requesting a database object to provide an
identifier for each of the communications interfaces; means for
requesting the database object to access a selected one of the
communications interfaces; means for retrieving a reference to a
communication object, wherein the communication object provides an
interface for a COM-compliant application to access a communication
that is owned by a thread that is executing on an embedded
computer; and means for storing data in at least one data field in
the communication.
19. A system for providing communication with a thread, the system
comprising: means for retrieving a reference to a communication
object, wherein the communication object provides an interface for
a COM-compliant application to access a communication interface
that is owned by a thread that is executing on an embedded
computer; and means for storing data in at least one data field in
the communication.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the communication interface is
a remote function call.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the communication interface is
a message.
22. A system for providing access to a communication, the system
comprising: means for providing a communication object that
comprises at least one function for accessing a communication
interface from a COM-compliant application; and means for accessing
the communication interface via the COM-compliant application.
23. A system for providing a communication interface that is
accessible by a plurality of components, the system comprising: a
COM-compliant object; at least one thread executing on an embedded
computer; and at least one communication module which is configured
to provide an application programming interface for the
COM-compliant object to communicate with the thread.
24. A system for providing a communication interface that is
accessible by a plurality of components, the system comprising: a
scripting program; and at least one communication module which is
configured to provide an application programming interface for a
COM-compliant object to communicate with the scripting program.
25. A system for providing a communication interface that is
accessible by a plurality of components, the system comprising: a
COM-compliant object; a scripting program; a thread executing on a
host computer; a thread executing on an embedded computer; and at
least one communication module which is configured to provide an
application programming interface for the COM-compliant object to
communicate with the scripting program, the thread executing on the
host computer, and the thread executing on the embedded computer.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, and incorporates by
reference, in their entirety, the following applications: U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60,278,212, filed Mar. 23, 2001, titled
"SYSTEM FOR DEBUGGING AND TRACING THE PERFORMANCE OF SOFTWARE
TARGETED FOR EMBEDDED SYSTEMS" and U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/299,555, filed Jun. 18, 2001, titled "MESSAGING SYSTEM AND
PROCESS", and U.S. Provisional Application No. ______, filed Mar.
11, 2002, titled "DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING SYSTEM AND METHOD."
[0002] This application is related to and incorporates by reference
in their entirety, the following commonly owned patent applications
that have been filed on even date herewith: U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FORMATTING DATA FOR
TRANSMISSION BETWEEN AN EMBEDDED COMPUTER AND A HOST COMPUTER
HAVING DIFFERENT MACHINE CHARACTERISTICS"; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BUILDING A DATABASE
DEFINING A PLURALITY OF COMMUNICATION INTERFACES"; U.S. patent
Application Ser. No. ______, titled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVING
AN INTERFACE FOR SCRIPTING PROGRAMS TO COMMUNICATE WITH EMBEDDED
SYSTEMS"; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, titled "SYSTEM
AND METHOD FOR GENERATING DATA SETS FOR TESTING EMBEDDED SYSTEMS";
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, titled "SYSTEM AND
METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING CODE TEMPLATES FOR
COMMUNICATION VIA A PREDEFINED COMMUNICATION INTERFACE".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The field of the invention relates to development and
testing. More particularly, the field of the invention relates to
the development and testing of software.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Technology
[0006] An embedded device typically includes a microprocessor and
application software. The application software runs under the
control of a real-time operating system (RTOS) and is typically
partitioned into one or more threads. A thread is an independent
unit of executable software that shares the control of the
microprocessor with other defined threads within the embedded
system. In many embedded devices, a thread is allocated its own
stack space, given a "priority", and assigned other resources that
enable the thread to run as an "independent" entity. Stack space is
a section of memory reserved for temporary storage of local
variables. Priorities are used by the RTOS to determine which
thread gets control of the microprocessor if more than one thread
is waiting. Resources can include miscellaneous items such as
queues, flags, etc., that are required by the RTOS to manage a
thread. Other common terms used for a thread are "task" and
"process." A process also implies a separate address space which
protects different processes from adversely affecting each other.
An example of a process running on a desktop computer using
Microsoft's Windows Operating System (OS) is Microsoft Word.
[0007] A common method for threads to communicate with each other
is via a messaging application programming interface (API) that is
provided by the operating system. A message typically includes an
event and optionally a block of data that is sent between at least
two threads. For example, a thread ("the sender") builds a message
and invokes a specific API from the RTOS. The RTOS notifies the
other thread ("the receiver") that some type of event has occurred.
The receiving thread then reads the incoming message. Another
common method for threads to communicate is via a function call.
Using a function call provided by one thread can be invoked by
another thread. Likewise functions can be called by other functions
that co-exist in the same thread. Other common terms for a function
include a subroutine, a procedure, or a method. As used herein, the
term "communication interface" is intended to embrace any interface
for communicating data between two threads, such as via either
messaging or remote function call communication.
[0008] There are several problems associated with known development
and testing systems for embedded devices as described above. First,
known testing systems require the use of the embedded device that
has an operational RTOS to test the communication interfaces of the
threads and to test the execution of the threads themselves.
Disadvantageously, known systems do not have the ability to
simulate communication interfaces and the corresponding threads
that support them.
[0009] Second, when using more than one platform to host running
threads, there is a compatibility problem representing interfaces
on different machines. Different types of machines store messages
differently in their respective memory space. Known testing systems
do not automatically format data for transmission to different
platforms. An example of incompatibility between two computers is
when one computer stores a 16-bit integer (2 bytes) with the least
significant byte in low memory (Little Endian) and the other
computer stores the least significant byte in high memory (Big
Endian). When the applications want to exchange this 16-bit
integer, the value of the integer is interpreted differently
depending on the computer.
[0010] Third, known systems require the creation of a custom
desktop tool that can communicate with the embedded software. The
process of building interface functionality for a specific embedded
application is a time consuming and manual process. The desktop
tool and the embedded software both require manual updates to their
application to enable them to communicate with each other. Thus,
there is no seamless and automatic access via a desktop tool to the
interfaces for an embedded software application.
[0011] Fourth, desktop applications developed in other programming
languages that are incompatible with standard C/C++ interface
definition files cannot interact with the embedded computer
seamlessly. Typically, interface definition files define the format
of the messages expected by the embedded software. Languages such
as Visual Basic, LabVIEW, etc., cannot use standard C interface
definition files that define the format of the interfaces. Thus,
software engineers that use these languages cannot test the threads
executing on the embedded device.
[0012] Thus, there is a need for improved devices for development
and testing of embedded software that do not have the foregoing
limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] One aspect of the invention comprises a system for providing
communication between a host computer and an embedded computer. The
system comprises an embedded computer executing a plurality of
threads that provide a plurality of communication interfaces, each
communication interface having a plurality of data fields and a
communication database identifying each of the communication
interfaces. The communication database is automatically generated,
at least in part, from information comprising: an interface
description file that defines the communications interfaces;
machine characteristics of the embedded device; and machine
characteristics of a host platform. The system also comprises a
communication module for providing an application programming
interface for a COM-compliant application to access the
communication interface. The communication module is automatically
generated based upon information from the communication database.
An object in the COM-compliant application identifies at least one
of the communication interfaces in the communication database and
invokes a function with respect to at least one data field in the
identified communication interface via the application programming
interface. The function is selected from the group comprising:
storing data in one of the data fields, reading data from one of
the data fields, and testing a data field.
[0014] Another aspect of the invention comprises a system for
providing communication between a host computer and an embedded
computer. The system comprises: an embedded computer executing a
plurality of threads that each provide a communication interface; a
communication database identifying the communication interface of
each of the threads; and a COM object configured to provide a
plurality of functions to a COM-compliant application for a
communicating with each of the communication interfaces, wherein
the COM object is automatically generated based, at least in part,
upon the communication interfaces in the messaging database.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of
providing access to a communication, the method comprising:
providing a communication object that comprises at least one
function for accessing a communication interface from a
COM-compliant application; and accessing the communication
interface via the COM-compliant application.
[0016] Yet another aspect of the invention comprises a system for
providing access to a communication. The system comprises: means
for providing a communication object that comprises at least one
function for accessing a communication interface from a
COM-compliant application; and means for accessing the
communication interface via the COM-compliant application.
[0017] Yet another aspect of the invention comprises a system for
providing a communication interface that is accessible by a
plurality of components, the system comprises: a COM-compliant
object; at least one thread executing on an embedded computer; and
at least one communication module which is configured to provide an
application programming interface for the COM-compliant object to
communicate with the thread.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a development and
testing system for testing an embedded computer.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating certain components of
a communication database that is part of the development and
testing system of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
the development and testing system of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIGS. 4A and 4B are a diagram of an exemplary script that
can be used to communicate with the embedded computer of FIG.
3.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
the development and testing system of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the exemplary
contents of the communication database of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary object
hierarchy of the generated component of FIG. 5.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of modifying a
source file for use with the development and testing system of FIG.
1.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of building the
communication database of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of using the
host platform communication module of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of formatting
a communication.
[0029] FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate exemplary methods of managing
pointer data when transmitting the pointer data between two
platforms having different machine characteristics.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of using a
scripting file to communicate with threads executing on the
embedded computer.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of loading the
messaging automation component of FIG. 3.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process of registering
a thread executing in a script with the development and testing
system of FIG. 3.
[0033] FIG. 16A is a flowchart illustrating a process of sending a
message communication from a script to the development and testing
system of FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 16B is a flowchart illustrating a process of sending a
invoking a function call from a script to the development and
testing system of FIG. 3.
[0035] FIG. 17A is a flowchart illustrating a process of a script
receiving a message via a script from the development and testing
system of FIG. 3.
[0036] FIG. 17B is a flowchart illustrating a process of a script
receiving a communication via remote function call from the
development and testing system of FIG. 3.
[0037] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of utilizing
the generated component of FIG. 5.
[0038] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a process of launching
the COM composer of FIG. 5.
[0039] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a process of building
the generated component of FIG. 5.
[0040] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
an interface of the generated component of FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process of using the
generated component of FIG. 5 from any COM-compliant language.
[0042] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a process of testing one
of the communication interfaces that is identified by the
communication database of FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
data sets of information based upon monitoring communications that
are transmitted between at least two
[0044] FIG. 25 is an exemplary user interface for testing
messages.
[0045] FIG. 26 is an exemplary user interface for testing remote
function calls.
[0046] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
template code for use with the development and testing system of
FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
code for handling a message that is defined by a predefined
communication interface.
[0048] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
message handling code.
[0049] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
code to send a message to a predefined communication interface.
[0050] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
code for handling inter-platform messaging in response to a
function call.
[0051] FIG. 32 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary generated
code.
[0052] FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary generated
code.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0053] The following detailed description is directed to certain
specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can
be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered
by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the
drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals
throughout.
[0054] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a
DAT system 100. The development and testing ("DAT") system 100
allows developers to have automatic and seamless access to their
defined communication interfaces. In addition, the DAT system 100
enables threads to run on distributed platforms, and allows any
programming language seamless access to the interfaces.
[0055] The DAT system 100 comprises an embedded computer 104 that
is in data communication with a host computer 108. The embedded
computer 104 executes an embedded computer communication module 112
that is used to route communications to threads 114 executing on
the embedded computer 104. The host computer 108 executes a host
computer communication module 116 that is used to route messages to
threads 120 executing on the host computer 108. The embedded
computer communication module 112 and the host computer
communication module 116 are able to route to each other messages
and/or other communications sent via other interfaces originating
from one platform that are destined for transmission to the other
platform. In one embodiment of the invention, all communications
from one platform to the other platform are transmitted via the
embedded computer communication module 112 and the host computer
communication module 116.
[0056] The embedded computer 104 can reside on a telephone, a card
on a peripheral device, an automobile, a refrigerator, or any other
electronic device. The host computer 108 can include any computing
device that includes a display and an input device, e.g., mouse,
keyboard.
[0057] The host computer 116 also comprises a communication
database 124 that automatically compiles the embedded and host's
interface definition files to capture the "characteristics" of a
communication interface.
[0058] The DAT system 100 provides a standardized API for messaging
and tracing, contains a protocol suite used to implement a seamless
messaging and tracing environment, and implements the communication
link between the two platforms. In one embodiment of the invention,
the API that is provided by the DAT system 100 includes interfaces
for the following: (i) registering a message; (ii) reading a
message; (iii) sending command data; (iv) sending response data;
(v) broadcasting a message; (vi) subscribing to a message; (vii)
returning the list of messages stored in the communication
database; (viii) returning the message format of a specific
message; and (ix) returning the name and/or identifier of a
specific message. Further exemplary API of the DAT system 100 are
described below.
[0059] A studio module 128 provides a graphical user interface and
testing environment for testing the communication interfaces that
are identified by the communication database 124. The DAT system
100 provides complete visibility and control of all the messages
and remote function calls defined by an embedded software
application. As an example, using the studio module 128, a
developer can scan the entire list of messages and/or remote
function calls within the database and display them on a screen.
Once a specific message or remote function call is selected, the
communication database 124 can be queried to return the element
types and names associated with the message.
[0060] Upon execution, each of the threads in the embedded computer
104 and the host computer 108 register with the DAT system 100.
Registration enables the DAT system 100 to dynamically route
messages without having to "hardcode" a routing table. Threads at
anytime can call a specific application programming interface "API"
that is offered by the DAT system 100 to inform the DAT system 100
that the requesting thread "owns" a selected message. Owns, in this
context, means that the specific thread receives the message
anytime another thread and or application sends it. When a request
to send a message is issued, the DAT system 100 determines whether
the owning thread is local or on the other platform. If the
platform is local, the message is directly routed to the owning
thread. If the platform is remote, the message is directly routed
to the other platform. If the message originates at the embedded
computer 104, upon receipt, the host computer 108 formats the
message to be compatible with the machine characteristics of the
host computer 108. If the message originates at the host computer
108, the host computer 108 formats the messages to be compatible
with the machine characteristics of the embedded computer 104.
[0061] The embedded computer communication module 112, the host
computer communication module 116, and the studio module 128 each
comprise various sub-routines, procedures, definitional statements,
and macros. The computer communication module 112, the host
computer communication module 116, and the studio module 128 may be
written in any programming language such as C, C++, BASIC, Java,
Pascal, and Fortran and may be run under the well-known operating
system. C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, Java, and Fortran are industry
standard programming languages for which many commercial compilers
can be used to create executable code.
[0062] The embedded computer 104 may execute under the control of
any off-the-shelf or proprietary real-time operating system such
as: VxWorks, Nucleus, ThreadX, Windows CE, RTXC, and Embedded
Linux.
[0063] The host computer 108 may execute under the control of any
off-the-shelf or proprietary operating system, such as: UNIX,
LINUX, Disk Operating System (DOS), OS/2, PalmOS, VxWorks, Windows
3.X, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows CE, and Windows
XP. Each of the threads on embedded computer 104 and the host
computer 108 can communication respectively with the embedded
computer communication module 112 and the host computer
communication module 116 via a predefined application programming
interface API. Set forth below are described certain routines
provided by the API. It is to be appreciated that other routines
may also be provided.
1 Application Programming Interfaces Owner Methods Methods
Broadcast Broadcasts a response to all subscribed Users. (Broadcast
message type only) Read Command Reads the Command sent by a User
(One-way & Two-way message types only) Register Registers
ownership of the service associated with the message (One-way &
Two-way message types only) Send Response Sends the response.
(Two-way message type only) Un-register Un-registers ownership of
the service. (One-way & Two-way message types only) User
Methods Methods Read Response Reads the Response sent from the
owner. (Two-way and Broadcast message types only) Send and Read
Combines the Send Command and Read Response methods (Two-way
message type only) Send Command Sends the Command to the registered
Owner (One-way and Two-way message types only) Subscribe Subscribes
to the service associated with the Message. Once subscribed the
Message object will receive all broadcasts sent by any owner of the
service. (Broadcast message type only) Un-subscribe Un-subscribes
to the service. Spy API Methods Read Command Reads (spies on) a
copy of a command sent from a User to the Register Owner Read
Response Reads (spies on) a copy of a Response sent from the Owner
to the User Register Register as a spy of the interface to
thereafter receive copies of all Commands and Responses sent by
Owners and Users of the Service. Un-register Un-register the object
as a spy <Dataset methods> Defined below Owner Functions API
Methods Register Registers ownership of the service associated with
the function Read Parameter List Reads the Parameter List sent by
the Caller Return Sends the Return Value to the Caller (User).
Un-register Un-registers ownership of the function. <Dataset
methods> Defined below User Function API Methods Call Calls the
remote function with the Object's Parameter List Read Return Value
Reads the Return Value returned by the Owner. Spy Function API
Methods Read Parameter List Reads (spies on) a copy of the
Parameter List sent by the Caller Read Response Reads (spies on) a
copy of the Response sent from the Owner to the User Register
Register the Object as spy of the interface to thereafter receive
copies of all Calls and Returns made between users and owners of
the function. Un-register Un-register the object as a spy.
<Dataset methods> Defined below Datasets Methods Clear All
Datasets Clears/Deletes all datasets associated with either the
Command or Response (Messages), or Input or Output (Functions)
Delete Datasets Deletes a specified number of datasets Insert
Datasets Inserts a specified number of datasets. Load Datasets
Loads datasets from the database and associates them with the
interface object. Store Datasets Stores the datasets currently
associated with the interface object into the database.
Miscellaneous API Methods Pointer Setup Specify the attributes of a
the pointer, e.g., IN, IN/OUT, OUT, pooled, private. Pointer Attach
Invoked each time a pointer address or size is modified
[0064] FIG. 2 presents a functional block diagram of the
communication database 124. The communication database 124 includes
a compiler 200 and an access engine 204. The communication database
124 parses standard interface definition files, such as in C, C++,
or other programming language, and automatically extracts out the
interface and tracing information. The interface definition files
contain the formats of the interfaces that are used for thread
communication and software tracing. In one embodiment of the
invention, a programmer can define these characteristics in the
interface definition file via the use of compiler pragmas.
[0065] The information from the interface definition files is
organized and stored in the communication database 124 such that it
that can be accessed by other desktop applications via the host
computer communication module 116. An exemplary process of building
the communication database 124 is described below with respect to
FIG. 9.
[0066] In one embodiment of the invention, the DAT system 100
provides seamless and automatic ability for an application on the
host computer 108 to make a remote function call to a routine that
is on the embedded computer 104 and vice-versa, without requiring
modification of the application other than to link the libraries
and header files of the DAT system 100. An exemplary process of
automatically generating code in support of a remote function call
is described below with reference to FIG. 31.
[0067] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of the invention shown
in FIG. 3 allows scripting languages to seamlessly access threads
that are executing on the embedded computer 104 and the host
computer 108.
[0068] With respect to the embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 3, the DAT system 100 also comprises a messaging automation
component ("MAC") 304 and a script engine 312 for executing a
script. In one embodiment of the invention, the MAC 304 is a
COM-compliant object that provides interfaces for performing the
following functions: designating ownership of an interface,
generating a data set, sending a field of information, sending a
data set, receiving a message, and listing each of the messages
that are managed by the DAT system 100. The script engine 312 can
be any proprietary or off-the-shelf engine that supports scripting
languages such as: JavaScript, Visual Basic, VBScript, Tcl,
JScript, Python, etc.
[0069] Set forth below is a description of the various objects that
are provided by the MAC 304 for communication. In one embodiment of
the invention, there are 6 classes of interface objects: (i) owner
message objects; (ii) user message objects; (iii) spy message
objects; (iv) owner function objects; (v) user function objects;
and (vi) spy function objects. It is to be appreciated that other
type of objects may also be used.
[0070] The application programming interfaces of the MAC 304 are
set forth below.
2 Owner Message Object Methods Broadcast Broadcasts a response to
all subscribed Users. (Broadcast message type only) Read Command
Reads the Command sent by a User (One-way & Two-way message
types only) Register Registers ownership of the service associated
with the message (One-way & Two-way message types only) Send
Response Sends the response. (Two-way message type only)
Un-register Un-registers ownership of the service. (One-way &
Two-way message types only) <Dataset methods> Defined below
Properties Name Name of the Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier
for the Interface Command Payload Command payload of the Message
Object. Response Payload Response payload of the Message Object.
Out Pointer Data Out pointer data--defined as part of the Command
payload, populated as apart of the Response. <Dataset
properties> Defined below User Message Object Methods Read
Response Reads the Response sent from the owner. (Two-way and
Broadcast message types only) Send and Read Combines the Send
Command and Read Response methods (Two-way message type only) Send
Command Sends the Command to the registered Owner (One-way and
Two-way message types only) Subscribe Subscribes to the service
associated with the Message. Once subscribed the Message object
will receive all broadcasts sent by any owner of the service.
(Broadcast message type only) Un-subscribe Un-subscribes to the
service. <Dataset methods> Defined below Properties Name Name
of the Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier for the Interface
Command Payload Command payload of the Message Object. Response
Payload Response payload of the Message Object. Out Pointer Data
Out pointer data--defined as part of the Command payload, populated
as apart of the Response. <Dataset properties> Defined below
Spy Message Object Methods Read Command Reads (spies on) a copy of
a command sent from a User to the Register Owner Read Response
Reads (spies on) a copy of a Response sent from the Owner to the
User Register Register as a spy of the interface to thereafter
receive copies of all Commands and Responses sent by Owners and
Users of the Service. Un-register Un-register the object as a spy
<Dataset methods> Defined below Properties Name Name of the
Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier for the Interface Command
Payload Command payload of the Message Object. Response Payload
Response payload of the Message Object. Out Pointer Data Out
pointer data--defined as part of the Command payload, populated as
apart of the Response. <Dataset properties> Defined below
Owner Function Object Methods Register Registers ownership of the
service associated with the function Read Parameter List Reads the
Parameter List sent by the Caller Return Sends the Return Value to
the Caller (User). Un-register Un-registers ownership of the
function. <Dataset methods> Defined below Properties Name
Name of the Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier for the
Interface Parameter List List of parameters for the Function
Object. Return Value Return value for the Function Object. Out
Pointer Data Out pointer data--defined as part of the Parameter
List, populated as apart of the Output. <Dataset properties>
Defined below User Function Object Methods Call Calls the remote
function with the Object's Parameter List Read Return Value Reads
the Return Value returned by the Owner. <Dataset methods>
Defined below Properties Name Name of the Interface SUID STRIDE
Unique Identifier for the Interface Parameter List List of
parameters for the Function Object. Return Value Return value for
the Function Object. Out Pointer Data Out pointer data--defined as
part of the Parameter List, populated as apart of the Output.
<Dataset properties> Defined below Spy Function Object
Methods Read Parameter List Reads (spies on) a copy of the
Parameter List sent by the Caller Read Response Reads (spies on) a
copy of the Response sent from the Owner to the User Register
Register the Object as spy of the interface to thereafter receive
copies of all Calls and Returns made between users and owners of
the function. Un-register Un-register the object as a spy.
<Dataset methods> Defined below Properties Name Name of the
Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier for the Interface Parameter
List List of parameters for the Function Object. Return Value
Return value for the Function Object. Out Pointer Data Out pointer
data--defined as part of the Parameter List, populated as apart of
the Output. <Dataset properties> Defined below Datasets
Methods Clear All Datasets Clears/Deletes all datasets associated
with either the Command or Response (Message Objects), or Input or
Output (Function Objects) Delete Datasets Deletes a specified
number of datasets Insert Datasets Inserts a specified number of
datasets. Load Datasets Loads datasets from the database and
associates them with the interface object. Store Datasets Stores
the datasets currently associated with the interface object into
the database.
[0071] In one embodiment, for message objects, datasets are sets of
data associated with either the command (command payload) or
response (response payload and out pointer data). One-way messages
have command datasets, broadcast messages have response datasets,
and two-way messages have both. For function objects, datasets are
associated with either the input (parameter list) and/or the output
(return value and out pointer data).
[0072] Scripting languages allow developers to customize, automate
testing, and add macro capabilities. Scripting languages, in
general, are easy to use for this type of functionality. Scripting
languages also contain much of the same capability found in
compiled languages such as loops, conditional statements, etc. A
script program is text written in a script language that is
executed by a script engine. The messaging automation component 304
provides a script program seamless and instant access to the
communication interfaces of each of the threads in the embedded
computer 104 and the host computer 108. Using the messaging
automation component 304, fields in a message or parameters in a
remote function call can be set, read, tested against, or used in
expressions. Via the messaging automation component 304, the
scripting program can also transmit and receive communications
seamlessly with software running on either an embedded computer 104
or the host computer 108. Furthermore, establishing such
communication does not require code changes of the threads
executing on either the embedded computer 104 and/or the host
computer 108.
[0073] In one embodiment of the invention, the script program is
launched via an interface that is provided by the studio module
128. In another embodiment of the invention, the script program
does not have to be launched by the studio module 128, but instead,
can be launched and communicate directly with the host computer
communication module 116.
[0074] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary scripts that can
execute in the script engine 312 to communicate with one of the
threads 114 that are executing on the embedded computer 104 and/or
the host computer 108. Code block 404 illustrates exemplary code
that may be used to send a two way message. On line 3 of code block
404, the script sets an object "msg" equal to one of the messages
that is maintained in the communication database 124. At line 6,
the script sets a field in a payload that is associated with the
message. As is known in the art, a payload is structured data. At
line 9, the script sends a command message and waits for a
response. At line 11, the script retrieves the response data. Code
block 408 illustrates exemplary code that may be used to subscribe
to a broadcast. Code block 412 illustrates exemplary code that may
be used to invoke a function. Code block 416 illustrates exemplary
code that may be used to register ownership of a function.
[0075] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of
the invention. A COM composer 504 automatically builds a generated
component 508 that serves as an interface between a COM-compliant
application 512 and the host computer communication module 116. COM
is a Microsoft technology that enables different applications to
communicate with each other using a known interface, independent of
the languages that the applications were developed in. For
compatibility purposes, COM specifies the particular format and
protocol of the interfaces.
[0076] The generated component 508 provides the COM-compliant
application 512 seamless and instant access to the communication
interfaces of an embedded application through predefined API. Using
the generated component 508, the COM-compliant application 512
seamlessly communicates with threads executing on the embedded
computer 104 and the host computer 108. The host computer
communication platform 116 automatically formats communication in a
form suitable for its destination. An exemplary process of
formatting a communication is described below with reference to
FIG. 11.
[0077] Set forth below is a description of the application
programming interfaces that are provided by the generated component
508.
3 Owner Message Object Methods Broadcast Broadcasts a response to
all subscribed Users. (Broadcast message type only) Read Command
Reads the Command sent by a User (One-way & Two-way message
types only) Register Registers ownership of the service associated
with the message (One-way & Two-way message types only) Send
Response Sends the response. (Two-way message type only)
Un-register Un-registers ownership of the service. (One-way &
Two-way message types only) <Dataset methods> Defined below
Properties Name Name of the Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier
for the Interface Command Payload Command payload of the Message
Object. Response Payload Response payload of the Message Object.
Out Pointer Data Out pointer data--defined as part of the Command
payload, populated as apart of the Response. <Dataset
properties> Defined below User Message Object Methods Read
Response Reads the Response sent from the owner. (Two-way and
Broadcast message types only) Send and Read Combines the Send
Command and Read Response methods (Two-way message type only) Send
Command Sends the Command to the registered Owner (One-way and
Two-way message types only) Subscribe Subscribes to the service
associated with the Message. Once subscribed the Message object
will receive all broadcasts sent by any owner of the service.
(Broadcast message type only) Un-subscribe Un-subscribes to the
service. <Dataset methods> Defined below Properties Name Name
of the Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier for the Interface
Command Payload Command payload of the Message Object. Response
Payload Response payload of the Message Object. Out Pointer Data
Out pointer data--defined as part of the Command payload, populated
as apart of the Response. <Dataset properties> Defined below
Spy Message Object Methods Read Command Reads (spies on) a copy of
a command sent from a User to the Register Owner Read Response
Reads (spies on) a copy of a Response sent from the Owner to the
User Register Register as a spy of the interface to thereafter
receive copies of all Commands and Responses sent by Owners and
Users of the Service. Un-register Un-register the object as a spy
<Dataset methods> Defined below Properties Name Name of the
Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier for the Interface Command
Payload Command payload of the Message Object. Response Payload
Response payload of the Message Object. Out Pointer Data Out
pointer data--defined as part of the Command payload, populated as
apart of the Response. <Dataset properties> Defined below
Owner Function Object Methods Register Registers ownership of the
service associated with the function Read Parameter List Reads the
Parameter List sent by the Caller Return Sends the Return Value to
the Caller (User). Un-register Un-registers ownership of the
function. <Dataset methods> Defined below Properties Name
Name of the Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier for the
Interface Parameter List List of parameters for the Function
Object. Return Value Return value for the Function Object. Out
Pointer Data Out pointer data--defined as part of the Parameter
List, populated as apart of the Output. <Dataset properties>
Defined below User Function Object Methods Call Calls the remote
function with the Object's Parameter List Read Return Value Reads
the Return Value returned by the Owner. <Dataset methods>
Defined below Properties Name Name of the Interface SUID STRIDE
Unique Identifier for the Interface Parameter List List of
parameters for the Function Object. Return Value Return value for
the Function Object. Out Pointer Data Out pointer data--defined as
part of the Parameter List, populated as apart of the Output.
<Dataset properties> Defined below Spy Function Object
Methods Read Parameter List Reads (spies on) a copy of the
Parameter List sent by the Caller Read Response Reads (spies on) a
copy of the Response sent from the Owner to the User Register
Register the Object as spy of the interface to thereafter receive
copies of all Calls and Returns made between users and owners of
the function. Un-register Un-register the object as a spy.
<Dataset methods> Defined below Properties Name Name of the
Interface SUID STRIDE Unique Identifier for the Interface Parameter
List List of parameters for the Function Object. Return Value
Return value for the Function Object. Out Pointer Data Out pointer
data--defined as part of the Parameter List, populated as apart of
the Output. <Dataset properties> Defined below Datasets
Methods Clear All Datasets Clears/Deletes all datasets associated
with either the Command or Response (Message Objects), or Input or
Output (Function Objects) Delete Datasets Deletes a specified
number of datasets Insert Datasets Inserts a specified number of
datasets. Load Datasets Loads datasets from the database and
associates them with the interface object. Store Datasets Stores
the datasets currently associated with the interface object into
the database.
[0078] It is noted, that in one embodiment, the MAC 304, the studio
module 128, the generated component 508, can be utilized together
to provide a communication system for various types of
applications. For example, using the application programming
interface of the MAC 304, a scripting program in a first language
can communicate with a scripting program in the same or a second
language, a COM-compliant application 512 via the generated
component 508, a thread executing on the embedded computer 104, a
thread executing on the host computer 108, and the studio module
128.
[0079] Furthermore, for example, using the application programming
interface of the generated component 508, a COM-compliant
application can communicate with a scripting program via the MAC
304, another COM-compliant application, a thread executing on the
embedded computer 104, a thread executing on the host computer 108,
and the studio module 128.
[0080] Furthermore, for example, using the studio 128, a user can
send and receive messages to and from the COM-compliant application
512, a scripting program, a thread executing on the host computer
108, a thread executing on the embedded computer 104.
[0081] FIG. 6 is a representational block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of the communication database 124. Depending on the
embodiment, additional types of information may be added to the
database and/or certain types of information may be omitted.
[0082] The communication database 124 includes a platform-specific
configuration section 604. The platform-specific configuration
section 604 contains embedded computer machine characteristics and
host computer machine characteristics. The characteristics can
include items, such as: an indication of whether the platform is
big or little Endian, enumeration sizes, pointer sizes, structure
alignment boundaries, etc. It is noted that in one embodiment of
the invention, the embedded computer machine characteristics and
the host computer machine characteristics are stored in a location
other than the communication database 124, such as the host
computer communication module 116 or the embedded computer 104.
[0083] The communication database 124 also includes a messages
section 608 and a prototypes section 610. The messages section 608
and the prototypes section 610 respectively describe the
characteristics of each of the messages and remote function calls
on the embedded computer 104 and the host computer 108. The
characteristics can include: (i) the unique name and or identifier
of the message; (ii) the total size of the message; (iii) the type
of the communication, e.g., one-way message, two-way message,
broadcast message, remote function call; and (iv) the types of data
are passed as part of the communication. A one way message is sent
from a "user" of the communication to the "owner" of the
communication. A thread can request ownership of a message via a
registration routine that is provided via an application
programming interface of the host computer communication module
116. A two way message comprises a "command" that is sent from the
user to the owner and a "response" that is sent from the owner to
the user. A broadcast message is sent to all threads that have
registered to receive the broadcast.
[0084] The communication database 124 also includes a trace points
section 612 for maintaining trace points. The communication
database 124 also includes a description of the data types that are
supported by the messages identified in the messaging section 608
and the functions listed in the prototypes section 610.
[0085] The data types section 616 includes: (i) a description of
the data types in the data structures that are part of a message or
remote function call, e.g., integer, character, Boolean,
floating-point, arrays, etc; (ii) the field name of each of the
elements in each of the messages; (iii) and a description of
characteristics of embedded pointers that may be part of the
message.
[0086] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
component hierarchy of the generated component 508. The
COM-compliant object 512 initially accesses the generated component
508 via a root object 704. Via the root object 704, the
COM-compliant object 512 can send commands and receive responses
from particular messages and remote function calls that are defined
in the communication database 124. For example, as is shown in FIG.
7, the COM-compliant object has access to an object 708 that is
associated with "MESSAGE 1" and an object 712 that is associated
with "MESSAGE 2." Using predefined interfaces associated with these
message objects, the COM-compliant object 512 can send and receive
payloads with threads that are executing on the embedded computer
104.
[0087] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of modifying
source code to communicate with the DAT system 100. Depending on
the embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed, and
the ordering of the steps rearranged. Starting at a step 804, a
programmer adds API calls to invoke a registration method that is
provided by the DAT system 100. In one embodiment of the invention,
a registering thread provides a unique thread identification
code.
[0088] Next, at a step 808, the programmer adds API calls to invoke
a read method that is provided by the DAT system 100. Continuing to
a step 812, the programmer adds, where applicable, API calls to
invoke a send method that is provided by the DAT system 100.
[0089] Continuing to a state 816, the programmer adds API calls to
"subscribe" to a message. Subscribing to a message allows a
subscriber to bind to a specific message and thereafter receive all
broadcast transmissions. Other messaging APIs may be provided by
the DAT system 100 such as for the following: sending a command;
sending a response; broadcasting a message; and defining the data
(content) and meta-data (characteristics) of the payload of a
message.
[0090] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary process
of building the communication database 124. Depending on the
embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed, and the
ordering of the steps rearranged. In one embodiment of the
invention, the process shown in FIG. 9 is performed in response to
a user request.
[0091] Starting at a state 904, the studio module 128 reads and
extracts information from each of a plurality of interface
definition files that are provided by the user. Next, at a step
908, the studio module 128 extracts the communication interfaces
from each of the interface definition files. Information that is
extracted can include: (i) the type of the communication, e.g.,
one-way, two-way, broadcast, remote function call; (ii) the types
of data are passed as part of the communication; (iii) a
description of the data types in the data structures that are part
of a message or remote function call, e.g., integer, character,
Boolean; (iv) a description of characteristics of embedded pointers
that may be part of the message, e.g., whether the memory is
"pooled" or "private", a method of transmitting the memory that is
associated with the communication interface, and pointer data that
is associated with the communication interface.
[0092] Next at a step 916, the studio module 128 stores the
embedded computer machine characteristics. The embedded computer
machine characteristics can be provided by user entry, automatic
diagnosis of the embedded computer 104, or automatically provided
by the embedded computer 104. Examples of the embedded computer
machine characteristics are described above with respect to FIG. 6.
In one embodiment, it is assumed that these characteristics are
fixed, i.e., exactly the same on each connection.
[0093] Proceeding to a step 920, the studio module 128 stores the
host computer machine characteristics. The host computer machine
characteristics can be provided by user entry or automatic
diagnosis of the host computer 108. Examples of the host computer
machine characteristics are described above with respect to FIG.
6.
[0094] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of using the
DAT system 100. Depending on the embodiment, additional steps may
be added, others removed, and the ordering of the steps rearranged.
Starting at a step 1004, the DAT system 100 receives registration
information from each thread. Next, at a step 1008, the DAT system
receives a payload for a particular message.
[0095] Continuing to a step 1012, the DAT system 100 formats the
payload for transmission to its destination thread. It is noted
that if the destination thread is local to the transmitting thread,
then formatting may be unnecessary. An exemplary process of
formatting data for transmission to a remote platform is described
below with reference to FIG. 11. Moving to a step 1016, the DAT
system 100 transmits the formatted payload to the destination
thread.
[0096] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of formatting
data for use on an different platform. Depending on the embodiment,
additional steps may be added, others removed, and the ordering of
the steps rearranged. In one embodiment of the invention, the
process that is performed by FIG. 11 is performed by the host
computer communication module 116 of the DAT system 100.
Furthermore, FIG. 11 is directed to a process of formatting a
payload for transmission from one platform, e.g., the host computer
108 to another, e.g., the embedded computer 104.
[0097] The use of the process shown in FIG. 11 provides
interoperability between applications communicating with each other
on distributed heterogeneous computing platforms. In one embodiment
of the invention, to reduce processing and memory requirements on
embedded devices, the DAT system 100 performs all data formatting
on the host computer 108.
[0098] The host computer 108 uses the platform characteristics of
the embedded computer 104 and the host computer 108 and the
individual interface definition information ("the communication
interface information") to properly map messages when two
applications on the different computers are communicating. In one
embodiment, the embedded computer 104 always sends and receives
messages in its native form, i.e., the form in which the message is
stored in its memory. The host computer 108 maps these messages
into its form when receiving them, and transforms the messages into
the embedded computer 104 platform's native form when transmitting
the messages to the embedded computer 104.
[0099] Starting at a decision state 1104, the host computer
communication module 116 determines whether the destination thread
is local or remote. If the thread is local, the process proceeds to
a step 1108 and the payload is queued for transmission to the
destination thread. If the transmission is local, no further
modification of the payload is necessary.
[0100] Referring again to the decision step 1104, if the
destination thread is not local, the process proceeds to a step
1112, wherein the host computer communication module 116 copies
data in payload and data referenced by pointers into a message for
transmission to the embedded computer 104. An exemplary process of
managing pointer data is described in further detail below with
reference to FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D.
[0101] Continuing to a step 1116, the host computer communication
module 116 formats, if necessary, the byte order of the elements in
data in the payload. For example, if the host computer 108 is Big
Endian, and the embedded computer 104 is Little Endian, or
vice-versa, the host computer communication module 116 reverses the
order of the bits in the data.
[0102] Proceeding to a step 1124, the host computer communication
module 116 formats the size of the data types in the payload. For
example, if the embedded computer 104 uses a certain bit-length for
certain data types and the host computer uses a different
bit-length, the host computer communication module 116 adjusts the
size of the data for transmission to the other platform. Moving to
a step 1128, the host computer communication module 116 adjusts
alignment of the data structures according to any requirement of
the receiving platform.
[0103] FIGS. 12A-12D each illustrate an exemplary method of
managing pointers in a payload that are passed from one platform to
another. FIG. 12A is directed to a process of receiving a payload
from a thread on the embedded computer 104 in connection with a
"command" message. In one embodiment, FIG. 12A is performed with
respect to each of the pointers in the payload. Depending on the
embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed, and the
ordering of the steps rearranged. In one embodiment of the
invention, the method shown in FIG. 12 is performed by the host
computer communication module 116. It is noted that a similar
process as shown in FIG. 12 is performed on the embedded computer
communication module 112 when the embedded computer communication
module 112 receives a command message. However, in one embodiment,
for such a process the embedded computer communication module 112
does not perform any of inter-platform formatting of the received
data as such formatting is performed by the host computer
communication module 116.
[0104] Before starting at a state 1204, a thread on the embedded
computer 104 has invoked a send command that is part of the
application programming interface of the embedded computer
communication module 112. In response, the embedded computer
communication module 112 has built and then transmitted an
inter-platform message to the host computer communication module
116. The inter-platform message includes the payload that was
identified as part of the send command and, if applicable, the data
that is referenced by the pointers in the payload.
[0105] Starting at a step 1204, the host computer communication
module 116 gets the embedded pointer attributes of a selected
pointer in the payload of the transmitted communication. In one
embodiment of the invention, the attribute information is stored in
the transmitted communication. A first attribute of each pointer is
whether the pointer is classified as "IN", "OUT", or "IN/OUT". The
"IN" attribute designates that the data referenced by the pointer
is passed from the sender of the command to the owner of the
message but no data is to be returned by the owner of the message.
The "OUT" attributes designates that the sender of the command will
not transmit any data that is referenced by the pointer but data
will be returned by the owner and stored in the address referenced
by the pointer. The "IN/OUT" attribute indicates that the data that
is referenced by the pointer will be sent from the sender of the
command and that the owner of the message will return data that is
stored in the memory referenced by the pointer.
[0106] A second attribute of each pointer is whether the pointer is
"private" or "pooled." Management (freeing of the memory when not
in use) of "private" memory is handled by the DAT system 100.
Management of "pooled" memory is handled by the user and/or the
owner of a message.
[0107] Continuing to a step 1210, the host computer communication
module 116 creates a local buffer to hold the pointer data.
Continuing to a decision step 1212, the host computer communication
module 116 determines whether the pointer attribute is either "IN"
or "IN/OUT". If the pointer attribute is "IN" or "IN/OUT", the
process proceeds to a step 1214. Continuing to a step 1214, the
host computer communication module 116 copies the pointer data that
was transmitted from the embedded computer 104 into the local
buffer. At this step, the host computer communication module 116
formats the pointer data in accordance with the process described
above with reference to steps 1116, 1124, and 1128.
[0108] Next, at a step 1218, the host computer communication module
116 copies the address of the buffer into the payload. Proceeding
to a decision step 1220, the host computer communication module 116
determines whether the first attribute of the pointer is "IN". If
the first attribute of the pointer is "IN" the process proceeds to
a decision step 1222. At the decision step 1222, the host computer
communication module 116 determines whether the second attribute of
the pointer is "private". If the second attribute of the pointer is
private, the process proceeds to a step 1228. Otherwise if the
second attribute of the pointer is not private, i.e., pooled, the
process ends.
[0109] Referring again to the decision step 1212, if the first
attribute is not "IN" or "IN/OUT", the attribute is the "OUT" and
the process proceeds to a step 1216. At the step 1216, the host
computer communication module 116 copies the address of the local
buffer into the payload. From step 1216, or from decision step 1220
(if the first attribute is "IN/OUT"), the process proceeds to a
step 1224. At this step, the host computer communication module 116
waits for thread on the host computer 108 to invoke a response
command that is provided by the application programming interface
of the DAT system 100. Upon receiving the response, the process
proceeds to a step 1226. At this step, the response data is
formatted for transmission to the embedded computer 104.
[0110] From either step 1226 or from the decision step 1222 (if the
second attribute of the pointer is "private"), the process proceeds
to a step 1228 wherein the host computer communication module 116
waits for a thread on the host computer 104 to invoke a read
complete command that is in the application programming interface
of the host computer communication module 116. Upon receipt of the
read complete command, the process proceeds to a step 1230 wherein
the host computer communication module frees the memory.
[0111] FIG. 12B is directed to a process of managing pointers in a
payload in a command message that is sent from a thread on the host
computer 108 to a thread on embedded computer 104. FIG. 12B
illustrates in further detail the steps that occur in step 111 of
FIG. 11. In one embodiment, FIG. 12B is performed with resect to
each of the pointers in the payload. Depending on the embodiment,
additional steps may be added, others removed, and the ordering of
the steps rearranged. A similar process is performed by the
embedded computer when transmitting a command message from a thread
on the embedded computer 104 to the host computer 108. However, in
this process, the embedded computer communication module 112 does
not perform any formatting of the transmitted payload since the
formatting is performed by the host computer communication module
116 upon receipt of the payload.
[0112] Starting at a step 1230, the host computer communication
module 116 creates a buffer to hold an inter-platform message for
transmission to the embedded computer 104. Also, at this step, the
host computer communication module 116 creates a header in the
inter-platform message for the embedded pointer. Furthermore, at
this step, the host computer communication module 116 stores the
pointer attributes of the pointer in the inter-platform
message.
[0113] Continuing to a decision step 1232, the host computer
communication module 116 determines whether the pointer attribute
of the pointer is "OUT". If the attributes of a selected pointer is
"OUT", the process ends. However, if the pointer attribute is not
"OUT", i.e., it is "IN" or "IN/OUT", the process proceeds to step
1244. At the step 1244, host computer communication module 116
copies the data referenced by the pointer into the header.
Furthermore, the host computer communication module 116 formats the
data for use by a thread on the embedded computer 108. For example,
the host computer communication module performs the steps described
above with respect to steps 1116, 1124, and 1128.
[0114] Next, at a decision step 1236, the host computer
communication module 116 determines whether the pointer attributes
is "IN." If the pointer attribute is "IN", the process proceeds to
a step 1240. At this step, the host computer communication module
116 frees the memory, if warranted, i.e., the attributes of the
pointer designate "pool". However, if the pointer attribute is not
"IN", the proceeds ends.
[0115] FIG. 12C is directed to a process of receiving a response
message from the embedded computer communication module 112. FIG.
12C illustrates in further detail the steps that occur in step 111
of FIG. 11. In one embodiment, FIG. 12C is performed with resect to
each of the pointers in the payload. Depending on the embodiment,
additional steps may be added, others removed, and the ordering of
the steps rearranged. A similar process is performed by the
embedded computer 104 when transmitting a command message from a
thread on the embedded computer 104 to the host computer 108.
However, in this process, the embedded computer communication
module 112 does not perform any formatting of the transmitted
payload since the formatting is performed by the host computer
communication module 116 upon receipt of the payload.
[0116] Before starting at a state 1250, a thread on the embedded
computer 104 has invoked a send response command that is part of
the application programming interface of the embedded computer
communication module 112. In response, the embedded computer
communication module 112 has built and then transmitted an
inter-platform message to the host computer communication module
116. The inter-platform message includes the payload that was
identified as part of the send response and, if applicable, the
data that is referenced by the pointers in the payload.
[0117] Starting at a decision step 1250, the host computer
communication module 116 determines whether the pointer attributes
of the pointer in the inter-platform message designate the
attribute "IN". If the pointer attributes designate the attribute
"IN", the process proceeds to a step 1252, and the host computer
communication module 116 formats the received data for use with the
host computer 108. For example, in one embodiment, the host
computer communication module 116 performs the steps described
above with respect to steps 1116, 1124, and 1128.
[0118] However, if the pointer attributes do not designate "IN",
i.e., the pointer attributes designate "IN/OUT" or "OUT", the
process proceeds to a step 1254. At the step 1254, the host
computer communication module 116 creates a local buffer to store
the pointer data that was transmitted by the embedded computer 104.
Continuing to a step 1256, the host computer communication module
116 copies the pointer data from the inter-platform communication
into the local buffer. Next, at step 1258, the host computer
communication module 116 copies the address of the buffer into the
received payload.
[0119] Proceeding to a decision step 1260, the host computer
communication module 116 determines whether it should free the
pointer. In one embodiment of the invention, this is determined by
reading the pointer attributes. If the pointer attributes designate
"private" the host computer communication module 116 decides to
free the memory. However, if the pointer attributes designate
"pooled" the host computer communication module 116 allows the user
to free the memory.
[0120] If the host computer communication module 116 determines in
step 1260 to free the memory, the process proceeds to a step 1262,
wherein the host computer communication module 116 waits for a
thread on the host computer 108 to invoke the read complete
command. Continuing to a step 1264, the host computer communication
module 116 frees the local buffer. From either decision step 160
(if the host computer communication module 116 does not free the
pointer) or the step 1264 the process ends.
[0121] FIG. 12D is directed to an exemplary process of managing
pointers in a payload in a response message that is sent from a
thread on the host computer 108 to a thread on embedded computer
104. FIG. 12D illustrates in further detail the steps that occur in
step 1112 of FIG. 11. In one embodiment, FIG. 12D is performed with
resect to each of the pointers in the payload. Depending on the
embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed, and the
ordering of the steps rearranged. A similar process is performed by
the embedded computer 104 when transmitting a response message from
a thread on the embedded computer 104 to the host computer.
However, in this process, the embedded computer communication
module 112 does not perform any formatting of the transmitted
payload since the formatting is performed by the host computer
communication module 116 upon receipt of the payload.
[0122] Before starting, a thread on the embedded computer 104 has
sent a command message and a thread on the host computer 108 has
responded by invoking the send response routine of API of the DAT
system 100.
[0123] Starting at a step 1265, the host computer communication
module 116 allocates space in an outgoing buffer ("a header") to
store the data that is referenced by the pointer. The outgoing
buffer is part of an inter-platform message that is sent from the
host computer communication module 116 to the embedded computer
communication module 112. Proceeding to a decision step 1266, the
host computer communication module 116 determines whether the
pointer attributes designate "IN". If the pointer attributes do
designate "IN", i.e., they do not designate "OUT" or "IN/OUT", the
process proceeds to a decision step 1267. At the decision step
1267, the host computer communication module 116 determines whether
to free memory that is associated with the memory that was
allocated during the corresponding send command. In one embodiment
of the invention, this is determined by reading the pointer
attributes. If the pointer attributes designate "pool" the host
computer communication module 116 decides to free the memory.
However, if the pointer attributes designate "private" the host
computer communication module 116 allows the user to own and
eventually free the memory (via an routine provided by the local
operating system). If the host computer communication module 116
determines it should free the memory, the process proceeds to a
step 1268, and the host computer communication module 116 frees the
memory. From either step 1268 or decision step 1266 (if the pointer
attributes does not designate "IN"), the process proceeds to a step
1270 and the host computer communication module 116 formats the
data referenced by the pointer for transmission to the embedded
computer. For example, in one embodiment, the host computer
communication module 116 performs the steps described above with
respect to steps 1116, 1124, and 1128. As part of the formatting,
the formatted data is stored in the header (step 1265).
[0124] FIG. 13 is flowchart illustrating a process of using the DAT
system 100 from a script in the script engine 312. Depending on the
embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed, and the
ordering of the steps rearranged. Starting at a step 1304, the
studio module 128 has received a request from a user to load a
script file and it does so here. Next, at a step 1312, studio
determines script type that is associated with the script file. The
script type can be determined in different ways, including
examining the extension of the identified script file or from the
contents of the script itself. Exemplary types of scripting
languages include: JavaScript, Visual Basic, VBScript, Tcl,
JScript, Python, etc.
[0125] Moving to a step 1316, the studio module 128 identifies the
corresponding script engine 312 that is associated with the script
type. Continuing to a step 1320, the studio module 128 initializes
the script engine 312.
[0126] Next, at a step 1324, the studio module 128 loads the
messaging automation component ("MAC") 304. The process of loading
the MAC 304 is described below with reference to FIG. 14.
Proceeding to a step 1328, the MAC 304 is "exposed" to the script
engine 312. In one embodiment of the invention, exposing the MAC
304 includes providing the script engine 312 a handle to the MAC
304. Next, at a step 1332, the script engine is launched, allowing
the script loaded in a step 1304 to access the API of MAC 304.
Moving to a step 1336, a script program can communicate with
threads 114 using the API of the MAC 304. An exemplary process of
using the MAC 304 is described below with respect to FIG. 15.
[0127] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of loading the
MAC 304. FIG. 14 illustrates in further detail the steps that occur
in step 1324 of FIG. 13. Starting at a step 1404, the studio module
128 calls the initialization routine of the MAC 304 and passes as a
parameter a handle to the communication database 124. Next, at a
step 1408, the MAC 304 generates a messaging automation component
"MAC" database object. The MAC database object contains certain of
the information from the communication database 114. The MAC
database is used by the scripting program to access application
programming interfaces of the MAC 304.
[0128] FIGS. 15-17 are flowcharts illustrating a process of
communicating with the MAC 308 using a scripting language.
Depending on the embodiment, additional steps may be added, others
removed, and the ordering of the steps rearranged. FIG. 15 is a
flowchart directed to a process of registering a particular message
with the MAC 304. Starting at a step 1504, a script that is
executing in the scripting engine 312 invokes a register method of
the MAC 304. Proceeding to a step 1508, the MAC object calls the
register API of the host computer communication module 116.
[0129] FIG. 16A is a flowchart illustrating a process of sending a
message via the MAC 304. Starting at a step 1604, the script
retrieves reference to a MAC database object. Next, at a step 1606,
the script requests the MAC database object to provide a reference
to a message object. The message object is used by the script
program to communicate with a owner of a communications or to
receive communications from others. Using the message object, a
script can set fields of the message, send a message, receive a
message, and perform other standard messaging functions.
[0130] Continuing to a step 1610, the MAC database object retrieves
the message definition information from the communication database
124. In one embodiment of the invention, the message definition
information is retrieved via the host computer communication module
116. In another embodiment of the invention, the message definition
information is retrieved directly from the communication database
124. The message definition information includes: (i) the type of
the communication, e.g., one-way, two-way, broadcast, remote
function call and (ii) the types of data that are passed as part of
the communication. Next, at a step 1614, the MAC database object
creates a MAC message object based upon the prototype definition
retrieved from the communication database 124.
[0131] Proceeding to a step 1618, the MAC database object retrieves
any data sets from the communication database that are stored with
respect to the requested message object. Next, at a step 1622, the
MAC database object adds the data sets to the message object
(created in step 1614).
[0132] Moving to a step 1624, the MAC database object returns a
reference to the message object to the script. Next, at a step 1628
the script can set the data fields of the message using reference
to the message object. The script has access via the MAC database
object to a plurality of readable and writeable data sets. At this
step, the script can identify one of the data sets for subsequent
usage. Continuing to a step 1632, the script invokes a send method
of the method object. Proceeding to a step 1636, the MAC database
object sends a data set that is referenced by the current index to
the thread that owns the message.
[0133] Next, at a decision step 1640, the MAC database object
determines whether auto-increment is enabled. Auto-increment
enables a script to send different data sets with each send
command. If auto-increment is enabled, the process proceeds to a
step 1644, and the MAC database object selects the next data set.
Referring again to the decision step 1640, if auto-increment is not
enabled, the process ends.
[0134] FIG. 16B is a flowchart illustrating a process of invoking a
function via the MAC 304. Starting at a step 1650, the script
retrieves reference to the MAC database object. Next, at a step
1654, the script requests the MAC database object to provide a
reference to a remote function call object. The remote function
call object is used by the script program to communicate with the
thread that handles the remote function call. Using the remote
function call object, a script can set the parameters that will be
passed upon invoking the remote function call.
[0135] Continuing to a step 1658, the MAC database object retrieves
the remote function call prototype definition information from the
communication database 124. In one embodiment of the invention, the
prototype definition information is retrieved via the host computer
communication module 116. In another embodiment of the invention,
the message definition information is retrieved directly from the
communication database 124.
[0136] Next, at a step 1662, the MAC database object creates a MAC
remote function call object based upon the remote function call
prototype definition retrieved from the communication database
124.
[0137] Proceeding to a step 1664, the MAC database object retrieves
any data sets from the communication database that are stored with
respect to the requested remote function call object. Next, at a
step 1666, the MAC database object adds the data sets to the MAC
remote function call object.
[0138] Moving to a step 1668, the MAC database object returns a
reference to the remote function call object to the script. Next,
at a step 1670, the script can set the data fields (parameters) of
the remote function call using the remote function call object. The
script has access via the MAC database object to a plurality of
readable and writeable data sets. At this step, the script can
identify one of the data sets for subsequent usage. Continuing to a
step 1672, the script invokes a call method of the remote function
call object. Proceeding to a step 1674, the MAC database object
sends a data set that is referenced by the current index to the
thread that handles the remote function call.
[0139] Next, at a decision step 1676, the MAC database object
determines whether auto-increment is enabled. Auto-increment
enables a script to send different data sets with each send
command. If auto-increment is enabled, the process proceeds to a
step 1678, and the MAC database object selects the next data set.
Referring again to the decision step 1676, if auto-increment is not
enabled, the process ends.
[0140] FIG. 17A is a flowchart illustrating a process of a script
receiving a message via the MAC 304. Depending on the embodiment,
additional steps may be added, others removed, and the ordering of
the steps rearranged.
[0141] Starting at a step 1700, the script calls a read method of
the MAC database object. Next, at a step 1704, the MAC database
object calls a read API of the host computer communication module
116. Continuing to a step 1708, the host computer communication
module 116 waits for a message to be received. Proceeding to a step
1712, the MAC database object receives the message and a message
identifier from the host computer communication module 116. Next,
at a step 1720, the MAC database object returns a message object to
the script, which can in turn access the contents of the requested
message.
[0142] FIG. 17B is a flowchart illustrating a process of a script
receiving a communication via function call application programming
interfaces that are provided by the MAC 304. Depending on the
embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed, and the
ordering of the steps rearranged. Starting at a step 1750, the
script calls a read method of the MAC database object. Next, at a
step 1754, the MAC database object calls the read API of the host
computer communication module 116.
[0143] Continuing to a step 1758, the MAC database object waits for
a remote function call command message to be received. Next, at a
step 1762, the MAC database object receives the remote function
command message and the function identifier.
[0144] Proceeding to a step 1764, a remote function call object is
returned to the script program. Next, at a step 1766, the script
program access the input parameters of the remote function call
object.
[0145] Moving to a step 1768, the MAC database object returns a
reference to the remote function call object to the script. Next,
at a step 1770, the script invokes a return method of the remote
function call object. Continuing to a step 1772, the remote
function call object calls the send application programming
interface of the host computer communication module 116. Proceeding
to a step 1774, the MAC database object sends a data set that is
referenced by the current index to the thread that handles the
remote function call.
[0146] Next, at a decision step 1776, the MAC database object
determines whether auto-increment is enabled. Auto-increment
enables a script to send different data sets with each send
command. If auto-increment is enabled, the process proceeds to a
step 1778, and the MAC database object selects the next data set.
Referring again to the decision step 1776, if auto-increment is not
enabled, the process ends.
[0147] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of interfacing
with the DAT system 100 from any COM-compliant language. Depending
on the embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed,
and the ordering of the steps rearranged. Starting at a step 1804,
a user loads "launches" the COM composer tool 504 (FIG. 5). An
exemplary process of loading the COM composer tool is described
below with reference to FIG. 19.
[0148] Next, at a step 1808, the COM composer builds the generated
component 508 (FIG. 5). The generated component 508 is a COM object
that is accessible by other COM compliant programs. Using the
generated component 508, a COM-compliant program can easily: test a
interface, send a communication to a thread that is executing on
the embedded computer 104 or the host computer 108, receive a
communication that is sent from a thread this executing on the
embedded computer or the host computer 108, and other functions as
described herein. The generated component 508 provides a plurality
of predefined interfaces for performing each of the foregoing
functions. An exemplary process of building the generated component
508 is described below with reference to FIG. 20.
[0149] Continuing to a step 1816, the generated component 508 is
accessible via any COM-compliant language. An exemplary process of
using the generated component is described below with reference to
FIG. 22.
[0150] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of
launching the COM composer tool 504. FIG. 19 illustrates in further
detail certain steps that occur in step 1804 of FIG. 18. Depending
on the embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed,
and the ordering of the steps rearranged.
[0151] Starting at a step 1904, a user identifies a database. The
DAT system 100 can support multiple databases for multiple
projects. Continuing to a step 1908, the user selects which
messages or functions of the selected database are to be included
in the generated COM object. In one embodiment of the invention,
the user selects the messages and/or remote function calls via a
graphical user interface utility.
[0152] Proceeding to a step 1912, the user selects the compiler
version. The COM composer 504 needs to know the version of the
compiler that is being used to build the generated component 508 to
provide the proper control files in the proper format. Moving to a
step 1916, the COM composer 504 requests the user to designate the
type of build, e.g., release or debug.
[0153] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of
building the generated component 508. FIG. 20 illustrates in
further detail certain steps that occur in step 1808 of FIG. 18.
Depending on the embodiment, additional steps may be added, others
removed, and the ordering of the steps rearranged.
[0154] Starting at a step 2004, the COM composer tool loads the
data that was identified by the user (step 1904) into memory. Next,
at a step 2008, the COM composer tool begins a process that is
performed with respect to the following: (i) all of the messages
and/or remote function calls identified by the user (step 1908),
(ii) all of the payloads of the identified messages and/or remote
function calls, and (iii) the root object that is used to access
all other objects in the generated component 508. In one
embodiment, steps 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024 are performed for each
of the foregoing objects.
[0155] At the step 2012, the COM composer 504 generates a software
interface for each of the objects. An exemplary process of
generating an interface is described below with reference to FIG.
21. Next, at a step 2016, the generated component generates a COM
class definition for the object, otherwise known as a co-class.
Proceeding to a step 2020, the COM composer generates a COM class
implementation for each of the COM objects. For further information
regarding generating software interfaces, COM class definitions,
and a COM class implementations, please see the following
references, which are each incorporated by reference in their
entirety: DON BOX, ESSENTIAL COM (1998), and BRENT RECTOR, CHRIS
SELLS & JIM SPRINGFIELD, ATL INTERNALS (1999).
[0156] Moving to a decision step 2024, the COM composer 504
determines whether it has processed all of the messages/remote
function calls, payloads, and the root object. If all of these
items have not been processed, the process returns to the step 2012
(discussed above). However, if all of the items have been
processed, the COM composer 504 proceeds to a step 2028 and
provides any compiler specific files that are needed, if any.
[0157] Next, at a step 2032, the COM composer 504 launches the
selected compiler to build the generated component 508. In one
embodiment of the invention, the COM component is provided in a
dynamic link library ".DLL". Moving to a step 2036, the COM
composer 504 registers the dynamic link library with a registry in
the host computer 108.
[0158] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
an interface. FIG. 21 illustrates in further detail the steps that
occur in step 2012 of FIG. 20. Depending on the embodiment,
additional steps may be added, others removed, and the ordering of
the steps rearranged.
[0159] Starting at a step 2104, the COM composer 504 generates
method definitions for "built-in" member functions. Next, at a step
2108, the COM composer 504 generates accessor function for child
objects 2108. For example, the children of the root object includes
each of the messages and/or remote function calls. Furthermore, for
example, the children of a message object and/or a remote function
call object includes one or more payloads that are associated with
the object. Moving to a step 2112, the COM composer 504 generates
interface for setting and getting properties of objects.
[0160] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a process of using the
generated component 508. FIG. 22 illustrates in further detail
certain steps that occur in step 1816 of FIG. 18. Depending on the
embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed, and the
ordering of the steps rearranged.
[0161] Before starting at a step 2216, the user has opened a COM
development environment and located the via the COM development
environment the generated component 508.
[0162] Starting at the step 2216, the user creates a reference to
the generated component 508. Next, at a step 2220, the user creates
an instance of the root object. Moving to a step 2224, the user can
use the root object accessor function to retrieve a desired message
object or remote function call object. Continuing to a step 2228,
the user can use the accessor function of the object to select a
desired payload object.
[0163] Proceeding to a step 2232, the user invokes a method of the
payload object to get or set properties of the payload object. For,
example, the user can store data in the payload object. Next, at a
step 2236, the user invokes methods on the message object or the
remote function call object to send a communication. The user may
also invoke other methods on a message object such as register the
message such any broadcast on the message is received by the
invoking process. Other methods are described above with reference
to FIG. 5. Next, at a step 2240, the user implements an event
handler to receive asynchronous communications that are received,
if any.
[0164] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a process of using the
studio module 128. The studio module 128 provides a graphical user
interface control panel for testing each of the communication
interfaces that are identified by the communication database 124.
Starting at a step 2304, a user loads a selected communication
database 124. A user may have different communication databases for
different projects. Once loaded, a user may view and select any of
the communication interfaces in the communication database 124.
After a is selected, the user can perform a number of functions
with respect to the database such as: designating ownership of a
communication interface (step 2312), generating a data set (state
2316), sending a field of information (step 2320), and sending a
data set (step 2324).
[0165] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
a data set based upon monitoring the communication between two
threads executing under the DAT system 100. It is noted that the
process of generating a data set can be initiated by a user either:
(i) the studio module 128, (ii) C language source code that invokes
a method of the host computer communication module 116, (iii) a
script executing in the script engine 312, or (iv) a COM-compliant
application via the generated component 508.
[0166] Starting at a step 2404, the user specifies the
communication data paths that are to be traced. For example, the
DAT system 100 can trace that data is sent via a message or via a
remote function call.
[0167] Next, at a step 2408, the DAT system 100 monitors and stores
the data that is transmitted across each of the designated
communication paths. In one embodiment of the invention, the data
is stored in a persistent test data object. Proceeding to a step
2412, any thread can then select and retrieve the contents of any
of persistent test data objects and use the data for testing.
Continuing to a step 2416, one of the threads of the DAT system 100
uses one of the persistent data object to transmit data from one of
the selected persistent data object across one of the communication
data paths.
[0168] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary user interface 2500 that is
provided by the studio module 128. The user interface 2500 includes
an interface window 2504 that lists all of the interfaces that are
maintained in the communication database 124. Each entry in the in
the interface list is selectable by a user. In response to user
selection, a communication window 2508 is displayed on the screen.
The communication window 2508 includes an register icon 2510 that
allows a user to register ownership of a message or remote function
call. In one embodiment, if a message is a two-way message, the
communication window is divided into a command window 2508 and a
response window 2510. The command window and the response window
include one or more data set fields 2512. The number of data set
fields is configurable by the user. The data sets show the contents
of the most recent payload and a user configurable number of
previously received payloads.
[0169] Using the data set fields 2512, the user can build a payload
for a particular command message and set the payload of the
response message. Furthermore, the user can select a "store data
set" icon 2514 to store the values in the data set fields 2512 in
the communication database 124. Later, the user can select a "load
data set" icon 2516 to load the stored values. Furthermore, the
user may select a clock icon 2518 to have the studio module 128
automatically iterate and transmit the data values in sequence at a
user configurable time interval.
[0170] FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary user interface 2600 that
allows a user to view and test the parameters that are transmitted
as part of a function call. Using a register icon, a user can
register ownership of a function. A user window 2608 displays a
plurality of parameter fields 2610 that allow a user to set the
values of parameters in the function. An owner window 2610 displays
the parameters that have been passed to the function. The user
interface 2600 allows the saving and loading of data sets as
described above with reference to FIG. 25.
[0171] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating a process of
automatically generating templates of source code for use with the
embedded computer communication module 112 or the host computer
communication module 116. In one embodiment of the invention, the
process of FIG. 27 is performed by the studio module 128. In
another embodiment of the invention, the process of FIG. 37 is
performed by a standalone tool, such as a code generator. For
convenience of description, the following description refers to a
code generator. However, it is to be appreciated that such function
could be provided by the studio module 128 or the communication
database 124. Depending on the embodiment, additional steps may be
added, others removed, and the ordering of the steps
rearranged.
[0172] Starting at a step 2704, the user identifies one or more
interface definition files that define the communication interface.
For example, in code block 3200 of FIG. 32 illustrates a portion of
an interface definition file.
[0173] Continuing to a step 2708, the user selects one or more of
the communication interfaces in the selected interface definition
files. In one embodiment of the invention, a code generator
provides a graphical user interface utility for selection of the
communication interfaces.
[0174] Next, at a step 2716, a code template of a "thread" is
generated for handling each of selected messages in the interface
definition file. An exemplary process of generating a thread is
described below with reference to FIG. 28. An exemplary template is
shown in code block 3204 of FIG. 32.
[0175] Moving to a step 2720, a template of a thread is generated
for each of the selected functions in the interface definition
file. An exemplary process of generating a thread is described
below with reference to FIG. 31. An exemplary template is shown in
code block 3204 of FIG. 32.
[0176] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
a thread for each of the identified messages in an interface
definition file. FIG. 28 illustrates in further detail the steps
that occur in step 2716 of FIG. 27. Depending on the embodiment,
additional steps may be added, others removed, and the ordering of
the steps rearranged.
[0177] Before starting at a step 2800, a message handling routine
is created to handle all messages that have been identified by the
user. The message handling routine includes a loop and, subsequent
to the loop, a switch statement. See e.g., code block 3204.
Starting at a step 2800, a loop is entered and steps 2804, 2808,
and 2812 are performed for each of the identified messages.
Continuing to a step 2804, the code generator adds a line of code
to register each of the messages. See e.g., code block 3204. In one
embodiment of the invention, the source code includes code to
invoke a registration routine that is provided by the embedded
computer communication module 112 or the host computer
communication module 116. The call to invoke the registration route
is placed prior to the generated switch statement.
[0178] Next, at a step 2808, the code generator generates message
handling code for each of identified messages. An exemplary process
of generating message handling code is described below with
reference to FIG. 29. Continuing to a step 2812, the code generator
creates routines for sending a message. An exemplary process of
creating a routing for sending a message is described below with
reference to FIG. 30.
[0179] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
message handling code. FIG. 29 illustrates in further detail the
steps that occur in step 2908 of FIG. 28. Depending on the
embodiment, additional steps may be added, others removed, and the
ordering of the steps rearranged. The process shown in FIG. 29 is
performed with respect to each of the messages identified by the
user in step 2708 of FIG. 27.
[0180] Starting at a step 2904, the code generator generates a case
statement. Proceeding to a step 2908, the code generator generates
a comment to the user to instruct the user to add code.
[0181] Proceeding to a decision step 2912, the code generator
determines whether the message is "two-way". If the message is
"two-way", the process proceeds to a step 2916. Otherwise, the
process proceeds to a step 2920.
[0182] At the step 2916, the code generator adds code in the
generated case statement to invoke a send response routine. As an
example, code block 3204 of FIG. 32 includes a call to the
"SendMesessageTwoWayResponse- " routine. The process of generating
a response routine, such as the "SendMesessageTwoWayResponse"
routine, is described below with reference to 3016 of FIG. 30. In
one embodiment of the invention, the generated code will invoke an
API, e.g., SendResponse(), of the DAT system 100. At this step, the
code generator may also generate other APIs for convenience of the
user, e.g., routines to setup and attach pointers. Moving to a step
2920, the code generator may also generate code to invoke a release
routine that is provided by the API.
[0183] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
a template of a routine for sending a message via the communication
interface identified by the user in step 2708 of FIG. 27. FIG. 30
illustrates in further detail the steps that occur in step 2812 of
FIG. 28. Starting at a step 3008, the code generator determines
whether the message is one-way, two-way, or broadcast. If the
message is one-way or two-way, the process proceeds to a step 3010.
At the step 3010, the code generator generates a function to send a
command to invoke a send command. An exemplary generated code
template is shown in code block 3208 of FIG. 32. Continuing to a
decision step 3012, the code generator determines whether the
communication is one-way or two-way. If the message is not one-way,
i.e., two-way, the process proceeds to a step 3016. At the step
3016, the code generates a function for sending a response. The
generated code invokes the API to send a response.
[0184] Referring again to the decision step 3008, the code
generator determines whether message is a broadcast message. If the
message is a broadcast, the process proceeds to a step 3020. At the
step 3020, the code generator adds code to invoke an broadcast
routine that is part of the API of the embedded computer
communication module 112 and the host computer communication module
116. From steps 3012 (if the communication is "one-way"), 3020, and
3016 the process proceeds to a step 3024. At the step 3024, the
code generator determines whether there are pointers present in the
payload of the message. If pointers are present, the process
proceeds to a step 3028. At the step 3028, the code generator
generates code to invoke a pointer setup command that is part of
the communication library API. Next, at a step 3032, the code
generator generates code to invoke the API attach pointer. It is
noted that the generated commands during steps 3032 and 3028 are
inserted into the generated code prior to the generated send
response command (step 3016).
[0185] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating
template code for communicating across platforms via a remote
function call. In one embodiment of the invention, inter-platform
function calls invoke a local function that communicates with the
remote function of the same name via messaging that is provided by
the embedded computer communication module 112 and the host
computer communication module 116.
[0186] Depending on the embodiment, additional steps may be added,
others removed, and the ordering of the steps rearranged. Starting
at a step 3104 a loop is performed with respect to steps 3108,
3112, and 3116. In the loop, template code is generated for
exestuation on a local platform, i.e., either the embedded computer
104 or the host computer 108. The local platform in this context is
defined to be the computer that does not have the routine that is
to be invoked. Steps 3108, 3112, and 3116 are performed with
respect to each of the functions identified by the user in step
2708 of FIG. 27. At the step 3108, the code generator generates a
send command. Next, at a step 3112, the code generated generates a
read command. Proceeding to a step 3116, the code generator
generates code to return a response. An exemplary code block
resulting from steps 3108, 3112, and 3116 is shown in code block
3212 of FIG. 33.
[0187] Next, at a step 3120, a loop is performed with respect to
steps 3124, 3128, 3132, 3136, and 3140. In this loop, template code
is generated for execution on the remote platform. Proceeding to a
step 3124, the code generator generates code to invoke a
registration routine of the API. Moving to a step 3128, the code
generator generates code that invokes the local API that was
requested by the thread on the other platform and sends a response
message. An exemplary code block resulting from steps 3124, 3218,
31332, 3136, and 3140 is shown in code block 3214.
[0188] Next, at a decision step 3132, the code generator determines
whether there are any pointers in the parameters of the function.
If there are no pointers in the parameters of the function, the
process ends. However, if there are pointers, the process proceeds
to a step 3136 and the code generator generates code to invoke the
API to setup a pointer. Moving to a step 3140, the code generator
generates code to invoke the API to attach a pointer. The process
then ends.
[0189] The DAT system 100 provides a single virtual environment
that enables threads to be located on different platforms and still
seamlessly communicate with each other. The DAT system 100 provides
communication interoperability between the two platforms by
automatically transforming the data depending on the machine
characteristics of the embedded computer 104, the host computer
108, and the communication interfaces that are stored in the
communication database 124. The DAT system 100 provides automatic
and seamless access to the message-based and remote function call
interfaces designed into the embedded computer's software
application. The DAT system 100 automatically extracts interface
information and builds a database of messaging and remote function
call information.
[0190] Using the studio module 128, a user has complete visibility
and control of the embedded application's interfaces without having
to address the following issues: (i) updates to a desktop tool to
accommodate new messages; (ii) updates to the embedded software to
support the desktop tool's new functionality; (iii) what target
compiler is used; (iv) what RTOS is used; and (iv) what platform
the thread(s) are executing on. The DAT system 100 allows seamless
access to interfaces stored in the communication database 124 via
scripting languages or any COM-compliant application.
[0191] While the above detailed description has shown, described,
and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to
various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions,
substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or
process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the
invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning
and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within
their scope.
* * * * *