| Verification of software application attributes for optimal compatibility with a software system -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Verification of software application attributes for optimal compatibility with a software systemRelated Patent Categories: Data Processing: Software Development, Installation, And Management, Software Program Development Tool (e.g., Integrated Case Tool Or Stand-alone Development Tool), Testing Or DebuggingVerification of software application attributes for optimal compatibility with a software system description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070157176, Verification of software application attributes for optimal compatibility with a software system. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application of application Ser. No. 09/796,031, entitled "VERIFICATION OF SOFTWARE APPLICATON ATTRIBUTES FOR OPTIMAL COMPATIBILITY WITH A SOFTWARE SYSTEM," filed Feb. 28, 2001, to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,439, assigned to the assignee of the present application. The subject matter in the above-identified co-pending and commonly owned applications are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present specification relates to compatibility of software add-ons with electronic devices. In particular, the invention relates to a compatibility information source in a software add-on, application, module, or plug-in which contains information relating to the compatibility of the software application with the electronic device on which the add-on, application, module, or plug-in is to run. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Handheld computers as well as other types of electronic devices include the use of an operating system running on an electronic processor. Third party software developers often develop software modules configured to run under the operating system, on the processor and using the electronic device hardware. When a new version of the operating system or a new version or type of device is developed, the software module may make certain assumptions about the operating system or about the characteristics (hardware and/or software) of the device that are no longer applicable under the new operating system and/or device. Provided with such assumptions, the software module is often unable to function or functions in an undesirable manner. [0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a compatibility information source or software attribute verification resource that is defined by the operating system and is included in the software module. Further, there is a need for a compatibility information source in software modules, add-ons, applications, or plug-ins which communicate assumptions about the operating system and device hardware as well as behavior data. Further, there is a need for a compatibility information source in a software module that is configured to communicate hardware requirements for the software module. Further still, there is a need for a method of developing software which includes the inclusion of software compatibility information within the software module. [0005] The techniques herein below extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above mentioned needs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] An exemplary embodiment relates to a method of providing compatibility between a software module and an electronic device. The method includes providing an electronic device having a processor and a memory, the processor running an operating system. The method also includes providing access to the software module configured to run on the processor of the electronic device. Further, the method includes checking operating system compatibility information, the operating system compatibility information being included in the software module. [0007] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of developing a software module for an electronic device. The method includes accessing a software development tool kit. The method also includes developing the primary functionality of the software module using the software development tool kit. Further, the method includes configuring compatibility information to be included in the software module. Further still, the method includes compiling the software module into a format executable by the electronic device. [0008] Yet another exemplary embodiment relates to an information source configured to be used in a software module for an electronic device. The resource includes a data structure specifying a plurality of fields configured to contain compatibility information. The compatibility information includes at least one of minimum operating system version information, maximum operating system version information, required features information, and supported features information. [0009] Yet still another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of providing compatibility between a software module and an electronic device. The method includes providing an electronic device having a processor and a memory, the processor running an operating system. The method also includes providing access to the software module configured to run on the processor of the electronic device. Further, the method includes checking development tools version information. The development tools version information based on the version of development tools used to develop the software module. [0010] Yet further still another exemplary embodiment relates to a method of using an electronic device. The method includes providing an electronic device having a processor and memory, the processor running an operating system. The method also includes providing access to the software module configured to run on the processor of the electronic device. Further, the method includes providing access to the software module configured to run on the processor of the electronic device. Further still, the method includes selectively enabling an operating system backward compatibility mode based on the operating system compatibility information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: [0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a handheld computer system in a particular embodiment configured for installation of a software application; [0013] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram depicting exemplary steps in using a software attribute verification resource in a software application; and [0014] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram depicting exemplary steps in developing a software module including a compatibility information source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 is depicted including a computer, such as personal computer 12, a third party software module, add-on application, plug-in, or the like, such as but not limited to software application 15 which may be stored on computer 12, and a portable electronic device, such as but not limited to handheld computer 14. Handheld computer 14 may include a synchronization device, such as synchronization cradle 16 which is electronically coupled to computer 12 via a data link, such as a data cable 18. In operation a user of handheld computer 14 that wants to install software application 15 onto handheld computer 14, may first store application 15 on computer 12. The user then initiates a synchronization or transfer of information over data cable 18 to handheld computer 16 during which application 15 is installed on handheld computer 14. [0016] In alternative embodiments, other system configurations may be used for the installation of software applications such as, but not limited to the direct coupling of handheld computer 14 to a data storage device, such as but not limited to a flash memory card, a disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD ROM drive, among others. Further, software applications may be installed over a direct communications network link, a wireless communications link, such as a radio frequency (RF) link or over an optical link, for example. [0017] Referring now to FIG. 2, a flow diagram 20 depicts steps for accommodating software module requirements. A software module is first installed on handheld computer 14 (step 21) using any of a variety of methods and systems including, but not limited to those described above. The operating system on handheld device 14 or a user of device 14 then initiates the software module (step 22). The compatibility information source in the application is then checked for operating system compatibility (step 23). In particular the maximum operating system version compatibility and the minimum operating system version compatibility may be checked. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, different types of operating systems may be checked. [0018] Once the operating system compatibility is determined, the software compatibility information source is checked for other software application attributes (step 24). The other software attributes may include a variety of attributes relating to both software and hardware configurations of the handheld device. For example, misbehavior information may be included in the resource. Continue reading about Verification of software application attributes for optimal compatibility with a software system... Full patent description for Verification of software application attributes for optimal compatibility with a software system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Verification of software application attributes for optimal compatibility with a software system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Verification of software application attributes for optimal compatibility with a software system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Software resource testing Next Patent Application: Methods and apparatus to analyze processor systems Industry Class: Data processing: software development, installation, and management ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Verification of software application attributes for optimal compatibility with a software system patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.141 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
