Apple Inc.

Palanivelu Nagarajan

James Alan Schneider

Sean Ludlow Flynn

Jay Alan Jessen

An interpretive language comprises instructions making up part of the first sequence of instructions (a test 'script'). The first language comprises a first set of instructions, the first set of instructions causes a first computer system (a 'host' in a preferred embodiment) to issue a series of commands to a second computer system (a 'target') in order to cause the second computer system to emulate user activity on the second computer system. User activity includes emulating typing text and/or moving a mouse cursor position. The language further comprises a second set of instructions which cause the first computer system to issue a series of commands to the second computer system in order to cause the second computer system to respond to the first computer system with its state. This state includes user interface objects, and applications running in the target, etc. The language further comprises a third set of instructions, the third set of instructions causing the first computer system to issue a sequence of commands to the second computer system to respond in a predefined manner. These instructions indicate that the target computer system is to respond in within a given period of time, listen for further commands, etc. This is useful for repeatable and systematic testing of computer systems having a variety of hardware and software combinations for compatibility testing. Multitasking using 'threads' for control of different targets using different test routines is also provided.

Interpreter for performing remote testing of computer systems

An apparatus for testing a first computer system. Means for emulating user interaction on the first computer system and a means for determining the state of user interface objects on the display and the operating status of the first computer system is provided. In various embodiments, the means for emulating user interaction comprises a means for emulating keyboard and mouse input on the first computer system. The means for emulating mouse movement comprises a means for updating data structures in the first computer system, such that when the data structures are updated, user control of the keyboard and mouse is emulated. Means for determining the attributes of windows displayed on a display of the first computer system is provided, along with means for determining the attributes of menus on the displayed on the first computer system and means for determining the current position of the cursor of the first computer system, among other user interface objects. Abstractions of these user interface objects are transmitted between the first computer system and the testing means. The control of the first computer system is performed by a second computer system to provide repeatable testing on a variety of computer systems for diagnosis of faults.

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Campbell, CA, United States of America

Palanivelu Nagarajan