Apple Inc.

Tantek Celik

Jens Alfke

Caia Grisar

To expedite the run-time construction of resource table, cache files which contain relevant information needed to build a resource table are stored on associated storage media. When a program builds a resource table, all the information that is recorded in the table from a particular storage medium is also stored in a cache file that is kept on that medium. Included in the cache file is information pertaining to the most recent modification date for each folder or directory that contains a resource of interest. The next time that the table is built, the program compares the modification dates stored in the cache file with the actual modification dates of the folders or directories. If the folders and directories have not been updated since the last time the cache file was created, the information contained therein is loaded into the table. As such, the need to examine each file of interest and obtain the necessary data to record in the table is avoided, thereby substantially decreasing the time needed to build the table, and hence launch a program.

System for dynamically caching and constructing software resource tables

A computer-human interface employs parts as the basic structural elements of documents. At the time a part is opened, an editor is bound to the part in a manner which makes most efficient use of programs available on the computer. The binding system first determines whether the preferred editor for the part is available on the computer. If so, that editor is bound to the part and launched, if it is not already running. If the preferred editor is not available, the system attempts to locate the most suitable handler for the part, based upon various characteristics of the part's contents, such as their category and kind. If a suitable editor or other handler is available on the computer, it is bound to the part and launched. If necessary, the part is translated from one kind into another kind for which an editor is available. If no editor suitable for the part can be located within the computer's available programs, a handler of last resort is bound to the part as its editor. A handler of this type is a generic tool which allows the part to be presented to the user, without offering all of the functions that are normally associated with an editor for manipulating the part's particular type of contents.

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Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Tantek Celik