Importance

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Abstract

A method of operating computers in accordance with an enhanced object-oriented programming methodology creates a framework for efficiently performing automated business transactions. The object-oriented programming methodology is used in conjunction with a travelling program, i.e., a digital data structure which includes a sequence of instructions and associated data which has the capability of determining at least one next destination or recipient for receiving the travelling program and for transmitting itself, together with all relevant data determined by the program to the next recipient or destination. The data is closely bound to the program in such a way that objects may be most efficiently transferred from one computer user to another without the objects being previously known to the recipient computer user. Object 'cells' or 'electronic forms' which are data structures stored, for example, on a disk that reflects a collection of (related) objects instances whose execution has been suspended, and which can be resumed later on the same or a different platform are constructed and used. Improved tools are provided for creating and using cells so that electronic forms can be defined using object-oriented techniques while allowing such forms to be easily transferred among a diverse population of computer users. A digital signature methodology is employed to insure security and integrity, so that electronic forms (i.e., cells) composed of a collection of objects can be received and executed by a user without putting the user at risk that some of the object classes embedded in the cell might be subversive programs.

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First Claim