Visualizing Program Portability via Lorenz Curve Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods, such as MISRA-C checkers and technologies for extracting environment-dependent portions, face challenges in determining the extent of distribution, man-hours required for modification, and which portions to prioritize for localization when dealing with numerous environment-dependent components across multiple files and directories.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for visualizing environment-dependent portions of a program, utilizing an arithmetic device with a visualization processing unit, environment-dependent portions aggregation processing unit, localization man-hours calculation unit, and degree of dependence calculation unit, which aggregates and calculates data to display a Lorenz curve and Gini coefficient, facilitating the identification and localization of environment-dependent components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If environment-dependent portions are identified using MISRA-C checker or extraction technology, then the identification of environment-dependent portions is achieved, but it becomes difficult to determine distribution extent, estimation of man-hours, and prioritization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate data structure (environment-dependent portions data with tuples containing program identification and relevant data) that serves as a mediator between the identification process and the analysis process. This intermediate representation enables systematic aggregation and visualization, transforming the raw identification results into actionable insights about distribution and man-hour requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through visualization that provides information about distribution patterns and man-hour estimates back to the analysis process. This feedback loop enables prioritization by highlighting which files or directories contain the most environment-dependent portions, guiding where localization efforts should be focused first
2Adaptability or versatility
If environment-dependent portions are distributed across multiple files, then program functionality is maintained, but localization effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis by file and directory, creating discrete units of measurement for environment-dependent portions. This segmentation enables the system to identify which specific files contain environment-dependent code, allowing targeted localization efforts rather than blanket processing of entire codebases, thus reducing overall localization time while maintaining portability
3Adaptability or versatility
If all environment-dependent portions are localized, then program portability is improved, but development complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of analysis from binary (localized/not localized) to quantitative (man-hour estimates, distribution metrics). By introducing these measurable parameters and visualizing them, the system transforms the complex task of full localization into a prioritized sequence of actions based on quantitative criteria, reducing the perceived complexity while achieving the same portability goals
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides information for making a decision so as to efficiently localize environment-dependent portions of a program. Man-hours required to localize the environment-dependent portions are calculated by means of a unique method using program structure data and environment-dependent portions data. An effect of localizing the environment-dependent portions is calculated and visualized based on a Lorenz curve and a Gini coefficient.