Automatic translation of text files during assembly of a computer system

• US 6,957,425 B1
• Filed: 11/30/1999
• Issued: 10/18/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell USA LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Nunn, John C., Nadon, Robert G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Chaki, Kakali
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wood, William H.
• Application Number:
  US09/450,550
• Time in Patent Office: 2,149 Days
• Field of Search: 717114-115, 717174-178, 717/136, 717168-170, 704/8, 704/9
• US Class Current: 717/175
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/454 Multi-language systems; Localisation; Internationalisation

Abstract

A method of providing a desired language version of textual portions of a source code program for a computer system. During the system assembly process, a system description record (SDR) is read that identifies the operating system, including the desired language version thereof, and other software programs. A text file corresponding to at least one of the programs is read and a native-language version of the program is installed on the computer system. A translation script operates to select a translation routine from a set of available translation routines, the selection being based on the nature of the text file, the operating system, and the desired language translation. The translation routine locates native-language text strings in the text file and substitutes the desired language translations of those strings. The translation process takes place substantially concurrently with installation of the program in the computer system.

Claims

1. A method of installing desired-language translations of software in a computer system, the software to be installed, at the time of assembly of the computer system, in response to a customer'"'"'s order, the method comprising:

creating a system description record (SDR) including an operating system software in a desired language;

installing selected hardware components;

coupling the computer system to a server;

reading, from the record, a first identifier that identifies the operating system software to be installed in the computer system;

based on the first identifier, establishing a first variable that specifies the operating system type and a second variable that specifies the desired-language;

reading, from the record, a second identifier that identifies other software to be installed in the computer system;

parsing the second identifier into a call to a batch file that (i) causes a native-language version of the other software to be installed in the computer system and (ii) calls a translation script which anticipates text files of more than one type;

based on the type of file in which the other software is stored, and based on the operating system software, the translation script selecting a translation routine from a plurality of sets of available translation routines, each set including individual routines for translating a specific type of text file into a given operating system, the number of translation routine sets being equal to the number of text files times the number of operating systems encountered; and

each routine set containing a translation routine for each desired-language into which the native-language text is to be translated.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

providing the server for storing the native-language version of the software.

3. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the computer system is coupled to the server during installation of the software.

4. The method as defined in claim 2 wherein the record is accessible to the server.

5. The method as defined in claim 4 further comprising:

an installation script stored on the server.

6. The method as defined in claim 5 wherein the translation script is stored on the server and is called by the installation script which, in turn, calls the translation routine.

7. A method of translating text portions of software during installation of the software in a computer system in a manufacturing environment, the method comprising:

creating a system description record (SDR) including a selection of optional hardware components and an operating system software in a desired-language;

coupling the computer system to a server;

reading, from the record, a first identifier that identifies the operating system software to be installed in the computer system;

based on the first identifier, establishing a first variable that specifies the operating system type and a second variable that specifies the desired-language;

reading, from the record, a second identifier that identifies other software to be installed in the computer system;

parsing the second identifier into a call to a batch file that (i) causes a native-language version of the other software to be installed in the computer system and (ii) calls a translation script which anticipates text files of more than one type;

based on the type of file in which the other software is stored, and based on the operating system software, the translation script selecting a translation routine from a plurality of sets of available translation routines, each set including individual routines for translating a specific type of text file into a given operating system, the number of translation routine sets being equal to the number of text files times the number of operating systems encountered; and

each routine set containing a translation routine for each desired-language into which the native-language text is to be translated.

8. The method as defined in claim 7 further comprising:

providing the server for storing the native-language version of the software.

9. The method as defined in claim 7 wherein the computer system is coupled to the server during installation of the software.

10. The method as defined in claim 8 wherein the record is accessible to the server.

11. The method as defined in claim 10 further comprising:

an installation script stored on the server.

12. The method as defined in claim 11 wherein the translation script is stored on the server and is called by the installation script which, in turn, calls the translation routine.