Accessee controlled type selection for a multiple-type object

Abstract

INADA is an enhanced C++ persistent programming language, compliant with ODMG standard. INADA supports multiple-type objects facility which enables any persistent objects to obtain any type at any time the type is needed, and to lose any unnecessary types dynamically. Using the facility, we can model changes in roles/aspects which a real-world entity possesses. Access to a multiple-type object needs to select one from among its own types. The selection is conventionally left to an object accessing a multiple-type object. A real-world entity is, however, flexible enough to decide its roles/aspects depending on a meeting entity whom it exchanges messages with. From the consideration, this paper proposes AccessEE Controlled Type Selection (AEE) method in which a multiple-type object selects one from among its own types depending on an object accessing it. The implementation of AEE method in INADA is also presented, which does not need any modification to the language specification and the processing system of INADA.