Abstract: A data copy validation technique compares primary data to a copy of that data by generating check codes of the data to be validated at both primary and secondary sites in a continuously running remote data shadowing system. The validation session runs concurrently with the data shadowing so as not to disrupt the data shadowing. Each data validation session is assigned a copy start time, for example, a time preceding a time of a consistency group, for defining when the check code for data at the primary should be compared to a check code of the data at the secondary. The check code of the data at the secondary site is taken at a time that is the equivalent logical point-in-time of that data at the primary site even though the respective data contents may be different in real time.

Abstract: A portable substrate transmittance meter includes a remote transmitter and a remoter receiver for measuring a light transmittance of a substrate that does not have an edge available for sliding a base meter thereover, for example a fixed window on a vehicle. The remote transmitter is releasably attached to one side of the window with a donut shaped magnet resting thereagainst. The remote transmitter includes a light transmitter for emitting a predetermined light signal through a center of the donut shaped magnets and on through the fixed window. The remote receiver is place on the other side of the fixed window opposite the remote transmitter. Donut shaped magnets of the remote receiver cause the remote receiver to attract towards the remote transmitter in proper alignment therewith. A light receiver of the remote receiver receives the transmitted light for effecting a transmittance measurement of the fixed window.

Abstract: Count-key-data records are mapped to a fixed-block architecture storage device using a fuzzing packing method that packs some count-key-data records while writing other count-key-data records at a beginning of a next available sector (unpacked) according to the size of the count-key-data record, the size of the sector, and the location of the next available byte for writing data in the current sector. If the number of sectors required to write the current record starting at the next available byte location in the current sector, is greater than a minimum number of sectors to write that same record if that record were written at the beginning of the next available sector, then the record is written unpacked, otherwise the record is packed.

Abstract: A remote copy system incorporates dynamically modifiable ports on the storage controllers such that those ports can operate either as a control unit link-level facility or as a channel link-level facility. When configured as a channel link-level facility, a primary storage controller can appear as a host processor to a secondary storage controller. Using dynamic switches coupled between primary and secondary sites, fewer ESCON communication links are required since the ESCON communication links can function either as a channel or as storage controller communication link.

Abstract: Preventive maintenance to sewer lines is made more effective by using a predictive knowledge based assessment of those sewer lines most likely needing maintenance. Such predictive methods, are methodically applied to a sewer line system, to provide rodding to those sewer lines in need of maintenance or likely to need maintenance in the near future. Hence, non-problematic sewer lines are identified by default and are not unnecessarily serviced. Sewer lines are identified for preventive maintenance by identifying root intrusion, grease, and grit accumulation sources.

Abstract: A selective call receiver transmission system for transmitting a message to at least one selected selective call receiver of a plurality of selective call receivers comprises a transmitter for transmitting information including the message thereto. At least one satellite receives the information and transmits the message to the selective call receiver and subsequently retransmits the message from a different location to the selective call receiver.

Abstract: A non-contact pager programming system includes a controller (30) which is responsive to command and data signals to generate first signals (34) including command and data words to govern a transmitting circuit (36) to transmit over the air a programming signal (46) digitally modulated in accordance with a reception protocol. The programming system may also include a receiving circuit (42) which is governed by at least one second signal (40) generated by the controller to receive over-the-air signals (52) generated by the pager being programmed in response to the programming signal.

Abstract: Each processor in a multi-processor system has an associated interface circuit which comprises a register for storing a flag bit status and evaluation logic for comparing the stored flag bit status with an update status from the associated processor. The comparison of the update status with the stored status results in the generation of an associated change status which identifies the changed flag bits. Each interface circuit receives the change status from all other interface circuits. The generated change status is combined with the received change status to determine the combined changed flag bits from all processors. The resultant combined changed flag bits are compared with the original flag bit status and an updated flag bit status is generated therefrom. All processors in the multi-processor system can communicate their respective status changes simultaneously without following a predetermined protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a signal is capable of determining the presence of absence of a signal having a predetermined baud rate. By initializing counting registers to either first or second values, and receiving the signal, either the presence or absence of the baud rate may be more rapidly detected. Rapid detection provides for improved battery savings when the invention is used within a portable receiver such as a pager. The invention provides for positive detection of the predetermined baud rate while rejecting a baud rate being an integer divisor of the predetermined baud rate. Additionally, as a result of the determination of the presence of the predetermined baud rate, a sample clock may be established for receiving data at the baud rate.

Abstract: A method of tracing the paths used in execution of a computer program includes using the state of a single bit to denote the referencing of a trace point in the program. The trace points are logically located near the program branch points. One or more bit maps are arranged in a known state at the beginning of program execution and the state of a particular bit in one of the bit maps is set when the associated trace point is referenced. Each bit is associated with a particular trace point according to its position in the bit maps. After program execution, the bit maps are compared to the source listing to determine which trace points were referenced. The use of single bits to denote the referencing of trace points minimizes the degradation of performance efficiency of the target program. Because the bit maps are initialized to a known state at the beginning of each program execution and transferred to retentive storage at the end of each program execution, tracing occurs continuously.

Abstract: A method for managing data in a data storage hierarchy, and a data storage hierarchy suitable therefor, is disclosed. The data storage hierarchy includes an optical library and separate manually operated shelf storage. The optical library includes at least one optical disk drive and a plurality of storage cells for the storage of optical disks. The optical library also includes automatic means for transferring optical disks from the storage cells to the optical disk drives in the library. The host processor, upon determining that particular data is required to be stored in the optical library, first checks to determine if the optical disks in the optical library currently have the capacity for the storage of such data. If the capacity exists in the optical library there is no problem and the data is stored therein.

Abstract: Image data objects are accumulated in a relatively rapid access data buffer, such as a combination of main memory and a rapid access magnetic DASD. An optical disk recorder having a record medium with a plurality of addressable sectors each capable of storing a predetermined number of the VTOC entries receives the accumulated data objects along with the associated VTOC entries in a single access whenever the number of accumulated data objects is an inegral number of said predetermined number. A lower threshold for a minimal number of data bytes of the accumulated data objects may be required before such single access data recording operation is effected. An upper threshold of number of data bytes in the accumulated objects is also provided for causing the single access data transfer irrespective of the number of objects being an integral number of said predetermined number. The invention is advantageously practiced with a write-once, read-many record medium.