Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for storing a first data object comprising a first set of immutable components, the first data object being associated with a corresponding second data object stored by a remote replication system. A difference is determined between the first set of immutable components of the first data object and a second set of immutable components of the corresponding second data object. A subset of immutable components is identified from the first set of immutable components based on the difference. The subset of immutable components from the first set of immutable components is provided to the remote replication system over a communication network.

Abstract: My system provides summaries of shapes and patterns that are manifested by the states of an array of elements, and methods for comparing them for correspondence. A very basic embodiment provides these summaries in the following manner. The array provides a Cartesian coordinate system address for each element. Each element of the array is polled, and if the element is part of the pattern, described here as being marked, it delivers its address to a processor. The processor calculates the distance from each marked element to a central location, described as a convergence hub, and delivers these distance values to a distributor. The distributor provides a summary distribution, which specifies the number of times a given distance was observed (or numerical adjustments thereof). This distribution is stored and used for comparison against alternative distributions, which provides a basis for assessing similarity or difference among various shapes and patterns.

Abstract: By using a viewing device and the proper configuration of visual stimulus material, one can create competition between the two eyes and determine what is perceived by a binocular observer. Where one eye sees light or pattern in a zone of the visual field, surrounded by a dark boundary, and the other eye sees stimulus material which does not have such a boundary, the material which is contained within the dark boundary will dominate the binocular perception. With some stimulus configurations the observer will see a bright, "lustrous" form which appears to float slightly above the stimulus surface. In other cases patterns presented to each eye will be dissected and combined into a composite perception which is determined by the presence of the dark boundary. Applications for the invention include testing of patients for impairment of vision and producing special effects in movies and other forms of entertainment.