Abstract: A digital computer comprising a plurality of processors interconnected by a network for transferring messages among the processors. At least one processor generates messages of a configuration type. The network comprises a plurality of nodes interconnected in a tree pattern in a series of levels from a lower leaf level to an upper physical root level, with the leaf nodes connected to the processors. Each of the nodes includes a root flag that can be set or cleared in response to a message of the configuration type to establish the node as a logical root. For each node, if the node is a logical root it transfers messages received from a node at a lower level in the tree back down the tree, but if the node is not a logical root it transfers messages received at a lower level node to a higher level node.

Abstract: A data transmission system including a slave device (30) and a master device (10) is disclosed. Slave device (30) may include a slave side clock signal generator section (32) for generating a slave side clock signal (CLKSOUT), a phase adjusting circuit (40) for controlling a phase of a slave side clock signal (CLKSOUT), output sections (33-1 to 33-m) for outputting transmission data signals (SD1 to SDm) in response to slave side clock signal (CLKSOUT), and a timing reference signal generator section (34) for outputting a timing reference signal (SSPH) in response to slave side clock signal (CLKSOUT).

Abstract: A data transmission and receiving apparatus and method capable of synchronized playback of plural content and reading descriptors with little processing when accessing from an external device AV data recorded to a recording medium and a descriptor for associated data thereof. An audio list can include a pointer to a title and a pointer to text file information. Link information to a first object of the title list is written to the pointer to the title. Link information to the first object of a second text file list is written to the pointer to the text file information. Access from an external device can be simplified by using such a list structure.

Abstract: A node device for a serial databus connecting a number of devices, having in each case three input and output units, in which case a second output unit of the node device can, in each case, be connected to a first input unit of a second node device of the databus. A third output unit of the node device can be connected to an input unit of a device, and a third input unit of the node device can be connected to an output unit of the device. The node device contains a multiplexer for connecting the first or third input unit to the second output unit of the node device and, furthermore, a detector, which is coupled to the first input unit, to the third input unit and to the multiplexer, for detection of an incoming data stream at the first and/or third input unit for appropriate control of the connection of the multiplexer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coupled type computers wherein a computer can be coupled with computers of the same structure easily, and moreover, it can be coupled with other computers of the same structure in high density, and wherein computer components such as CPUs (6) or memories (8) and the like are built in a holder (4) made of polyhedron cube. A radio propagation bus space (10) formed by a cavity is provided in the inside of the holder (4), and a plurality of radio.electric signal interconversion elements (12) provided with a signal identification means facing the radio propagation bus space (10) are disposed in the holder (4). These radio. electric signal interconversion elements (12) are connected to the computer components in the holder (4). Holes communicating with the radio propagation bus space (10) are bored on the surfaces of the outsides of the holders (4) by means of the radio lines (16).

Abstract: A test method for relevancy testing of an identifier able to be transmitted to a communication means by way of a communication network in a message, a test module therefor and a generating module for building a relevancy table provided for the testy method. In the test method a first position in the relevancy table is sought for the identifier on the basis of a calculating rule applied to the identifier or a on the basis of a second position alternative to the latter using a move-on rule applied to the identifier in a case of conflict, in which the first position is not available until an available position is found. The identifier is designated as being relevant, when at the first or the second position the identifier or a value associated with it is entered or as being irrelevant, when at the first or the second position a non-use marker is entered.

Abstract: An arrangement for coupling bus subscribers and bus masters in a master-slave bus system which has a ring topology and in which the bus subscribers are coupled actively without subscriber addresses and in which the bus subscribers are each allocated a bypass element which causes a brief interruption in data interchange and makes the bus master to interrogate addresses for restructuring purposes when the associated slave subscriber is decoupled and coupled. The bypass elements each have an address store which can be selected only in the event of the address interrogation and which is inactive during data interchange.

Abstract: A system and method wherein a mobile user or a user interacting with a mobile program, can at any time initiate a program status request. The program status request initiates the sequence of events whereby the current location of the program is determined and/or the current user location is made available to the program without the necessity of either entity changing location. Further, the agent script for the program maintains a composite data structure which includes an input buffer for storing input variables, an output buffer for storing output values to be displayed to the user, a program state data structure, and an optional bag buffer for temporarily storing input variables which the program will need in the course of future execution. By maintaining such a composite data structure, it is assured that all necessary information can be provided at a program location regardless of whether the program or the user has relocated.

Abstract: A symmetrical multiprocessing system includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by a hierarchical bus. To allow for the transfer of data between nodes and to restrict the global transfer of local transactions, a plurality of address partitions are defined: global space, local space, remote read space, and remote read and write space. Process private and local data is accessed using local space. Global data is accessed using global space. In one embodiment, a kernel of the operating system is resident in the local space of each node. Because the memory space where the kernel resides is designated as local space, no other nodes can write to, or corrupt, the node's kernel.

Abstract: A system of switches having a memory/command bus having a first interface, a second interface and a third interface. A memory is connected to the third interface of the memory/command bus. The memory has a first memory address. A first switch monitors the memory/command bus and interprets information written to the first memory address as proxy information. The first switch is connected to the first interface of the memory/command bus. The second switch monitors the memory/command bus and interprets information written to the first memory address as proxy information. The second switch is connected to the second interface of the memory/command bus.

Abstract: A system and method for pushing information from a host system to a mobile data communication device upon sensing a triggering event is disclosed. A redirector program operating at the host system enables a user to continuously redirect certain user-selected data items from the host system to the user's mobile data communication device upon detecting that one or more user-defined triggering events has occurred. The redirector program operates in connection with event generating applications and repackaging systems at the host system to configure and detect a particular user-defined event, and then to repackage the user-selected data items in an electronic wrapper prior to pushing the data items to the mobile device. The host system can be a desktop computer that redirects messages received from a network to the mobile device and that redirects reply messages from the mobile device to the network.

Abstract: A common memory is provided for a plurality of CPUs. Only one or several particular ones of the CPUs are connected to an address bus provided for addressing the common memory. The other CPUs access the common memory via one of the CPUs connected to the address bus. This means that the system requires only relatively short buses and/or buses with little branching, even though the system has a common memory.

Abstract: A system for communicating information between requester and target devices in a computer having a multiple bus architecture. The system supports deferred transactions of cache line read requests over a host bus, e.g., the Pentium II or Pentium Pro (P6) bus. The system employs a host bridge to issue deferred transactions over the P6 bus without interrupting or involving the main processor. The system comprises a first device, electrically connected to the requester, which receives a request from the requester. The system further comprises a second device, electrically connected to the first device, which transmits the request with a defer enable signal over the P6 bus. The system further comprises a third device, electrically connected to the P6 bus, which communicates the request having a defer enable signal to the target.

Abstract: A computer hub includes a hub body and a battery box, the hub body having a plurality of connection ports at a plurality of peripheral sides thereof for the connection of signal lines from computers/servers to form a local area network, contact terminals at a bottom side wall thereof for receiving power supply from the battery box, and magnetic means for securing the hub body to the battery box or metal support means, the battery box having power terminals power supply output, and magnetic means for attracting the magnetic means to hold down the hub body, enabling the contact terminals of the hub body to be maintained in contact with the power terminals of the battery box.

Abstract: A handheld computing device is used to copy files from the screen of a fixed computer. The display of the handheld device is linked to that of the underlying computer and file and directory icons together with their underlying files are copied to the handheld device. Files from the handheld device can also be transferred to the fixed computer. When a user is running a program on the fixed computer, he may capture the state of that computer and transfer everything needed to permit execution of that program to continue uninterrupted on the handheld device. Thus files and executing programs may be lifted from the fixed computer and used on the handheld device.

Abstract: A handheld computing device is used to copy files from the screen of a fixed computer. The display of the handheld device is linked to that of the underlying computer and file and directory icons together with their underlying files are copied to the handheld device. Files from the handheld device can also be transferred to the fixed computer. When a user is running a program on the fixed computer, he may capture the state of that computer and transfer everything needed to permit execution of that program to continue uninterrupted on the handheld device. Thus files and executing programs may be lifted from the fixed computer and used on the handheld device.

Abstract: A handheld computing device is used to copy files from the screen of a fixed computer. The display of the handheld device is linked to that of the underlying computer and file and directory icons together with their underlying files are copied to the handheld device. Files from the handheld device can also be transferred to the fixed computer. When a user is running a program on the fixed computer, he may capture the state of that computer and transfer everything needed to permit execution of that program to continue uninterrupted on the handheld device. Thus files and executing programs may be lifted from the fixed computer and used on the handheld device.

Abstract: A method of configuring a computer system having a processor coupled by a host bus to first and second bus devices causes the processor to transmit on the host bus one or more configuration write commands that include configuration data representing a range of addresses assigned to the second bus device. The configuration data is stored on the first and second bus devices. The processor transmits on the host bus a transaction request directed to an address within a range of addresses assigned to the second bus device. The first bus device determines that it should not transmit a response to the transaction request based on the configuration data stored in the first bus device. The first bus device may include a set of configuration registers for storing configuration data regarding the first bus device and a set of shadow configuration registers for storing configuration data regarding the second bus device.

Abstract: A data transmission apparatus for transmitting a data between a main system and a microcomputer which can apply to the system the microcomputer which is not provided with a logic circuit performing an interface with the main system, sense both the main system and microcomputer by using an error sensing bit to sense a problem in transmission, and improve a transmission speed of the system by increasing a size of the data to be processed at one time, includes: a signal controller sensing the data transmission and outputting first and second transmission control signals; a data transmission detector communicating the data transmission to the microcomputer according to the first control signal from the signal controller; and a double buffer latching the data for a predetermined period in order for the main system or microcomputer to read through a corresponding port the data to be transmitted according to the first and second transmission control signals from the signal controller, and a method thereof.

Abstract: A system and method of pushing user-selected data items from a host system to a user's mobile data communication device upon detecting the occurrence of one or more user-defined event triggers is provided. The user may then move (or file) the data items to a particular folder within a folder hierarchy stored in the mobile data communication device, or may execute some other system operation on the data item. Software operating at the mobile device and the host system then synchronizes the folder hierarchy of the mobile device with a folder hierarchy of the host system, and any actions executed on the data items at the mobile device are then automatically replicated on the same data items stored at the host system, thus eliminating the need for the user to manually replicate actions at the host system that have been executed at the mobile data communication device.

Abstract: A symmetrical multiprocessing system includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by a hierarchical bus. To allow for the transfer of data between nodes and to restrict the global transfer of local transactions, a plurality of address partitions are defined: global space, local space, remote read space, and remote read and write space. Process private and local data is accessed using local space. Global data is accessed using global space. In one embodiment, a kernel of the operating system is resident in the local space of each node. Because the memory space where the kernel resides is designated as local space, no other nodes can write to, or corrupt, the node's kernel.

Abstract: A communications system includes a shared signal processing circuit for performing a set of signal processing operations on both receive data and said transmit data. The signal processing circuit is also shared by a plurality of communications ports. To further enhance operation of the system, the computing resources include a set of independent application specific (ASIC) logic circuits, with at least some of the ASICs selectively performing either a first signal processing operation and/or a second signal processing operation on data in response to control information embedded in an input data object.

Abstract: A computer network, and preferably a network concentrator, with a bidirectional serial channel. A plurality of devices on the channel are identified by addresses. The devices are divided into device groups and a device in one group can have an address which is identical to a device in another group. A management processor communicates with the individual devices by digital signaling through an analog multiplexer. The management processor decides which device group to communicate with, and then either generates a selection signal, or sends a data packet to a device register to generate a selection signal which causes the analog multiplexer to connect the bidirectional serial channel of the management processor to the bidirectional serial channel of the proper device group.

Abstract: A method for the exchange of data in messages between at least two users which are connected by a bus system, the messages containing the data being transmitted by the users via the bus system, and each user containing a predefinable and/or ascertainable timing mark; a first user, in a function as timer, controls the messages as a function of time in such a way that it repeatedly transmits a reference message, which contains time information of the first user, via the bus at a specifiable time interval, and if the timing mark of the second user is reached without a reference message of the first user reaching the second user, the at least second user takes over the function of timer by transmitting its own reference message with its own time information via the bus system.

Abstract: A mobile terminal detects a network formed on a communication media when the mobile terminal is to be connected to said communication media by transmitting control signals to and receiving control signals from the communication media and performs a connection control according to a protocol of a trunk network when the detected network is the trunk network or to a protocol of an ad hoc network when the detected network is the ad hoc network. When the mobile terminal can not detect a network to which the mobile terminal can be connected, the mobile terminal sets a new ad hoc network identifier for forming a new ad hoc network, after determining that the new ad hoc network identifier is not already in use another network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for an inherently safe signal matching of signals being exchanged between an automating system (2) and field devices (3). The device (1) contains input/output modules (4), which can be plugged into a backwall plate (19) and which combine the functions of conventional input/output modules and modules for voltage separation. The backwall plate (19) supports data lines (20) of a local bus (8), as well a current supply lines (21). A communications module (9) is connected on the one hand with the local bus (8), and on the other hand with a field bus (12). The communications module (9) contains device, for memorizing (22) and processing (16) data, and makes possible an asynchronous data exchange between an automating system (2) and the input/output modules (4).

Abstract: In the 1394 communication, communication at a data rate of S100, S200, S400, S800, S1600, S3200 or at a faster speed in the future can be performed. When the 1394 communication is performed with an optical-fiber cable and a UTP cable, it is possible to cope with high-speed communication by arranging bits being not used at a low speed, on a data stream. Transmission of data rates is realized by sending speed-control symbols at a predetermined speed. As for a Tp bias signal, an equivalent object is achieved by sending predetermined control symbols.

Abstract: An apparatus that converts and adapts standard processor bus protocol and architecture, such as the MicroChannel bus, to more progressive switch interconnection protocol and architecture. Existing bus-based architecture is extended to perform parallel and clustering functions by enabling the interconnection of thousands of processors. The apparatus is relatively easy to implement and inexpensive to build. The communication media is switch-based and is fully parallel, supporting nodes interconnected by the switching network.

Abstract: A bus bridge coupled between two bridges providing bus exception event isolation and address/data translation. In one embodiment the bus bridge includes two direct memory access (DMA) engines and a first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer interface between the DMA engines to provide the bus exception isolation. The DMA engines and FIFOs also enable a packet based message passing architecture, which eliminates the need for address translation and also handles data reordering.

Abstract: Each node of multinode computer system includes an interrupt controller, a pair of send and receive queues, and a state machine for communicating interrupts between nodes. The communication among the interrupt controller, the state machine, and the queues is coordinated by a queue manager. For sending an interrupt, the interrupt controller accepts an interrupt placed on a bus within the node and intended for another node and stores it in the send queue. The controller then notifies the interrupt source that the interrupt has been accepted before it is transmitted to other node. The interrupt has a first form suitable for transmission on the bus. A state machine within the node takes the interrupt from the send queue and puts the interrupt into a second form suitable for transmission across a network connecting the multiple nodes.

Abstract: For automatic CAN address allocation each bus subscriber still to be allocated an address, generates a random value for a provisional address on system power up. On receiving a request to commence address allocation each bus subscriber writes a telegram claiming the provisional address into the CAN send buffer. If a bus subscriber receives a telegram claiming an address which agrees with its own provisional address, a new random value is generated for a provisional address and a telegram claiming this provisional address is written into the CAN send buffer. If the telegram claiming the provisional address is sent before a telegram claiming the same provisional address is received, the provisional address is deposited in the writeable non-volatile memory as the final address.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a gap count for a serial bus network is described. A round-trip delay time for transmitting a packet from a first leaf node to a second leaf node and back over a communication path between the nodes for each pair of leaf nodes in the network is determined. A maximum round-trip delay time for each communication path is calculated. A node latency delay time for each leaf node in the network is determined. A longest maximum round-trip delay time and a longest node latency delay time is selected for the network, and a gap count is calculated using the selected times.

Abstract: A network node 102 capable of detecting how many parties have collided during attempts to transmit on a bus 108. If more than one party has been detected to collide, the node 102 selects a backoff window from a larger randomized group of possible backoff windows than if the node had collided with only one other party. In this way, delays due to multiple parties colliding are minimized.

Abstract: A data communication interface between a high-power device and a low-power device enabling wherein a cable having connectors at its both ends connects the high-power device and the low-power device; and the low-power device has its own incorporated level conversion circuit and drives same with a voltage which is supplied as a source voltage for the low-power device. The circuit receives a data signal at voltage levels compatible with the high-power device. The circuit converts the received signal into a data signal which is acceptable by the low-power device. The circuit receives from the low-power device a data signal at voltage levels compatible with the low-power device, and also converts the received signal into a signal which is acceptable by the high-power device. The level conversion circuit needs no element, such as a zener diode, for lowering (clamping) a voltage because the circuit is powered by the low-power device.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-level context switching in an electronic network comprises a control state machine configured to implement a data priority scheme, a return address generator configured to hold and release return addresses for interrupted instruction modules in accordance with the data priority scheme and context information from the electronic network, and a processor configured to process data from the electronic network in accordance with the data priority scheme and the context information. Receive registers stores data received from the electronic network. The control state machine includes a switch address generator and a program counter select. The switch address generator outputs a switch address, which is an address for a first instruction for a selected-context instruction module. The return address generator holds and releases the return addresses, which are addresses of next consecutive instructions, when an instruction module is interrupted for a context switch.

Abstract: A computer system, computer program product, and method for visually mapping data between different record formats provides for the mapping of source data fields of a dump file to the target data format fields of a digital library using an interactive mapping section output map. The output map includes a grid with cells to indicate crossings between the source data fields and the target data format fields, and the user indicates such crossings without resort to a custom applications loader thus providing dynamic data mapping at execution time.

Abstract: A set of badges is distributed at a party to help attending party-goers "break the ice" with members of the opposite sex. Each girl at the party is given a badge of one type, and each boy is given a badge of another type. Each badge has a light that can blink, but it is normally off. Each badge transmits a contact signal that is picked up by any opposite-type badge that is in proximity with it. If the two badges blink, indicating a match, the facing boy and girl must start talking to each other. Either both badges will blink or neither will, but whether or not they blink is based on chance. Each party-goer is given a hidden remote control which, when turned on, increases the probability of the lights blinking. Provision is also made for an exchange of personal information via the badges when a match is made.

Abstract: A sound controller has a signal pin for externally outputting the contents of bit 1 of a control register for controlling its operation mode as a power down signal POWERDOWN# for controlling a power supply to analog audio amplifiers. The power down signal POWERDOWN# output from the signal pin is sent to a power supply controller. The power supply controller switches supply/stop of a power supply voltage VCC2 to the analog audio amplifiers in response to the signal POWERDOWN#. With this control, the power down control of the analog audio amplifiers can be realized in accordance with the state of the sound controller.

Abstract: In a home audio visual network including a plurality of devices coupled via an IEEE 1394 bus, a system for accessing a media drive mechanism of a multi-item-type media player. The multi-item-type media player can play any type of disc media item. A media drive mechanism is included within the mutli-item-type media player and is configured to play or record the media item stored within the multi-item-type media player. A computer system is built-in to the multi-item-type media player. A software based media player model executes on the computer system, and in turn, causes the computer system to implement a method of accessing the media drive mechanism. In so doing, the computer system interfaces with a plurality of devices coupled to the multi-item media player via an IEEE 1394 communications link of an IEEE 1394 based network and provides a standardized command set for the media drive mechanism.

Abstract: A device includes self-information memory which stores both function data for other devices to operate the device and device name data. Upon request from another device, the device sends the requested data stored in the self-information memory. When function data is received, the devices executes an instruction indicated by the data. When a plurality of devices each including the self-information memory are connected to each other via a bus or the like in a form of a network, at least one of the devices, includes, in addition to the self-information memory, a connected device memory to store therein device name data of all of the connected devices and a communication pair memory to store therein function data of the communication partner. The master device requests the other devices for device name data thereof, and stores the received data in the connected device memory. Thus, by referring to the device name data stored in the memory, the control device recognize the device name of the connected device.

Abstract: Method for computing all-terminal reliability for arbitrarily interconnected networks such as the United States public switched telephone network. The method includes an efficient search algorithm to generate minimal cut sets for nonhierarchical networks directly from the network connectivity diagram. Efficiency of the search algorithm stems in part from its basis on only link failures. The method also includes a novel quantification scheme that likewise reduces computational effort associated with assessing network reliability based on traditional risk importance measures. Vast reductions in computational effort are realized since combinatorial expansion and subsequent Boolean reduction steps are eliminated through analysis of network segmentations using a technique of assuming node failures to occur on only one side of a break in the network, and repeating the technique for all minimal cut sets generated with the search algorithm. The method functions equally well for planar and non-planar networks.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring and controlling data flow ina computer network device having a plurality of parts comprises control means for directly linking ports together on the basis of additional information stored in the control means whereby incoming packets are linked directly to an utput port to achieve high performance. The additional information is stored in one more look-up tables additional to the normal CAm with the or each table addressed by separate processing. This allows the implementation to be in hardware rather than in software.

Abstract: A data bus sequencer for use by nodes coupled to a system bus for associating data transactions and address transactions on the bus. The data bus sequencer includes means for tracking address and command transactions occurring on an address bus, the means for tracking producing a sequence number tag corresponding to each address and command transaction occurring on the address bus. Means for associating data transactions with address and command transactions stores the sequence number tags corresponding to address and command transactions for which data transactions are to be initiated by the node. Further included are means for tracking data transactions occurring on a data bus, means for comparing tracked data transactions to associated data transactions, and means for initiating data transactions on the data bus in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A computer network includes a network hub which connects a plurality of computers together. Data packets generated by the computers are sequentially merged into a stream of data packets which is then broadcast to all of the computers in the network. The network hub includes a plurality of ports, each of which is connected to a respective one of the computers, receiving data packets generated by the computer. The network hub also includes a plurality of storage devices respectively connected to the ports. Each of the storage devices receives and temporarily stores the data packets received by the port. A merging processor is connected to each of the storage devices and sequentially merges data packets temporarily stored by the storage devices into a stream of data packets. The stream of data packets is then broadcast to each of the computers in the network. The network hub may communicate with each of the computers to indicate the capacity status of the storage device.

Abstract: A method using a global hang pulse logic mechanism detects and resolves deadlocks among requesters to the storage controller of a symmetric multiprocessor system in which multiple central processors and I/O adapters are connected to one or more shared storage controllers. Deadlocks may occur in such a system due to specific sequences of requests, either because high priority requests use priority cycles and lock out low priority requests, or because requests of any priority level make resources needed for the completion of other requests too busy. The mechanism logic monitors the length of time a request has been valid in the storage controller without completing, by checking the request register valid bits, and by utilizing a timed pulse which is a subset of the pulse used to detect hangs within the storage controller.

Abstract: A system and method for auto-polling a status register within a physical layer (PHY) interface to a local area network (LAN). The system includes a host CPU which needs to detect and service interrupts generated by a PHY device on the LAN which is coupled between a first transmission medium (such as copper or fiber cable) and a management interface to the system. The system further includes an auto-polling unit which monitors activity on the management interface of the PHY device. When the auto-polling unit detects a lack of activity on the management interface of the PHY for a predetermined interval, the auto-polling unit reads a first value from the PHY status register. This first status value is then compared to a previously stored value which corresponds to the last PHY status value read by the host CPU. If a mismatch is detected between these two values, an interrupt is generated to the CPU.

Abstract: Delay times are modified in an Ethernet network device having captured the media channel by increasing the interframe spacing (IFS) between data packets. The modified IFS interval, increased by adding a delay interval to the minimum interpacket gap (IPG) interval after a first user-selectable number of consecutive successful transmissions, enables other network stations to transmit data during the deferral interval. The Ethernet network device maintains the modified IFS for a limited deferral interval, based upon a predetermined time interval, a number of successful transmissions by other network stations, or a second user-selectable number of consecutive successful transmissions. Additional delay intervals may be added if the network station continues to exceed the predetermined number of consecutive successful transmissions. Burst transmission can also be optimized by counting the consecutive successful transmissions only after detecting an attempted transmission by another network station.

Abstract: A video data recording unit receives input video signal streams from up to 16 cameras. The signal streams are selectively converted into digital video signals and are stored on a data storage device such as a hard disk. The apparatus is controlled so that both odd and even signal fields generated by at least one camera are recorded, whereas only odd fields or only even fields generated by the other cameras are recorded. Odd and even signal field streams may be derived from a single stream of demodulated video signals, or from respective demodulation streams.

Abstract: A flexible multimedia information analysis apparatus stores a database which includes both audio and video information. Also stored are a plurality of content analysis algorithms for analyzing the audio information in the database. A user can manipulate a mouse to select one of the analysis algorithms. The selected algorithm is used to analyze audio information in the database or on a "live" basis as the audio information is received. Audio analysis algorithms can be applied in tandem with moving image content analysis algorithms applied to stored video data or live input video streams.

Abstract: A method of transferring information to a plurality of offices connected in series in a network includes the following steps. A step (a) is transferring the information from a server office to an intermediate office being substantially intermediate in the plurality of offices. A step (b) is setting the intermediate office which received the information in the step (a) to the server office. A step (c) is virtually dividing the plurality of offices into two groups which respectively include the server offices. And, a step (d) is repeating the steps (a) to (c) for each of the two groups.