Abstract: A method and system in a data processing system for efficiently rotating a linear bit pattern, wherein the data processing system includes a register for efficiently performing a rotate operation on a portion of the linear bit pattern, where such a portion has a selected number of bits. The linear bit pattern is divided into a plurality of pattern groups, where each of such pattern groups has a number of bits equal to a group length. Thereafter, a matrix of bits is formed. Such a matrix has groups of bits along a plurality of rows and columns, wherein each row contains a number of bits equal to a shift operand length, and each column contains a number of bits equal to the group length. Bits in a selected row are rotated. Thereafter, each row, as a group of bits, is rotated such that bits in each column remain in the same column. After manipulating the matrix, the contents of the matrix represents the linear bit pattern rotated by one bit.

Abstract: A controller is coupled to a plurality of registers arranged in an array having a physical configuration of N rows of registers and M columns of registers. A size register within the controller is provided for receiving a selected vector size parameter, which specifies a number of registers comprising a vector register. In response to the vector size parameter, columns in the register array are selected and concatenated to form a vector register having at least a number of registers equal to the vector size parameter. An offset parameter may be utilized to select columns that form a vector register from the M number of columns in the array. Multiple arithmetic logic units, where one arithmetic logic unit is coupled to each row of registers are utilized to perform vector operations. Any register in the array may be utilized to store a vector element or a scalar expression.

Abstract: In a local area network switch, a first mode of operation is selected wherein frames are examined for errors as the frames are passed from a source port to a destination port. The LAN switch calculates an error rate as a function of a percentage of the frames passing through the local area network switch which have errors. In response to the error rate exceeding a high error rate threshold, the operating mode is switched to a second mode wherein the entire frame is buffered and examined for errors before the frame is passed from the source port to the destination port. Thereafter, the operating mode may be returned to the first mode if the error rate falls below a low error rate threshold. The local area network switch may also change operating modes as a function of a trend, which indicates a rate of increase or decrease of the error rate.

Abstract: A method and system in a data processing system for modifying an image source data file to compensate for distortions resulting from a projection of an image source onto a surface that is not perpendicular to an image source projection system. A data processing system image source data file is identified and a test pattern is displayed utilizing a data processing system visual output device. A user is permitted to enter a distortion compensation factor, the displayed test pattern is modified utilizing the distortion compensation factor. Once a final distortion compensation factor is selected in response to the appearance of the modified test pattern, the data processing system image source data file is modified, utilizing the selected distortion compensation factor, thereby enhancing the projection of an image source onto a surface that is not perpendicular to an image source projection system.

Abstract: A method and system in a data processing system for enhancing user efficiency in initiating a sequence of data processing system user inputs. Within the data processing system, data processing system stimulus events are identified and stored in a data base. Each sequence of data processing system user inputs which occurs in response to a subsequent occurrence of the identified stimulus event is also stored in the data base. The probability of an occurrence of a selected sequence of data processing system user inputs in response to a subsequent occurrence of the stimulus event is then calculated, utilizing the data base of stored sequences of data processing system user inputs. Upon subsequent recognition of a data processing system stimulus event, one or more selected sequences of data processing system user inputs are identified and displayed, along with an indicated probability of a user executing each identified sequence of data processing system user inputs.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing the efficiency of communication between multiple direct access storage devices and a storage system controller in a data processing system. In a data processing system having a storage system controller connected between a plurality of host computers and a plurality of storage devices, a processors, within the storage system controller, is provided for controlling the storage devices. Commands and data are communicated between the processor and the storage devices over a communication channel. An independent polling mechanism is provided which is coupled to the communication channel and the processor. The independent polling mechanism is utilized for collecting and storing interrupt status data from each of the storage devices.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing the efficiency of communication between multiple host computers and a storage system controller via multiple communication channels. After detecting a transmission of a specific message from the storage system controller to a selected host computer, channel data bits corresponding to that particular communication channel are set within preliminary control words which are stored in temporary storage locations. A timer circuit is coupled to the temporary storage locations and periodically resets the channel data bits. A final control word is then calculated by combining the channel data bits from all of the preliminary control words. A control circuit is then utilized to prohibit the retransmission of the specific message from the storage system controller to the selected host computer for a predetermined minimum period of time in response to the state of the channel data bits within the final control word.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a visually impaired computer user to distinctly visualize individual objects classified among multiple classes of objects within a graphical user interface environment. Within the graphical user interface environment, graphical user interface objects are classified among multiple classes of objects. An audio signal, having at least two audible characteristics, is associated with each object within a class of objects. The first audible characteristic is common among all objects within a class of objects and unique among all objects in other classes of objects. The second audible characteristic is unique among all objects within a class of objects. Thereafter, a composite audible signal is generated for each displayed object which includes audio signals which each include these two audible characteristics.

Abstract: A technique for organizing graphical objects in a graphics database that facilitates the rapid selection of one or more graphical objects on a computer display screen. Graphical objects are stored in the graphics database using a spatially organized data structure. The spacially organized data structure is formed by recursively subdividing the graphics space until each subspace contains no more than a predetermined number of graphical objects. The spacially organized database is ideally suited for spacial queries required to select, based on visual criteria, graphical objects appearing on a display screen. Graphical objects may be selected in response to a cursor moving about a display screen under programmer control, or in response to a system request to identify one or more objects spacially located in a given portion of the graphics space.

Abstract: A method and system in a data processing system for managing a hierarchical error diagnostic system having a plurality of diagnostic modules for diagnosing a component failure within a target system having a predetermined group of components within each of a plurality of hierarchical levels. After the identification of selected hierarchical levels within the target system, and identification of the components within each hierarchical level, a first blackboard data storage area is initialized for utilization during a diagnostic session. Thereafter, a diagnostic analysis of a first predetermined group of components within a first selected hierarchical level is initiated. The diagnostic analysis utilizes the first blackboard data storage area and multiple diagnostic modules assigned to diagnose the components within the first selected hierarchical level. Upon conclusion of the diagnostic analysis, a diagnostic result is determined from selected information learned during the first diagnostic analysis.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided for interfacing with a computing resource coupled to a remotely located network. A multilayer communication architecture, implemented utilizing a multilayer protocol stack, is provided for facilitating communication between network resources and applications running within the data processing system. Within the multilayer protocol stack, a media access control emulator is provided for interfacing with an application requesting access to a computer resource coupled to a remotely located network. The media access control emulator presents a standard media access control interface to the requesting application. A connection utility is provided for managing communication between the media access control emulator and a dynamic communication channel.

Abstract: A synchronization pattern is provided within an incoming waveform which represents a serial data stream transmitted at a rate determined by a data clock. The synchronization pattern includes a periodic training portion and a sync word portion. The periodic training portion is periodic and has a preselected period. As the periodic training portion is received, a receiver clock phase-locks to the periodic training portion of the incoming waveform, and a sampling circuit periodically samples the incoming waveform relative to the phase and frequency of the receiver clock to produce sample words. Thereafter, a subset of the sample words are selected utilizing a selection pattern having a period equal to the period of the periodic training portion of the incoming waveform. Utilizing the selected subset of sample words, a sync indicator word is produced and compared to preselected criteria. Such a sync indicator word may be produced with reference to the sign of each sample word of the subset of sample words.

Abstract: A tee area is provided from which contestants may hit golf balls toward flag cups located on a plurality of greens. If a contestant hits a golf ball into a flag cup, a ball sensor detects the presence of the golf ball and a remote indicator announces the presence of such a golf ball in the flag cup. Thereafter, an actuator may be utilized to move a door from a closed position to an open position. When such a door is in the open position, the golf ball is permitted to enter a conduit which extends from the flag cup to a remotely located ball receptacle. The actuator then closes the door and a vacuum pump applies a vacuum to the conduit to move the golf ball from the flag cup to the ball receptacle. Air entering the conduit at the flag cup is filtered to prevent debris or other foreign objects from entering the conduit. The ball receptacle may be made from a transparent material so that the golf ball may be identified as belonging to a particular contestant.

Abstract: A method and system in a data processing system for providing a dual-port memory device having redundant data stored in multiple memory arrays. A first set of data and address latches, coupled to a first data port, are provided for storing data and address information. A second set of data and address latches, coupled to a second data port, are provided for storing data and address information. Each data port is coupled to a memory array. After an external memory access period, a cross-write circuit performs an internal cross-write operation by writing data into a second memory array in response to data previously written to a first memory array and stored in the first set of data and address latches, and writing data into a first memory array in response to data previously written to a second memory array and stored in the second set of data and address latches, wherein a redundant copy of data written to either the first or second memory arrays is created.