Abstract: A system and method for controlling storage locks based on cache line ownership. Ownership of target data segments is acquired at a memory targeted by a first requesting device. A storage lock is enabled that prohibits requesting devices, other than the first requesting device, from acting on the target data segments during the time the targeted memory possesses ownership of the target data segments. A storage lock release signal is issued from the first requesting device to the targeted memory when exclusivity of the target data segments is no longer required at the first requesting device. In response, the storage lock at the targeted memory is released, thereby allowing other requesting devices to act on the target data segments.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved system for creating LZW compressed files by executing the LZW data compression algorithm on a plurality of special-purposed pipelined processing units, each of which contains hardware-embedded control algorithms. The data paths of the plurality of processors, together with the state machines that control the flow of data through them, provide pipelined execution of the LZW algorithm. For example, at the same instant, processor three can be processing a first input byte, processor two can be processing a second input byte, and processor one can be processing a third input byte.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling a motor or other multi-directional load using an H-bridge circuit having self-latching, high side switches. Thyristors are used as high side switches, and arranged to self-latch. The H-bridge thyristors are also arranged to automatically discontinue the triggering gate current upon the thyristor switch closing to conduct current, which advantageously terminates the flow of gate current as soon as it is no longer required.

Abstract: A fastener assembly and method are provided to engage a component to a circuit board assembly having a circuit board and a retainer positioned adjacent the circuit board. The fastener assembly comprises an elongated member extending between proximal and distal ends. The member includes a proximal portion having threads, and a distal portion having threads configured to engage the retainer of the circuit board assembly. A shoulder is spaced from the distal end of the member, and is configured to contact a surface of the retainer and to limit the travel of the distal end of the member toward the circuit board. The distance between the distal end and the shoulder of the member is equal to or more preferably less than the distance between the surface of the retainer and the circuit board, thereby reducing or eliminating interference between the distal end of the member and the circuit board. The fastener assembly also comprises a fastener adapted to engage the threads of the proximal portion of the member.

Abstract: A method and system for distributed, dynamic generation of graphics files. A database server system is configured and arranged with a service application and a graphics requester. The service application is arranged to generate a graphics file request that includes data to be graphed and a graph code indicative of a graph style. The graphics requester is coupled to the service application and arranged to provide transmission of the graphics request and receive a generated graphics file. A graphics server system is coupled to the database system and includes a graphics socket server and a graphics server application. The graphics socket server is arranged to receive graphics requests and transmit graphics files, and the graphics server application is coupled to the graphics socket server and arranged to generate a graphics file in response to the graphics request.

Abstract: The data compressor utilizes a plurality of character tables arranged in levels for storing strings of data characters, the character tables corresponding to respective characters of the alphabet. A string is stored by storing the string code associated with the string in a character table corresponding to the extension character of the string in a location of the character table corresponding to the code of the string prefix. The character tables at the first level store 2-character strings and the character tables at a subsequent level store strings that are one character longer than the strings stored in the character tables at the level prior thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for managing binary large objects in a database are described in various embodiments. A database management system manages a database table having a plurality of rows of data. Each row includes one or more fixed-length data elements and one or more object identifiers that reference and are associated with respective binary large objects. An object handler coupled to the database management system, the object handler configured and arranged to store each binary large object in a section of contiguous storage referenced by the associated identifier, manages binary large objects.

Abstract: A method in a computer system executing a repository program for dynamically linking two objects in two different models within the repository. The method includes the steps of receiving object identifiers of each of the two objects and an association name from a computer program using the method. The association name is then used to extract a namespace object from the repository program, wherein the namespace object is a part of the repository program for containing association names. Next, a determination is made as to whether or not an association already exists between either one of the two objects and the namespace object. If it is determined that no association exists, then the association name of a first of the two objects and the namespace are changed to an object identifier of a second of the two objects. Finally, the association name of the second of the two objects and the namespace are changed to an object identifier of the first of the two objects.

Abstract: A method and system as presented by which valuable documents such as checks, deeds, driver's licenses, and other types of valuable documents can be imprinted with encoded symbols by a printer whereupon multiple assemblages of data can be imprinted on the valued document which is then susceptible to readout by a document reader which will automatically authenticate and verify the originator or the document and its authenticity and obviate any attempts for fraudulent alteration.

Abstract: A data compressor includes a matrix of AND-gates corresponding to a respective plurality of strings. An AND-gate has inputs responsive, respectively, to a representation of a prefix code and a representation of a fetched character for energizing the AND-gate output. The AND-gate outputs are coupled, respectively, to the inputs of a matrix switch and the matrix switch outputs have respective string codes assigned thereto. The matrix switch is controllable for coupling any one of the matrix switch inputs to a selected one of the matrix switch outputs. Energization of an AND-gate output coupled to a matrix switch output provides a representation of the code assigned thereto. A prefix decoder responsive to the provided representations of codes assigned to the matrix switch outputs provides decoder outputs to the prefix code inputs of the AND-gates. A character decoder responsive to fetched characters provides decoder outputs to the character inputs of the AND-gates.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing hung calls on a channel of a network interface device of a voice messaging system is described. A channel of the network interface device receives a new incoming call from the telephone network. If no other call is in progress on the same channel as the one on which the new call was received, the new incoming call is accepted. On the other hand, if another call is already in progress on this channel, the other call is terminated and the new incoming call is rejected. At this point, the network interface device is ready to accept any subsequent calls received on that channel.

Abstract: An improved storage method that maximizes efficiency and removes redundancy for a computing system maintaining a message handle system (MHS). For example, a MHS that is in accordance with the X.400 message handle system (MHS) standard. The X.400 MHS processes messages on a recipient basis, that is, the message is processed once for each recipient listed on a message. Such processing is inefficient and redundant, placing a toll on overall system processing. Such inefficiencies are even more apparent in the case of multiple recipient messages that require translation. In such event the message is translated and routed for each of the recipients listed. The improved storage system and method alleviates this redundancy and inefficiency. In the event a multiple recipient message requiring translation is routed over a X.400 MHS, the components of the X.400 MHS cooperate such that the message is translated, transferred, and stored in the X.400 MHS component requiring translated messages. The X.

Abstract: A method for analyzing input/output operations of a data processing system. Input/output trace data of the system is stored in an input/output trace file. The trace file is interactively analyzed by first interactively obtaining data selection criterion and then reading input/output trace data from the trace file in accordance with the selection criterion. The input/output trace data read from the trace file is displayed, and the steps of obtaining the data selection criteria and displaying the trace data are repeated.

Abstract: A low-cost, self-contained close-off for a cabinet is formed as a generally planar body which is provided with integrated hardware for facilitating the attachment of the close-off to the cabinet, and subsequent detachment of the close-off from the cabinet. The planar body preferably incorporates an embossed region for providing the close-off with structural integrity, and is preferably fitted with integrated latches for securing the close-off to the cabinet. Support features are also preferably mated with the planar body including guide pins and embossed locators for positively locating the close-off relative to the cabinet at a proper height and in a correct orientation.

Abstract: A messaging system comprises a storage unit for storing e-mail messages, a text-to-speech converter for converting the different text segments of e-mail messages into speech signals for playback to a user via a telephone handset, and a cache for storing the speech signals of selected ones of previously converted text segments. Upon a subsequent request by a user to convert the text segments of a new e-mail message to speech signals for playback via a telephone handset, the speech signals of previously converted text segments that are identical to any text segments of the new e-mail message are played back from the cache thus avoiding the need for the text-to-speech converter to convert those text segments of the new e-mail message to speech. The load on the text-to-speech converter is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing processing performance in a computer system by asynchronously performing system activities that do not conflict with normal instruction processing, during inactive memory access periods. The computer system includes at least one instruction processor to process instructions of an instruction stream, and a memory to store data. One or more inactive data blocks in the memory are identified, and a list of addresses corresponding to the identified inactive data blocks is generated. Available computing cycles occurring during processing in the computer system are identified, such as processing stalls and idle memory write periods. The inactive data blocks associated with the list of addresses are initialized to a predetermined state, during the available computing cycles. Addresses corresponding to those initialized data blocks are then made available to the computing system to facilitate use of the data blocks.

Abstract: The invention is a method for creating a self-authenticating value document at a senders location and for verifying it at a receivers location. At the senders location a document is created having a machine readable data field, a taggant containing extractable first tag data, and a storage medium with clear text data and the first tag data extracted from said taggant written on it. The clear text, first tag data and data from a machine readable data field collectively make up a document message. The document message is hashed with a hashing algorithm to create a first message digest. The first message digest is digitally signed with a private key to create a digital signature which is written on the storage medium in addition with the clear text data, and the first tag data.

Abstract: A document transport for moving documents past a document processing station utilizes a drive roller having a mass sufficient to provide a flywheel effect to stabilize speed of documents passing between the drive roller and a pinch belt in contact with a portion of the circumference of the drive wheel. The drive wheel may additionally have a circumference large enough to prevent document slippage between the drive wheel and the pinch belt.

Abstract: Poisoning of specific memory locations as a process when a part of a multiprocessor computer system becomes faulty leads to ability to isolate specific data owned by individual failing units even in a shared memory area. Also continuous processing by non-failing units is allowable. A support processor handles non-immediate problems and allows resetting of memory locations formerly owned by failed units.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for directly accessing data from, or submit runs to, another computer platform. Preferably, this is accomplished by providing a special program statement within the software code of a computer program that is executed on a local computer platform. The special program statement may include a remote request, and may call a utility that formats and sends the remote request to the desired remote computer platform. After the remote request has been processed by the desired remote computer platform, resulting data preferably is returned to the computer program on the local computer platform.