Abstract: A computer system includes multiple caches and a cache line state directory structure, having at least a portion dedicated to a particular device cache within a particular device, and contains a fixed number of entries having a one-to-one correspondence to the cache lines of the cache to which it corresponds. The cache line state directory is used to determine whether it is necessary to send an invalidation message to the device cache. In the preferred embodiment, a dedicated portion of the cache line state directory structure corresponds to an I/O bridge device cache. Preferably, the cache line state directory also maintains state for one or more processor caches in a different format. The computer system preferably uses a NUMA architecture, the directories being maintained by node servers in each node.

Abstract: A database query optimizer for a computer system having dynamically configurable logical partitions generates an optimized query strategy which is dependent on a logical partition configuration. When the query is executed, the configuration of the logical partition in which the query is executed is compared to the logical partition configuration for which the query was optimized. If the configurations are different, a new query can be automatically generated. Optimizing database queries to the current system configuration of a dynamic, logically partitioned system potentially offers greater efficiency in the execution of database queries for complex, logically partitioned systems.

Abstract: A smart chip protection system contains a unique public/private identity key pair and uses a separate public/private signature key pair. The internally stored identity private key can not be read outside the chip. An issuing entity generates a descriptor containing the identity public key, attribute data, and a digital signature of the two, using a signature private key known only to the issuer. The authenticity of the descriptor is verified by decrypting the signature using the signature public key, and comparing the result to source data. An object's identity can be verified by requesting the smart chip to perform a data transformation using its identity private key, and performing the complement using the public key. An exemplary embodiment is a television receiver system which verifies identity of an embedded smart chip and entitlement to receive television service.

Abstract: In a slotted ring network, a node may transmit a non-renewable slot reservation with any unreserved slot. The reservation restricts other nodes from transmitting a new packet in the slot. When the slot returns around the ring to the reserving node, the slot will be available. Preferably, reservation is made responsive to a starvation condition in the reserving node, which may be detected in any of various ways. In an optional enhancement, a reservation identifies the reserving node, and another node on the ring is free to transmit a new packet in the reserved slot if the new packet will reach its destination at or before the reserving node, and thus will not interfere with the reservation.

Abstract: A database query optimizer for a computer system having dynamically configurable logical partitions generates an optimized query strategy which is dependent on a logical partition configuration. When the query is executed, the configuration of the logical partition in which the query is executed is compared to the logical partition configuration for which the query was optimized. If the configurations are different, a new query can be automatically generated. Optimizing database queries to the current system configuration of a dynamic, logically partitioned system potentially offers greater efficiency in the execution of database queries for complex, logically partitioned systems.

Abstract: A database management system maintains a record of queries which can be executed against the database. For a given auxiliary database structure, an advisory function automatically reviews the query record and identifies those queries which might execute with greater efficiency using the auxiliary database structure, presenting analytical information to the user. Preferably, the auxiliary database structure is an index, and the information is used for determining whether to include the index in the database definition. Preferably, a query optimizer records potentially useful indexes when considering multiple alternative database optimizations, and this information is later retrieved to identify queries which would benefit from an index.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus providing real time adaptive active fluid flow cooling, for cooling an electronic system, an electronic system utilizing the same, and a method for providing real time adaptive active fluid flow cooling. The electronic system consists of a circuit board having a heat generating component, a heat dissipating element mounted to the heat generating component and an apparatus for providing real time adaptive active flow cooling. The apparatus consisting of a plurality of active cooling devices that remove heated air or fluid with ambient air or fluid by propelling an fluid flow stream in a first direction toward the heat dissipating element, and where at least one active cooling device contained in the plurality of active cooling devices propels an fluid flow stream in a second direction toward the heat dissipating element.

Abstract: A host node connected to the Internet automatically generates an Internet interface addresses for itself, and automatically generates a request to an Internet domain name server to update the domain name server's database with the self-generated address. Preferably, the node employs a draft standard stateless address autoconfiguration protocol to create a link-local address, find a router, obtain a prefix from the router, and generate a global address from the prefix and the link-local address. Preferably, the node automatically determines the identity of its master domain name server, and transmits a request to update the master's database using a BIND 8 (or subsequent) protocol. Such a request may be encrypted for security and may include a self-generated identity key for further security.

Abstract: A portable electrical device requiring periodic recharging mates with a corresponding charging device by dropping or placing the portable device on or in the charger without pre-alignment by the user. The charger-to-device interface self aligns the portable electrical device in the charger for charging. Preferably, the charger is a bowl-shaped cradle. The portable device sinks to the bottom of the bowl using the force of gravity and thus aligns the contacts for recharging. Optional magnets may provide additional force to guide alignment.

Abstract: A massively parallel computer system contains an inter-nodal communications network of node-to-node links. An automated routing strategy routes packets through one or more intermediate nodes of the network to reach a final destination. The default routing strategy is altered responsive to detection of overutilization of a particular path of one or more links, and at least some traffic is re-routed by distributing the traffic among multiple paths (which may include the default path). An alternative path may require a greater number of link traversals to reach the destination node.

Abstract: A massively parallel computer system contains an inter-nodal communications network of node-to-node links. Each node implements a respective routing strategy for routing data through the network, the routing strategies not necessarily being the same in every node. The routing strategies implemented in the nodes are dynamically adjusted during application execution to shift network workload as required. Preferably, adjustment of routing policies in selective nodes is performed at synchronization points. The network may be dynamically monitored, and routing strategies adjusted according to detected network conditions.

Abstract: A data collector for a massively parallel computer system obtains call-return stack traceback data for multiple nodes by retrieving partial call-return stack traceback data from each node, grouping the nodes in subsets according to the partial traceback data, and obtaining further call-return stack traceback data from a representative node or nodes of each subset. Preferably, the partial data is a respective instruction address from each node, nodes having identical instruction address being grouped together in the same subset. Preferably, a single node of each subset is chosen and full stack traceback data is retrieved from the call-return stack within the chosen node.

Abstract: A communications bus for a digital device includes a credit-based flow control mechanism, in which a sending component maintains a local record of its credits. Credits are returned to the sender by pulsing a single-bit credit return line. A separate mechanism provides a count of available credits from the receiver, the separate mechanism not necessarily being current. The local record is compared to the count of credits from the separate mechanism over a pre-determined time interval, failure of the two values to agree at any time during the interval indicating a probable credit discrepancy. A credit discrepancy is confirmed, preferably by suspending certain bus activity for a sufficiently long period to account for any delay in propagating credit value changes, and re-comparing the values. Preferably, the bus communicates between internal components of an integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: Asymmetric hardware support for a special class of threads is provided. Preferably, the special class threads are high-priority, I/O bound threads. In a first aspect, a multithreaded processor contains N sets of registers for supporting concurrent execution of N threads. At least one of the register sets is dedicated for use by a special class of threads, and can not be used by other threads even if idle. In a second aspect, the special class of threads can fill only the a limited portion of the cache memory, in order to reduce flushing of the cache which might otherwise occur.

Abstract: An alarm system for certain hearing impaired individuals having implanted hearing assistive devices contains a device for detecting an alarm condition, and a transmitter which is tuned to a resonant frequency of an implanted passive energy portion of a cochlear implant or similar device. Upon detection of an alarm condition, the transmitter transmits an alarm signal at the resonant frequency, causing the implanted device to resonate even in the absence of the externally worn hearing assistive portion. Resonance is perceived by the hearing impaired individual as a buzzing or other abnormal noise, alerting the individual to the alarm condition.

Abstract: To prevent for a prolonged time period, the fixed-position floating status of a head in the control operation of a storage unit, and to prevent a decrease in the reliability due to deterioration in the properties of a storage medium, a control apparatus is described. The control apparatus relays read/write instructions for a magnetic disk unit, and includes an access-area setting unit that dynamically specifies one of a plurality of unit areas provided in a magnetic disk storage area as an access area for data, an addressing unit that updates the value of a write address in a data write request with an address that represents a physical sector corresponding to an access area in the storage area, and a valid-area changing unit that migrates data to a sector in an access area from a physical sector in another unit area corresponding to the sector at predetermined time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for identifying and grouping threads that have interdependent data access needs. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes two different constructs to accomplish this grouping. A Memory Affinity Group (MAG) is disclosed. The MAG construct enables multiple threads to be associated with the same node without any foreknowledge of which threads will be involved in the association, and without any control over the particular node with which they are associated. A Logical Node construct is also disclosed. The Logical Node construct enables multiple threads to be associated with the same specified node without any foreknowledge of which threads will be involved in the association. While logical nodes do not explicitly identify the underlying physical nodes comprising the system, they provide a means of associating particular threads with the same node and other threads with other node(s).

Abstract: A monitoring process for a NUMA system collects data from multiple monitored threads executing in different nodes of the system. The monitoring process executes on different processors in different nodes. The monitoring process intelligently collects data from monitored threads according to the node it which it is executing to reduce the proportion of inter-node data accesses. Preferably, the monitoring process has the capability to specify a node to which it should be dispatched next to the dispatcher, and traverses the nodes while collecting data from threads associated with the node in which the monitor is currently executing. By intelligently associating the data collection with the node of the monitoring process, the frequency of inter-node data accesses for purposes of collecting data by the monitoring process is reduced, increasing execution efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product that enables distribution of operating system resources on a nodal basis in the same proportions as the expected system workload. The preferred embodiment of the present invention accomplishes this by assigning various types of weights to each node to represent their proportion of the overall balance within the system. Target Weights represent the desired distribution of the workload based on the existing proportions of processor and memory resources on each node. The actual workload balance on the system is represented by Current Weights, which the operating system strives to keep as close to the Target Weights as possible, on an ongoing basis. When the system is started, operating system services distribute their resources nodally in the same proportions as the Target Weights, and can request to be notified if the Target Weights ever change.

Abstract: An instant messaging application intelligently infers a user's unavailability from one or more indicia which include the user's electronic calendar. Preferably, the instant messaging application may report not only that a user is unavailable, but also give a reason for inferring unavailability, in order to provide other users with additional potentially useful information. Preferably, the user may specify which indicia and which parameters may be used to infer his unavailability in an editable profile. When another user requests status, this value is returned by the server. An intelligent instant messaging application as described herein provides other users with more accurate and complete availability information.