Abstract: A method for rapidly hashing records in a large database stored on a secondary storage device in which a set of memory-blocks are preferably established in main memory for receiving information. Each memory block is associated with a sub-range of hash values that collectively span a range of hash values derived from one or more fields of the database records. The hash values together with other information are distributed among the memory-blocks in accordance with the range of hash values. As each memory block fills, its contents are written to an intermediate file associated with the memory-block in secondary storage. The intermediate files are subsequently retrieved and the hash values stored therein are ordered. The ordered intermediate files are then written to secondary storage as a single hash table spanning the entire database.

Abstract: A barge-in detector for use in connection with a speech recognition system forms a prompt replica for use in detecting the presence or absence of user input to the system. The replica is indicative of the prompt energy applied to an input of the system. The detector detects the application of user input to the system, even if concurrent with a prompt, and enables the system to quickly respond to the user input.