Abstract: A system that obtains thin slices of an object for which a three dimensional model is to be constructed. Each slice is photographed and the photographic image data input to a computer system and placed in a three dimensional array, wherein the X-Y pixel data is placed into two dimensions of the array, with each slice occupying one position of the third dimension. The data stored for each slice is called a reference plane. The array data is then processed to create at least one estimated plane between each pair of reference planes. Each estimated plane is created by determining the poisson distribution of data over a range of planes on either side of the estimated plane. Once the estimated places have been created, a z-axis plane can be created using a columnar slice at each X position within the array.

Abstract: A system and method for training a user on any number of computer software applications. The computer is directed by at least one computer program within a distribution engine 15 to perform a diagnosis of the skill level of a user on a computer software application, prescribe a training plan that will allow the user to achieve a minimum skill level on the computer software application, and provide the user access to a plurality of training software programs to enable a user to complete the training plan.

Abstract: Compensation planning tool (24) for use in connection with a computing device (12). A compensation planner (25) may receive and store compensation information for a plurality of employees. The compensation information preferably includes an identifier (100), a current salary (112), a current bonus (130), a current salary guideline (78), a current total compensation guideline (80), a planned salary action (122), a planned bonus action (132) and a ranking (108). The compensation planner (25) may sort the employees by rank and display a compensation plan. The compensation plan may include a current total compensation (103), a planned salary (108) and a planned total compensation (105) for each employee. A report (210) may be generated from the compensation plan. The report (210) may include a representation (214) of the planned total compensation for each employee arranged by rank.

Abstract: A benchmarking application for testing the performance of a database server (14) includes a plurality of execution parameters (82) and a program (78) operable to read the execution parameters (82). Processes (56, 58, 60) are generated by the program (78) in accordance with the execution parameters (82). Each process (56, 58, 60) represents a user (16, 18, 20) of the database server (14) and generates benchmark transactions (108) for submission to the database server (14).

Abstract: An object-oriented programming language includes support for encapsulation of aspects and for change notification for aspect values. These features are then used to implement various change notification mechanisms. In general, a notification request for change in an aspect value in a target object is forwarded to any object (which may be the same object or another object) having aspects from which the aspect value is computed, derived, or replicated.

Abstract: A process is provided for mapping the relationship of the content of a collection of documents (14). The process includes providing a collection (12) of documents (14) where each document (14) includes text. Relevance measures are determined that represent a relevance between each pair of documents (14) based upon the text of the documents (14). A graph (22) is then generated that has nodes (30) and edges (32) with each edge (32) connecting two nodes (30). The graph (22) has a node (30) associated with each document (14) and has an edge (32) connecting nodes (30) for which the relevance measure between associated documents (14) is greater than a specified threshold. In this manner, the graph (22) maps the relationship of the content of the collection (12) of documents (14).

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention provide a fail-safe event driven transaction processing for electronic commerce applications. The system includes at least one system node having multiple entities and processes for communicating with outside devices, such as ATMs and financial institutions. Multiple links are provided between the system nodes to provide flexible routing in case of down nodes. A configuration database accessible by the processes provides a backup entity or process for each entity and process. A system monitor resides at each system node monitors the operational status of each node and communicates the status to other nodes.

Abstract: A converter and method (10) for converting an assembly language computer program (12) into a high-level language computer program (20, 22) includes the steps of reading and storing the assembler listing (18) into an array in memory (102), logically tracing said assembler listing (112), determining which lines are reachable logically, and marking reachable and unreachable lines accordingly, and further determining an instruction type for each reachable line and identifying each line by type accordingly (114). A data table having a hierarchy of data elements in said assembler listing is built (118), a data division from said data table is generated (134), and an hierarchy of sections of code caused by perform instructions in said assembler listing are identified and labeled (122, 124). The assembler listing is converted into a source program in said high-level language and unloaded as the high-level language source program from memory.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of line data from measurements correlated with specific characteristics of an object measured. The invention provides that the measurements thus obtained are coded by measurement points and stored in an orientated matrix, the individual elements of this matrix are examined repeatedly for prescribed correlations and the elements meeting in each case the prescribed correlation are in each case coordinated into groups of point coordinates defining a line plot, and the line plots thus produced are depicted.

Abstract: A communication system (10) has a first computer (20), central controller (16) and controlled equipment (18). An operator may enter a desired performance by equipment (18) on first computer (20) which is placed in a communications packet with a device number, channel number, and one or more parameters and then sent to central controller (16) for processing. Central controller (16) loads the parameters into memory (270) and calls an appropriate function that uses the parameters to carry out the desired performance of the equipment (18). The receipt and processing of the communication packet may be acknowledged by the central controller (16) to computer (20).

Abstract: An automated check processing system includes an input device receiving checking account information and a check amount of a check provided for payment in a translation. A transaction database coupled to the input device then electronically receives and stores the checking account information and check amount, which are then downloaded to a power encoder. The power encoder receives checking account information and check amount for transactions occurring over a predetermined transaction period, and then matches the checks with the electronic checking account information and check amounts. A check having a match results in the electronic checking amount being encoded on its face.

Abstract: An automated activity-based management system and method (10) for making thereof are provided. A business organization has costs associated with its employees, facilities, equipment, and overhead to produce products or provide services. Such a business organization typically generates traditional general ledger accounting information (152) and human resources information (150). This traditional accounting information (150, 152, 154) is used along with information directed to activities, equipment usage and facilities utilization to generate costs associated with activities performed by the organization. A computer workstation (40) with a graphical user interface (42) is used to accept entries of activity information (74). The activity information and traditional accounting information are fed to a relational database (12). The information is processed and costs associated with the employee, facilities, equipment, and overhead components (20, 22, 24, 26) of activities are computed.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and system for monitoring the performance of a computer coupled to a computer network and, optionally, generating alerts when the performance of the computer has reached an alertable level. The method of monitoring the performance of the computer comprises repeatedly obtaining performance data using the computer wherein at least one performance value comprises a measure of the performance of the computer. The performance data is automatically sent over the computer network to a second computer coupled to the computer network. The performance data is then logged to a performance database using the second computer.

Abstract: Assessment tool (12) for measuring effectiveness of a target. The assessment tool (12) includes a first part (14) and second part (16). The first part (14) includes a plurality of independent objects (35) each displaying a statement (36) directed toward a characteristic of the target. The second part (16) includes at least one inquiry (52) directed toward the verifiable performance of the target.

Abstract: A system (10) is provided for analyzing failures arising in computing environments. The system (10) includes an interface (12) which receives information relating to a current failure in a computing environment. A database (18) stores information relating to at least one prior failure in the same computing environment or another computing environment. A processor (22), which is coupled to the interface (12) and the database (18), compares the received information relating to the current failure with the stored information relating to the prior failure in order to find similarities. The processor (22) may then instruct a user to take appropriate action in response to similarities between the current failure and the prior failure, thereby analyzing the failures.

Abstract: A system (10) for recursive document retrieval is provided. An original repository (12) comprises a plurality of documents (14), and a query (16) comprises information by which the original repository (12) can be analyzed to identify relevant documents (14). A retrieval engine (18) is coupled to the original repository (12) and receives the query (16). The retrieval engine (18) is operable to execute an automatic recursive retrieval process with respect to the original repository (12) using the query (16) where the automatic recursive retrieval process comprises a plurality of iterations. The retrieval engine (18) is also operable to provide as system output a retrieved repository (28) comprising a plurality of documents (30) from the original repository (12) identified as sufficiently relevant to the query (16) according to the automatic recursive retrieval process for detection as relevant documents.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automated reconfiguration of a client computer or user profile in a computer network. The invention allows a user to automatically reconfigure a client computer or user profile using computer software running on the client computer. The method of the invention comprises presenting a user of the client computer with a number of reconfiguration options using a user interface. The user may then select one or more of the reconfiguration options using the user interface. After receiving the user's input, a script is executed corresponding to the user's selection wherein the script causes a reconfiguration of the client computer or user profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for interacting with a computer reservation system. A client computer (12) generates commands in response to user input. A server computer (14) receives the commands and generates requests to a computer reservation system through application program interfaces responsive to the commands. After receiving sets of reservation data from the computer reservation system in response to the requests, the received data is normalized and selected portions are returned to the client computer (12).

Abstract: A system and method (10) for collecting and processing input data (16) and generating output data (24). The system (10) uses a plurality of dictionary tables (22) to control the reading, processing, and outputting of data. The system (10) includes at least one input processing table (32) having format and content information of the input data (16), and at least one output processing table (34) having format and content information of said output data (24). A multi-tasking process (60) is used to spawn a plurality of subtasks (90), each subtask processing one type of data, said subtasks accessing said input processing table (32) for determining how said input data (16) are to be read, and further accessing said output processing table (34) for determining how to create and format said output data (24). Other data dictionary tables (22) are used to track system activity and statistics, define the system that generated the data, and avoid duplicate processing of data.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and manipulating database files comprises a plurality of database files (19, 23, 50) and an object maintenance module (26). The database files (19, 23, 50) may generate database objects. The object maintenance module (26) may automatically generate a batch execution file (42). The batch execution file (42) may automatically execute the database files (19, 23, 50). In another aspect of the invention, the method and system may comprise a first database environment (22, 24) and a migration module (36). The first database environment (22, 24) may include a first set of database files (19, 23). The migration module (36) may automatically generate a second set of database files (50) from the first set of database files (19, 23). The second set of database files (50) are for use in connection with a second database environment (48). The migration module (36) may transfer the second database files (19, 23) to the second database environment (48).