Abstract: A computer-implemented method for modeling a target system includes defining a conditional constraint satisfaction problem (CondCSP) that characterizes the target system in terms of problem variables and constraints applicable to the problem variables. The constraints include conditional constraints, such that the variables associated with the conditional constraints each have a respective activity status. Existence variables are defined to represent the respective activity status of the variables associated with each of the one or more conditional constraints. A solution to the CondCSP is found by determining an assignment of the problem variables and the existence variables that satisfies the constraints.

Abstract: An electronic package and method for forming such package that expands the current capability of lines and/or reducing line resistance for packages with a given feature dimension while relaxing feature tolerances. The methods and structures include electrical wirings having regions of larger wire cross-sectional areas in locations where the package must supply higher current distribution to the electronic devices and/or where signal lines need lower electrical resistance. These larger wire cross-sectional areas are vertically extended conductors applied to either the entire conductor or portions of the conductor.

Abstract: A JTAG-compliant device is configured to receive data through the control (TMS) line in addition to being configured to receive data through the input (TDI) line. A burst-write instruction is made the active instruction, extending the capability of the test access protocol (TAP) controller such that the TAP controller can receive data into a data register while the TAP controller is in certain states. In some states, the TAP controller receives and stores a bit only from the input line. In other states, the TAP controller receives and stores a bit from the input line, and in addition, the TAP controller receives and stores a bit from the control line. The TAP controller may store the received bits by shifting the received bits into the least significant bit of a data register.

Abstract: A process for managing a supply chain by automatically analyzing shifting demand for personalized parts is provided. A plurality of orders is received. The plurality orders form a demand. The demand results in a set of parts that need to be personalized. The demand is analyzed against the current parts in the existing inventory. The current parts necessary to fulfill the demand are determined. Instructions for personalizing the current parts to correspond with the demand are generated. The instructions are processed.

Abstract: Multiple memory channels of a multi-channel memory architecture are effectively bridged together to enable data traffic associated with various nodes in daisy chain arrangement to be communicated over both memory channels. For example, a daisy chain arrangement of nodes, such as FB-DIMM memory modules disposed in a first memory channel may be coupled to a second memory channel, with support for communicating data associated with one of the nodes over either or both of the first and second memory channels.

Abstract: A system for protecting a weak device operating in micro-electronic circuit that includes a high voltage power supply from high voltage over stressing prevents the weak device from failing during power-up, power-down, and when a low voltage power supply in a multiple power supply system is absent. The system includes a low voltage power supply detection circuit configured to detect circuit power-up, circuit power-down, and when the low voltage power supply is absent, and generate a control signal upon detection. The system further includes a controlled current mirror device configured to provide a trickle current to maintain a conduction channel in the weak device in response to the control signal received from the low voltage power supply detection circuit during circuit power-up, circuit power-down, and when the low voltage power supply is absent.

Abstract: Memory allocation requests are satisfied from a memory pool or from lookaside lists, based on the memory size requested to be allocated. A method, for each of a number of future differently sized memory allocations, determines which memory allocations are to be satisfied from a lookaside list, and which memory allocations are to be satisfied from a memory pool. For each memory allocation to be satisfied from a lookaside list, a corresponding lookaside list for the allocation is initialized. A table is constructed that has a number of entries corresponding to all the differently sized memory allocations. Each entry corresponding to a memory allocation to be satisfied from a lookaside list points to the lookaside list for that memory allocation.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing a set of processors. A call from an operating system is received. The call indicates that a selected processor in the set of processors is unneeded for a period of time. In response to receiving this call, the operation of the selected processor is altered to reduce power usage during the period of time.

Abstract: A method of embedding an image into two images by performing a digital halftoning process on a Cartesian product of color spaces to embed the image into the two images. A digital halftoning process includes an iterative isotropic halftoning process. The iterative isotropic halftoning process for each iteration if Outimage has not changed between two iterations or maximum number of iterations reached, then exit the iterations loop.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to selectively provide power to a component disposed in an information storage and retrieval system. Applicants' method supplies a controller comprising a control portion in combination with a plurality of components comprising one or more host adapters, one or more device adapter ports, and a Fibre Channel switch. The method monitors the performance of each of those components. The method discontinues the supply of power to first component while continuing to provide power to the remaining plurality of components. The method then resumes providing power to the first component while continuing the supply of power to the remaining plurality of components.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method in which application program-specified resource allocation and allocation strength preferences are used to allocate hardware resources from a computer for that application program. The resource allocation preference is used to allocate hardware resources for the application program, while the allocation strength preference is used to determine whether to allocate alternate hardware resources when the resource allocation preference specified by the application program cannot be met.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for facilitating combinatorial logic modeling at an asynchronous clock domain crossing. The modeling technique employs a simulation value of X in combinatorial logic at the asynchronous clock domain crossing of a circuit being modeled to facilitate modeling of a potential combinatorial logic glitch at the crossing during metastability periods thereof. Employing the simulation value of X includes: generating one or more equivalent functional equations for one or more combinatorial paths through the combinatorial logic at the crossing; propagating the simulation value of X through the combinatorial logic using the at least one equivalent functional equation; and then converting the simulation value of X at an output of the combinatorial logic of the asynchronous clock domain crossing to a random logic value for further propagation within the circuit being modeled.

Abstract: When activities are operated in parallel, and there is only one status display, an ordered list is implemented with three methods of access: insertion at the top, removal from anywhere, and read of the top item. Items kept on this list are the status codes or words for the activities that are currently in progress. When a new activity begins, its status code or word is inserted at the top of the list. Whenever an activity completes, its code or word is removed from the list regardless of its location in the list, and in such a way as to preserve the order of the remaining entries in the list. Whenever the top entry in the list changes (whether through an insertion or removal), the single status display is updated to show the new top value.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which a display screen of an electronic device such as a laptop computer is double-hinged to a base or keyboard unit in such a manner as to allow the display screen to be opened while the bottom portion of the display screen is free to rotate toward a user to enable the user to view the display screen when little or no space is available at the rear of the display screen. A double-hinged arrangement including an extendable coupling is provided at the sides of the laptop such that there is access to the keyboard when the display screen is rotated upwardly and the bottom of the display screen is moved toward the user.

Abstract: In a process using a hot phosphoric acid etchant (12) to etch silicon nitride on a semiconductor wafer (15) submerged in a tank (11) of the etchant (12), a recirculating path is established for the etchant (12). A porous filter (35) is coated with silicon nitride and installed in the recirculating path. As the etchant (12) in the recirculating path flows through the porous filter (35), the silicon nitride on the porous filter (35) dissolves into the etchant (12). In the tank (11), the silicon nitride dissolved in the etchant (12) significantly suppresses the etch of silicon dioxide on the semiconductor wafer (15), thereby enhancing the etch selectivity of the process. Monitoring and maintaining the concentration of the silicon nitride in the etchant (12) stabilizes the etch selectivity of the process.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for testing an integrated circuit chip. The system including: means for forming a liquid polyalphaolefine layer on a bottom surface of the integrated circuit chip, a top surface of the integrated circuit chip having and a bottom surface not having signal and power pads; means for placing a surface of a heat sink into physical contact with the bottom surface of the polyalphaolefine layer; means for electrically coupling the integrated circuit chip to a tester; means for electrically testing the integrated circuit chip; means for electrically de-coupling the integrated circuit chip from the tester; means for removing the heat sink from contact with the polyalphaolefine layer, all or a portion of the polyalphaolefine layer remaining on the bottom surface of the integrated circuit chip; and means for removing the polyalphaolefine layer from the bottom surface of the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method (and system) of automatically generating a story, includes selecting a theme of the story, examining elements of the theme and instantiating the theme, and using the theme to select and control other aspects of the story.

Abstract: A land grid array (LGA) interposer structure, including an electrically insulating carrier plane, and at least one interposer mounted on a first surface of said carrier plane. The interposer possesses a hemi-toroidal configuration in transverse cross-section and is constituted of a dielectric elastomeric material. A plurality of electrically-conductive elements are arranged about the surface of the at least one hemi-toroidal interposer and extend radically inwardly and downwardly from an uppermost end thereof into electrical contact with at least one component located on an opposite side of the electrically insulating carrier plane. Provided is also a method of producing the land grid array interposer structure.

Abstract: A system and method for managing contract data. A contract dataset is received by a decentralized execution system (DES) from a procurement contract management system (PCMS). The contract dataset is passed through a software filter that determines whether to store the contract dataset or a portion thereof in a relational database that includes contract datasets, vendor datasets, and purchase item datasets. If the software filter determines not to so store the contract dataset or the portion thereof, then the software filter determines whether to store the contract dataset or a portion thereof in a special database of the DES. An execution document at the DES is updated by replacing an existing attribute value of the execution document by a new attribute value communicated to the DES by the PCMS. Additionally, a contract is archived if each such DES sends permission to the PCMS to archive the contract.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for transferring data from a master to a set of applications executing on a slave. Data is received from a master at a device driver in the slave. The data is parsed for an identifier by a virtual hub in the slave, wherein the identifier is associated with the data by the master. The data is sent to an application within the set of applications based on the identifier.