Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for implementing a sparse file system for an operating system partition. In one implementation, a non-global partition is created within a global operating system environment. A file system is then established for the non-global partition. This file system may comprise one or more virtual directories, which reference other directories. Referencing other directories in this manner makes it is possible to avoid having to copy all of the files used by processes running in the non-global partition into the file system. As a result, storage and other system resources can be saved.

Abstract: A method for sending a plurality of messages to a plurality of recipients including obtaining the plurality of messages for the plurality of recipients, grouping the plurality of messages into a data structure, generating a system call from a user-level application to a kernel, wherein the system call includes a reference to the data structure, and for each message in the plurality of messages in the data structure: extracting a selected message from the plurality of messages in the data structure using the reference to the data structure, and sending the selected message to one of the plurality of recipients.

Abstract: Managing speculative execution via groups of one or more actions corresponding to atomic traces enables efficient processing of flag-related actions, as atomic traces advantageously enable single checkpoints of flag values at atomic trace boundaries. Checkpointing flags on-demand for atomic traces in a processor system uses a flag checkpoint table to store a plurality of flag checkpoints, each corresponding to an atomic trace. The table is selectively accessed to provide flag information to restore speculative flags when an atomic trace is aborted. A corresponding flag checkpoint is allocated to an invalid state when an atomic trace is renamed. An action that updates flags initializes the corresponding flag checkpoint (if invalid). If the atomic trace is aborted, then the table is searched according to program order starting with the entry corresponding to the aborted atomic trace. The first (if any) valid checkpoint found is used for flag restoration.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for generating software documentation are disclosed. A software documentation generator may input a variety of information sources. In one embodiment, these information sources may include various types of files such as application source code files, tag library files, tag library descriptors (TLD), library source code, web services description language (WSDL) files, configuration files, defect reports, and text files. The software documentation generator may analyze each source to determine its type and use this information to extract documentation data from the source according to the format of the data included in that source. The software documentation generator may reformat the documentation data extracted from each source into a uniform format and aggregate the uniformly formatted data into a uniformly formatted aggregate input document.

Abstract: A network system which includes a plurality of processing entities, an interconnect device coupled to the plurality of processing entities, a memory system coupled to the interconnect device and the plurality of processing entities, a network interface unit coupled to the plurality of processing entities and the memory system via the interconnect device. The network interface includes a memory access module and a packet classifier. The memory access module includes a plurality of parallel memory access channels. The packet classifier provides a flexible association between packets and the plurality of processing entities via the plurality of memory access channels.

Abstract: A differential amplifier has improved power efficiency, reduced offset penalty and a symmetrical output differential signal. Such a differential amplifier may include: (a) a bias circuit that has a first input device and a second input device; (b) a first load device and a second load device, each biased by a bias voltage from the bias circuit; and (c) a third input device and a fourth input device that are connected in series with the first load device and the second load device, respectively. In that differential amplifier, the differential input signal is applied across the first and second input devices, as well as across the third and the fourth input devices. The first, second, third and fourth input devices are sized such that a total current in the first and second input devices bears a predetermined ratio to a total current in the third and fourth input devices.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a method for loading a kernel module. The method involves loading a preload module into a kernel. Loading the preload module includes creating a dynamic dependency list. Loading the kernel module further includes loading the kernel module comprising a static dependency list into the kernel, and triggering a hook when the static dependency list is reviewed. The module information associated with the kernel is obtained using the hook. Loading the kernel module further includes searching for a dynamic dependency associated with the kernel module in the dynamic dependency list using the module information, and updating the static dependency list with the dynamic dependency to obtain an updated static dependency list if the dynamic dependency associated with the kernel module is present in the dynamic dependency list.

Abstract: An automatic phase detection circuit for generating an internal synchronization signal when two clock input signals achieve a certain phase relationship. No external reference signal is required. The logic state of one clock is sampled on the active edge of the other clock and stored in a shift register. The content of the shift register is compared to a pre-defined signature and a sync signal is generated when the content matches the pre-defined signature. A mask register may be used to define which bits of the shift register and pre-defined signature are compared.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for improving the remote display of graphics images by the redirection of rendering and the optional use of image data compression. Instead of sending graphics commands over a network and rendering on a remote computer system, graphics commands may be automatically redirected by modified OpenGL functions to local graphics devices without explicit involvement by the graphics application. The modifications to a set of the OpenGL functions on the local system are transparent in the normal mode of rendering and displaying locally. After an image is rendered locally, it may be read back and sent across the network. A standard X Server on the remote system may be sufficient to support this methodology. An X Extension for data decompression on the remote system, however, may allow for more efficient image transmission through the use of image data compression.

Abstract: A method for comparing phases of two signals including placing a first output node in a floating state, detecting a first edge of a first signal on a first input node after placing the first output node in the floating state, coupling the first edge of the first signal to the first output node and resetting the first output node to the floating state after coupling the first edge of the first signal to the first output node. A system for comparing phases of two signals can also be included.

Abstract: A distributed data system may include nodes hosting at least one multi-threaded process operable to access portions of distributed data. A lock mechanism may grant locks to multi-threaded processes for portions of the distributed data. Only a process holding a lock may access a portion corresponding to the lock. Threads of other processes may not access the portion. A process may include one or more threads that may acquire a locks for the distributed data portion on behalf of the process. In one embodiment, the lock mechanism may allow any thread of a process release a lock held by the process. In embodiments, the last thread to access the distributed data portion corresponding to the lock may release the lock in response to no more threads of the process require access to the distributed data portion and/or in response to a request to release the lock.

Abstract: In a computer system with a garbage-collected heap memory, a cache of modified reference locations is associated with each application thread. The cache comprises a plurality of reference cache entries that are encoded in one of a plurality of ways. Using a write barrier that operates during a store operation, each application thread records modified references in its associated reference cache. Only when an entry must be evicted to make room for new information or when the thread is suspended is further processing of the reference cache required.

Abstract: A bracket retainer is provided for securing an adapter card in a computer chassis in manner that maintains the electrical and the mechanical stability of the computer chassis and adapter card. This bracket retainer approach secures the adapter card to the computer chassis by utilizing a rotating door structure that allows the adapter card to be tightened into its card connector, as a rear tab of the adapter card, which is protruding through an opening of a rear panel of the computer chassis, is engaged by the rotating door structure. This bracket retainer approach also allows the bracket retainer to be secured to the computer chassis by interlocking the door structure with a top cover of the computer chassis.

Abstract: A technique for operating a computing apparatus includes allocating a working register file entry corresponding to a register in a working register file when an instruction referencing the register proceeds through a particular stage of the computing apparatus. The technique maintains the working register file entry until at least a predetermined number of subsequent instructions have similarly proceeded through the particular stage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a secure tunnel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining cooling fan speeds that should be avoided to prevent vibational resonance with system enclosures, given ambient conditions, and/or current geographic altitude. An exemplary method to determine one or more ranges of fan speed for one or more cooling fans in a chassis with one or more systems to avoid vibrational resonance in the chassis caused by the one or more cooling fans is provided. The method includes determining a range of operable fan speed for the one or more cooling fans that meets the cooling goal of the one or more systems in the chassis, wherein the one or more cooling fans are used to cool the chassis, and the one or more systems. The method also includes scanning fan speed for the one or more cooling fans over the determined range of operable fan speed, and collecting and analyzing read or write rates on a hard disk drive in the one or more systems over the determined range of operable fan speed.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for providing a user's web service provider's (WSP's) access information to a web service consumer (WSC). In one embodiment, a directory service provider (DSP) receives, from a WSC, a request for a particular user's WSP access information. The request contains identifying information that is associated with the particular user. A repository indicates, for each user, an associated user characteristic. Each user characteristic is associated with a separate template object that indicates one or more WSP instances' access information. In response to receiving the request, the DSP determines, from the repository, the user characteristic that is associated with the particular user. The DSP sends, in a response to the WSC's request, the one or more WSP instances' access information that is indicated in the template object that is associated with the particular user's associated user characteristic. The WSC may use the WSP access information to direct a query to a particular WSP.

Abstract: A method for a coarse write barrier control mechanism comprises maintaining a control table comprising a plurality of entries, where each entry may include an encoding of a write barrier function associated with a corresponding region of a heap. In response to a detection of a mutator write operation directed at the heap, the method includes selecting a particular entry of the control table that corresponds to a heap address specified in the write operation, and identifying a write barrier function from among a plurality of write barrier functions based on the encoding included in the selected entry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing the content integrity of and access to object data and code in a distributed system. Content protecting URLs provide a mechanism for checking code or data transmitted out-of-band. Dynamic permission grants are supported during program execution for code or users unknown prior to runtime.

Abstract: A method for transferring heat from a first location to a second location includes thermoelelectrically transferring heat from the first location to a third location; and transferring heat from the third location to the second location through a magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) flow. A cooling system includes a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) component; and a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) component, wherein the MHD component and the TEC component are in thermal contact.