Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention facilitates low-level systems programming in dynamic, “pointer-safe” programming languages, which disallow arbitrary references through pointers. It does so by avoiding the creation of object instances in the traditional fashion. Rather, a large heap is defined to store dynamically allocated data objects, and explicit memory management operations are implemented in order to allocate and deallocate memory from the heap. Traditional object pointers are replaced by indices to the heap. The described technique allows the bypassing of traditional object allocation, thus making object allocation static from the viewpoint of the pointer-safe programming language—with the exception of the large array that is allocated to serve as the heap. Since the new memory system is implemented on top of an existing automatic memory system, varying degrees of automatic and manual memory management are possible.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a flexible method of allocating groups of virtual circuits in a network as a virtual circuit bunch. A virtual circuit bunch of arbitrary number can be set up with the ease and table entries needed for setting up only a single virtual circuit. A single virtual circuit bunch can have plural destinations. Further, a virtual circuit bunch can be routed to the same destination over different routes. Connections across the network can be initiated as separate virtual circuits and then be grouped together as a virtual circuit bunch. The implementation of virtual circuit bunches permits rapid setup of virtual circuits and reduced table sizes at individual nodes of the network. A fast connect service can be implemented using virtual circuit bunches without establishing a connection by assigning a fast connect packet to one virtual circuit of a virtual circuit bunch.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for automatically updating timepieces as time zone boundaries are crossed. Time zone boundaries are identified on mapping software and combined with location information from a GPS receiver to determine when a time zone boundary is crossed. In another approach, information about current time transmitted to a timepiece for update from transmitter(s) located at one or more locations frequented by travellers, such as airports, railroad and bus terminals, ports of call and hotels.

Abstract: An optimized, superscalar microprocessor architecture for supporting graphics operations in addition to the standard microprocessor integer floating point operations is provided. Independent execution paths are provided for different graphics instructions to allow parallel execution of instructions which commonly occur together. The invention also optimizes the use of register file accesses to avoid, as much as possible, interference between graphics instructions needing to access a register file and other instruction accesses which would occur in combination with graphics instructions, thereby avoiding pipeline stalls and allowing parallel execution.

Abstract: A method for separating content and layout of formatted data objects to convert a computer readable document into a structured mark-up document. A computer readable document containing content data and formatting data is converted into an XML-document whereby the content data and formatting data are separated and are arranged as separate elements in the XML-document. The computer readable document contain first formatting data which are directly assigned to a formatted object and second formatting data contained in a separate formatting template. On the XML-document, the first formatting data are then arranged in a formatting element and the second formatting data in a parent formatting element referring back to the child formatting element.

Abstract: A bus driver introduces a propagation delay of programmable duration prior to transmission of data over a bus. The bus driver has an input stage for acquiring data for transmission over a bus and an output stage having a driver circuit for transmitting data received from the input stage over the bus. The input stage has a first storage element for storing the data for a first period of time responsive to a first clock signal; and a second storage element for storing the data received from the first storage element for a second period of time whose duration is responsive to a second clock signal. The bus driver also has a programmable delay module coupled with the second storage element for regulating the second clock signal in response to a programmable digital signal and thereby regulating duration of the second period of time.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates developing an application that implements garbage collection (such as a virtual machine) using a first compiler and then compiling the application with a second compiler that provides support for efficient garbage collection. The system operates by developing the application using a first compiler and proxy objects, so that during execution of the application, pointers within the system stack point indirectly to data objects through proxy objects. These proxy objects are used during the garbage collection process to identify data objects that are referenced by the pointers within the system stack. Next, the system provides a second compiler that produces stack maps that identify pointers in the system stack. This allows the garbage collection process to identify objects referenced by the pointers in the system stack without using proxy objects.

Abstract: An electronic system may include a mounting structure that allows a switch to be firmly attached to the electronic system. The switch may have one or more snap lock mechanisms attached to a body of the switch. The mounting structure may have an opening sized to allow the switch and the snap lock mechanisms to be inserted into the mounting structure. The mounting structure may include an undercut portion in a wall of the mounting structure. The mounting panel may also include a channel configured to accept a width of the snap lock mechanism. The undercut portion of the wall may be located in a channel wall. When the switch is inserted into the mounting structure, the snap lock mechanism may engage the undercut portion of the mounting structure to securely hold the switch to the mounting structure.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer program products are disclosed that allow the user of an application to customize the graphical user interface (GUI) for the user's needs. The invention engages in a dialog with the user to determine which GUI features are desired by the user. Depending on the user's answers a model representation of the GUI (a configuration) is saved. The invention provides the user with the ability to select and use the saved configurations.

Abstract: To authenticate and authorize prospective members in a reliable multicast data distribution setup, the prospective members contact a central authority to obtain a “participation certificate” for the multicast session. The central authority authenticates each node and issues a digitally signed certificate to the node. Each certificate contains information specifying the manner in which the respective node is authorized to participate in the multicast session in addition to the respective node's public key. The nodes exchange their participation certificates with each other during session-establishment dialog to prove their identities and their authorization to participate. Each node verifies the rights of other nodes based on authorization information contained in the participation certificate received from the other node. Thus, a node is allowed to participate as a repair node only if it presents a participation certificate authorizing it to do so.

Abstract: An instruction pipeline is provided which can handle stack cache misses without stalling. The instruction pipeline includes a stack cache fetch stage configured to retrieve data from a stack cache and a data cache fetch stage configured to retrieve data from a data cache. The instruction pipeline writes data out during a write stage that occurs at the end of the instruction pipeline. Thus, instead of stalling on a stack cache miss, the instruction pipeline can continue processing and issuing a data cache request in the data cache fetch stage for the required data. In addition, some embodiments of the invention include a feedback path between the stack cache fetch stage and pipeline stages following the stack cache fetch stage. If the stack cache fetch stage requires data from an address that is also being used by a later pipeline stage, the data in the later pipeline stage is sent to the stack cache fetch stage through the feedback path.

Abstract: A heat sink structure includes first and second add-on heat sinks mounted to a primary heat sink. The add-on heat sinks are thermally connected to the primary heat sink such that the effective heat transfer surface area for dissipating heat to the ambient environment is increased compared to the surface area of the primary heat sink alone. Increasing the effective heat transfer surface area enhances heat transfer from the primary heat sink. The add-on heat sinks also restrict air from flowing between the primary heat sink and a cabinet of the computer system. In this manner, the add-on heat sinks force air to flow between the fins of the primary heat sink, thus further enhancing heat transfer from the primary heat sink.

Abstract: An information handling system includes a plurality of transmission lines coupled together at one end and having a characteristic impedance, a driver circuit coupled to one of the transmission lines, and at least one receiver circuit coupled to the transmission lines. At least one driver circuit includes pull-up and pull-down circuits each having output resistances. The parallel combination of the pull-up and pull-down resistances matches the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. When the driver is used to terminate the transmission line, the pull-up and pull down circuits are enabled at approximately the same time, thus terminating the line. On-chip terminators may alternatively be used for termination, the terminators either including pull-up and pull-down circuits substantially similar to those described for the drivers, or may include a single resistance tied to a voltage other than an upper or lower rail.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for receiving data analysis instructions from a user and for displaying results of the data analysis to the user. In one embodiment, the invention provides a series of interface windows displayed on a computer display screen. A first window allows a user to select one or more specification files comprising reference data specifying capabilities and or resources with which other data is to be compared. A second window allows the user to select one or more data files to be compared to the one or more specification files selected using the first window. A third window allows the user to interactively select the type of analysis to be performed and provides the results of the selected analysis to the user. The third window also allows the user to interactively apply one or more filters to the results and to select the manner (view) in which the results are displayed.

Abstract: A computer generated document file comprises content data and template data including, for example, formatting information. The size of the document file is reduced by removing unused and/or duplicate template data.

Abstract: A development suite for developing and testing internationalized software includes, in addition to an ASCII English locale, a multibyte English locale. The presence of a multibyte English locale permits early discovery and correction of errors by English speaking developers which would otherwise only be found during localization of the software for a country where a multibyte representation was required. A system and a computer program product also utilize a multibyte English locale.

Abstract: A computer-based method of interactively generating an index page displays a window including a list of index page types. Upon selection of one index page type in the list of index page types, a window including a list of index line types is displayed. Upon selection of one index line type in the list of index line types, a token string including a plurality of tokens is displayed. The plurality of tokens includes only tokens appropriate for the one index line. Upon selection of one token, or alternatively a window for entering content associated with the one token, user selectable attributes for the content associated with the at least one token are displayed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using a sash control graphic to resize panes in a window are disclosed herein. In the present invention, a sash control comprising at least one direction area and a drag area is used to resize panes in a display window. Information reflecting a first configuration of the panes within the window is stored. The panes may be automatically reset to the first configuration from a second configuration within the window based on the stored information in response to a single-action activation of the at least one direction area of the sash control without moving or dragging the sash control.

Abstract: One or more embodiments provide the ability to use multiple path formats in an object oriented system. A path maintains the ability to translate itself into a recognizable format for use by applications. The recognizable format may be a standard Bezier Path format or an iterator that provides the ability to iterate along the path, one curve segment at a time. Multiple applications may use the self-translation ability. In one embodiment, when an application desires to perform a transform, it determines if the transform may be performed on the path (i.e., whether the path is recognizable). If the path is recognizable, the transform is performed directly on the path. If the path is not recognizable, the path translates itself into a recognizable format and the transform performs the action on the recognizable path (the transform must maintain the ability to perform the transform on the standard format). Determining whether the path is recognizable may consist of a two stage negotiation process.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing computing overhead in a distributed client/server based computing system which utilize an efficient framework for marshaling and unmarshaling argument object references are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, a method of unmarshaling an argument object reference, which includes a subcontract identifier, that is a part of an argument encapsulated within a marshal buffer involves identifying the subcontract identifier associated with the argument object reference, using the identified subcontract identifier to identify an appropriate associated unmarshal method, and calling the associated unmarshal method. In another aspect of the invention, a method of marshaling an argument object reference, which includes a subcontract identifier, that is a part of an argument encapsulated within a marshal buffer involves invoking a marshal method of a client representation in the argument object reference passing the marshal buffer as an argument to the marshal method.