Abstract: A cooperative data stream processing system is provided that utilizes a plurality of independent, autonomous and possibly heterogeneous sites in a cooperative arrangement to execute jobs derived from user-define inquires over dynamic, continuous streams of data. A method is provided for cooperative planning for the execution of the jobs across the distributed plurality of sites. An identification of the resources available for sharing from each one of the plurality of sites is communicated to one or more planners disposed on the distributed sites. These planners use the resource information to generate planning domains in which the jobs can be processed. Upon receipt of an inquiry at one of the sites, the inquiry is communicated to one of the planners that uses the planning domain to create at least one distributed plan for the inquiry. Processing of the inquiry is conducted in accordance with the distributed plan.

Abstract: A system and method for booting a multiprocessor device based on selection of encryption keys to be provided to the processors are provided. With the system and method, a security key and one or more randomly generated key values are provided to a selector mechanism of each processor of the multiprocessor device. A random selection mechanism is provided in pervasive logic that randomly selects one of the processors to be a boot processor and thereby, provides a select signal to the selector of the boot processor such that the boot processor selects the security key. All other processors select one of the one or more randomly generated key values. As a result, only the randomly selected boot processor is able to use the proper security key to decrypt the boot code for execution.

Abstract: A hetero-bonded SOI substrate comprises a stack of a semiconductor handle substrate, an isolation insulator layer, a depinning dielectric layer, and a top non-silicon semiconductor layer. The depinning layer abuts both the top non-silicon semiconductor layer and the isolation insulator layer and relaxes Fermi level pinning in the top non-silicon semiconductor layer. The top non-silicon semiconductor layer may be a III-V compound semiconductor layer such as GaAs and the depinning dielectric layer may be a (GdxGa1-x)2O3 layer. The interface defect density may be reduced below 5.0×1011 cm?2 eV?1.

Abstract: Method, system and article of manufacture are provided for continually monitoring reliability, or aging, of a digital system and for issuing a warning signal if digital system operation degrades to or past a specified threshold. The technique includes periodically determining a maximum frequency of operation of the digital system, and generating a warning signal indicative of a reliability degradation of the digital system if at least one of: (i) a measured or estimated maximum frequency of operation of the digital system is below a warning threshold frequency of operation of the digital system, wherein the warning threshold frequency is greater than or equal to a manufacturer specified minimum frequency of operation for the digital system; or (ii) a rate of change in the difference between measured maximum frequencies of operation of the digital system exceeds an acceptable rate of change threshold for the digital system.

Abstract: A signal distribution tree structure for distributing signals within a plurality of signal tree branches to a plurality of signal sinks, wherein the signal in subsequent sub trees (11) is driven by a preceding amplifier (2), which is characterized in that the amplifiers are logic gates (3), Which combines the signals of a preferred input (31) connected to a preceding logic gate in the signal path with a signal, of a secondary input (32) connected to an adjacent tree (12) path of a neighboring and/our preceding sub tree.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program for systematically testing the functionality of all connections in a multi-tiered bus system that connects a large number of processors. Each bus controller is instructed to send a test version of a snoop request to all of the other processors and to wait for the replies. If a connection is bad, the port associated with that connection will time out. Detection of a time-out will cause the initialization process to be halted until the problem can be isolated and resolved.

Abstract: Methods of forming silicided contacts self-aligned to a gate from polysilicon germanium and a structure so formed are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes: forming a polysilicon germanium (poly SiGe) pedestal over a gate dielectric over a substrate; forming a poly SiGe layer over the poly SiGe pedestal, the poly SiGe layer having a thickness greater than the poly SiGe pedestal; doping the poly SiGe layer; simultaneously forming a gate and a contact to each side of the gate from the poly SiGe layer, the gate positioned over the poly SiGe pedestal; annealing to drive the dopant from the gate and the contacts into the substrate to form a source/drain region below the contacts; filling a space between the gate and the contacts; and forming silicide in the gate and the contacts.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for communicating Web-Services (WS) messages. First there is allocated an identical amount of a cache history storage at each sender and receiver device for storing a history of communicated WS message strings. At the sender, there is generated an intermediate data representations of each message being built, the corresponding message string stored in the cache history storage. The message is communicated as a serialized data string according to the built data representation. For each subsequent message to be communicated, the method comprises identifying identical portions in intermediate data representations of a current message being built and replacing each identified portion in message strings with a reference indicator to a location in the cache history storage corresponding to an identical character string portion associated with a prior message that has been communicated.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are provided, for maintaining a path history register of register indirect branches. A set of bits is generated based on a set of target address bits using a hit selection and/or a hash function operation, and the generated set of bits is inserted into a path history register by shifting bits in the path history register and/or applying a hash operation, information corresponding to prior history is removed from the path history register, using a shift out operation and/or a hash operation. The path, history register is used to maintain a recent target, table and generate register-indirect branch target address predictions based on path history correlation between register-indirect branches captured by the path history register.

Abstract: A reception management system for handling transactions includes a plurality of ACMs (Automated Contract/Consulting Terminals) for receiving procedure requests for predetermined transactions from customers, a plurality of ROTs (Remote Operation Terminals) to be employed by an operator for handling the procedure requests, a server for storing information for managing the operators for each transaction skill, and information about queues formed for each transaction skill upon a procedure request accepted from an ACM, and a queue monitoring terminal for monitoring the queues by receiving information from the SACD server.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure of strained MOSFETs, comprising both PMOSFETs and NMOSFETS, and a method for fabricating strained MOSFETs are disclosed that optimize strain in the MOSFETs, and more particularly maximize the strain in one kind (P or N) of MOSFET and minimize and relax the strain in another kind (N or P) of MOSFET. A strain inducing CA nitride coating having an original full thickness is formed over both the PMOSFETs and the NMOSFETs, wherein the strain inducing coating produces an optimized full strain in one kind of semiconductor device and degrades the performance of the other kind of semiconductor device. The strain inducing CA nitride coating is etched to a reduced thickness over the other kind of semiconductor devices, wherein the reduced thickness of the strain inducing coating relaxes and produces less strain in the other MOSFETs.

Abstract: A field effect device is disclosed which has a body formed of a crystalline semiconductor material and has at least one vertically oriented section and at least one horizontally oriented section. The device is produced in SOI technology by fabricating first a formation of the device in masking insulators, and then transferring this formation through several etching steps into the SOI layer. The segmented field effect device combines FinFET, or fully depleted silicon-on-insulator FETs, type devices with fully depleted planar devices. This combination allows device width control with FinFET type devices. The segmented field effect device gives high current drive for a given layout area. The segmented field effect devices allow for the fabrication of high performance processors.

Abstract: A system for providing a test environment for database server-side objects persistently stores a profile for a plurality of test runs for database server-side objects, where the profile comprises persistently stored test parameter values, pre-execution scripts, and/or post-execution scripts. Once the profile is created, it can be selected for subsequent test runs for one or more objects. A plurality of profiles for the objects may also be created. The system eliminates the need for a manual set up or destruction of the test environment for each test run, improving efficiency in the development of database server-side objects significantly.

Abstract: A computer comprising a processor, a volatile main store, a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) mirror store, and optionally a cache for the non-volatile mirror store. While programs of the computer are operational, the contents of the volatile main store are mirrored in the non-volatile mirror store such that when a startup signal is received, the contents of the volatile main store are quickly restored from the contents of the non-volatile mirror store.

Abstract: A generic RAID engine system accepts an access request, accepts a metadata input comprising a layout description and, optionally, a plurality of resource optimization objectives, accepts a dynamic input comprising a dynamic state of an I/O stack comprising the generic RAID engine and a fault configuration of a plurality of storage devices in the I/O stack, and accepts RAID code input comprising information about the RAID code used by the I/O stack. The metadata input, the dynamic input, and the RAID code input are utilized to transform the access request into individual device reads and individual device writes such that RAID code relationships for the storage devices are maintained at all times. An optional optimizer module selects strategies that meet the resource optimization objectives.

Abstract: A system for determining a processing sequence of steel plates includes a constraint storage unit for storing positional constraints that define ranges of positions into which each type of steel plate is to be inserted when the steel plates are arranged in the processing sequence; a selecting unit for preferentially selecting, as a position into which a new steel plate is to be inserted in an array of steel plates already arranged in the processing sequence, a position having a larger expectation value of the number of steel plates that can be further inserted into the array of steel plates after the insertion of the new steel plate while satisfying the positional constraints; and an inserting unit for inserting the new steel plate into the selected position and for outputting data indicating the array of steel plates after the insertion.

Abstract: A system and method implemented in a Customer Information Control System (CICS) Application configured to process information residing on remote systems and display such information on a local system, using a same program residing on both the remote system(s) and the local system. The method includes, for example, sending programming functions of a local system with a request for information to a remote system. The method further includes processing the programming functions of the local system with the request for information on the remote system to obtain updated information from the remote system. The updated information is sent to the local system for display.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an enhanced layer of security to protect the file system from malicious programs are provided. An additional layer of security for protecting data and to minimize successful attacks by malicious programs is provided. This additional layer uses the feature of code signing to verify that the code is from a source which the code claims to be from, and also that the code has not been tampered with by a malicious party. The file system provides a feature by which certificates are mapped to portions of a file system, e.g., files/directories, such that only programs that are certified by those certificates are able to read/modify those portions of the file system.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) includes power supply interconnects that couple to a power source. The integrated circuit includes electronic devices that perform desired functions and further includes decoupling capacitor circuits that provide noise reduction throughout the integrated circuit. In one embodiment, each decoupling capacitor circuit includes a decoupling capacitor and a switching circuit. The switching circuit connects the decoupling capacitor to the power supply interconnects during a connect mode when the switching circuit detects no substantial decoupling capacitor leakage. However, the switching circuit effectively disconnects the decoupling capacitor from the power supply interconnects during a disconnect mode when the switching circuit detects substantial decoupling capacitor leakage. The decoupling capacitor circuit self-initializes in the connect mode without external control signals and is thus self-contained.

Abstract: A field effect device includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, a channel formed between the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a gate electrode formed directly on the channel and arranged in a gap between the source electrode and the drain electrode. The channel includes a switching material that is reversibly switchable between a lower conductivity state and a higher conductivity state. The first conductivity state has an electrical conductivity which is lower than an electrical conductivity of the second conductivity state. Each of the conductivity states is persistent without the need for a sustaining excitation signal including an electrical field, heat and/or light applied to the device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for choosing a position on a display having a cursor.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a fast file synchronization in a data processing system. A memory management unit divides a file stored in system memory into a collection of data block groups. In response to a master (e.g., processing unit, peripheral, etc.) modifying a first data block group among the collection of data block groups, the memory management unit writes a first block group number associated with the first data block group to system memory. In response to a master modifying a second data block group, the memory management unit writes the first data block group to a hard disk drive and writes a second data block group number associated with the second data block group to system memory. In response to a request to update modified data block groups of the file stored in the system memory to the hard disk drive, the memory management unit writes the second data block to the hard disk drive.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for repairing a damaged contact pad that is located on a first surface of a printed circuit board and connected to a via that passes through the circuit board. According to the method, a countersink hole is created in the first surface of the printed circuit board in a location that is substantially centered on an axis passing through the via, and a replacement structure is inserted into the countersink hole. The replacement structure has a stem portion, a head portion, and a shoulder portion that connects the stem and head portions, with the angle of the shoulder portion substantially matching the angle of the shoulder of the countersink hole. The stem portion of the replacement structure is permanently attached to sidewalls of the via so as to electrically couple the head portion of the replacement structure to the via.

Abstract: A method and structure is disclosed for dispatching appropriate data to a network processing system comprising an improved technique for extracting protocol header fields for use by the network processor. This technique includes basic classification of a packet according to the types of protocol headers present in the packet. Based on the results of the classification, specific parameter fields are extracted from corresponding headers. All such parameter fields from one or more protocol headers in the packet are concatenated into a compressed dispatch message. Multiple of such dispatch messages are bundled into a single composite dispatch message. Thus selected header fields from N packets are passed to the network processor in a single composite dispatch message, increasing the network processor's packet forwarding capacity by a factor of N. Likewise, multiple enqueue messages are bundled into a single composite enqueue message to direct enqueue and frame alterations to be taken on the bundle of N packets.

Abstract: A method of and system for frequency clocking in a processor core are disclosed. In this system, at least one processor core is provided, and that at least one processor core has a clocking subsystem for generating an analog output clock signal at a variable frequency. Digital frequency control data and an analog signal are both transmitted to that at least one processor core; and that processor core uses the received analog signal and digital frequency control data to set the frequency of the output clock signal of the clocking subsystem. In a preferred implementation, multiple cores are asynchronously clocked and the core frequencies are independently set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening two substantially coplanar edges without a weld is disclosed. The method includes: configuring a dovetail feature on a first edge; configuring a complementary dovetail feature receptacle on a second edge to receive the dovetail feature therein; disposing the dovetail feature within the complementary dovetail receptacle; and swaging an interface defined between the dovetail feature in said first edge and said complementary dovetail feature in the second edge to swage mating edges defining the dovetail feature and the dovetail receptacle at least six swage contact points. In one embodiment the swaging is with a hollow circle punch.

Abstract: An electronic circuit layout refinement method and system. A grid of equally sized tiles is defined on a circuit layout area. Each tile of the grid has a respective critical area estimate metric associated with critical area estimates for a circuit to be placed on the circuit layout area. A global circuit routing for a circuit to be placed within a plurality of tiles of the grid is performed. An estimation of critical area estimate metrics that are assigned to respective tiles of the grid is performed prior to performing a detailed circuit routing for the circuit. The global circuit routing is adjusted, after estimating the critical area estimate metrics, in order to improve a respective critical area estimate metric assigned to at least one tile of the grid. The adjusted global circuit routing is then produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the customization of virtual machine images. The method comprises identifying and retrieving a virtual machine image template. A customized virtual machine image is created from the virtual machine image template. The customized virtual machine image template being created by identifying at least one file-system or memory image that is associated with the virtual machine image template, identifying within the at least one file-system or memory image at least one data set, wherein the at least one data set comprises metadata. The metadata contains information detailing the required execution context customization aspects for at least one specified image subset of the virtual machine. Execution context-specific information that is required to customize the image subset of the virtual machine is retrieved. Further, the image subset of the virtual machine is modified in accordance with the retrieved execution context-specific information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer program product for implementing a business systems management solution for end-to-end event management. The present invention realizes a number of business systems management functionalities, including defining event databases and means for event monitoring and correlating a customer's business functions by using an enterprise view focused on a system of applications, operating systems, connections, and physical components. Together these components make up a business system as defined by the customer. As such, a business system can cross technology platforms, physical space, and comprise multiple applications, or a business system could be limited to a single platform, location, and application.

Abstract: Improved write operation techniques for use in phase-change-material (PCM) memory devices are disclosed. By way of one example, a method of performing a write operation in a phase-change-material memory cell, the memory cell having a set phase and a reset phase associated therewith, comprises the following steps. A word-line associated with the memory cell is monitored. Performance of a write operation to the memory cell for the set phase is initiated when the word-line is activated. The write operation to the memory cell for the set phase may then be continued when valid data for the set phase is available. A write operation to the memory cell for the reset phase may be performed when valid data for the reset phase is available. Other improved PCM write operation techniques are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing a translation within a voice stream can include receiving a speech signal in a first language, determining text from the speech signal, translating the text to a second and different language, and encoding the translated text within the speech signal.

Abstract: A task obtained by a communications processor is decomposed into one or more requests that form a request group. The requests of the request group are sent to main memory and responses to those requests are expected. There may be requests for a plurality of request groups being processed concurrently. However, responses to the request groups are to be returned to the communications processor in the order in which the request groups were sent from the communications processor. To ensure this ordering, dependencies between the request groups are tracked by hardware coupled to the communications processor.

Abstract: Structures having low-k multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer having at least one low-k sublayer and at least one air barrier sublayer are described herein. The multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer are diffusion barriers to metal and barriers to air permeation. Methods and compositions relating to the generation of the structures are also described. The advantages of utilizing these low-k multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer is a gain in chip performance through a reduction in capacitance between conducting metal features and an increase in reliability as the multilayered dielectric diffusion barrier layer are impermeable to air and prevent metal diffusion.

Abstract: A dynamic conference table display system includes a screen displayed on top of a conference table. The screen is capable of displaying multiple individual desktop views. The system further includes multiple storage devices, each storage device containing information related to a particular user. The location and size of each desktop view on the screen is associated with a particular storage device. A connector couples the multiple storage devices to a computer system that interfaces with the screen, such that when a storage device is coupled to the computer system via the connector, the computer system causes information from the storage device to be displayed on the screen in a desktop view at a location and of a size associated with the storage device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving SIP server performance is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an enqueuer for determining whether a request packet entering into the server is a new request or a retransmitted request and its retransmission times and for enqueuing the request packet into different queues based on results of the determining step and a dequeuer for dequeuing the packet in the queues for processing based on a scheduling policy. The apparatus may further include a policy controller for communicating with the server, enqueuer, dequeuer, queues and user, to dynamically and automatically set, or set based on the user's instructions, the scheduling policy, number of different queues, each queue's capacity, scheduling, etc. based on the network and/or server load and/or based on different server applications.

Abstract: A portable communication device/system for use with a vehicle includes a monitoring device having a motion sensor and a proximity sensor. The monitoring device initiates a signal upon the occurrence of a vehicular event such as the breaching of the perimeter specified by the proximity sensor or an abrupt motion detected by the motion sensor. A transmitting device transmits the signal to a remote receiving device to communicate the vehicular event to, for example, emergency personnel.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for decoding compressed data. Compressed data is received and decoded. An error is detected while decoding a first location in the compressed data. A reentry data set is accessed having a pointer to a second location in the compressed data following the first location and decoding information that enables decoding to start from the second location. The second location in the compressed data is accessed and the decoding information in the accessed reentry data set is used to continue decoding the compressed data from the second location.

Abstract: A technique for encoding 9-binary symbol (9B) source vectors into 10-binary symbol (10B) encoded vectors include the steps of obtaining a plurality of 9B source vectors, and encoding the 9B source vectors into a plurality of 10B encoded vectors according to an encoding scheme. A fraction of the 10B encoded data vectors have binary symbol changes, other than whole-vector complementation, compared to corresponding ones of the 9B source vectors, the fraction not including any disparity dependent encoded representations. Techniques for encoding 7B source vectors to 8B encoded vectors, and decoding techniques, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, computer program product and system for the compression of a probability table and the reconstruction of one or more probability elements using the compressed data and method. After determining a probability table that is to be compressed, the probability table is compressed using a first probability table compression method, wherein the probability table compression method creates a first compressed probability table. The first compressed probability table contains a plurality of probability elements. Further, the probability table is compressed using a second probability table compression method, wherein the probability table compression method creates a second compressed probability table. The second compressed probability table containing a plurality of probability elements.

Abstract: A virtual workspace is provided for a user with a number of electronic devices, in which information can be exchanged among the electronic devices through a number of connections between the electronic devices. The virtual workspace is provided by determining where services are located and the type of the services, determining one or more data formats associated with data accessible by one or more of the electronic devices. A portion of the data has a given one of one or more data formats. An electronic device is selected based at least in part on predetermined criteria and the given data format. A route through the connections to the selected electronic device is determined, where the route may comprise a given one or more of the connections. At least the portion of the data associated with the given data format is routed to the selected electronic device. The portion of the data is utilizable for presentation by the selected electronic device when received by the selected electronic device.

Abstract: A method for determining a mapping between a first artifact and a second artifact, each artifact comprising at least one constituent, each at least one constituent comprising at least one feature, wherein each at least one feature is selected from a feature group consisting of: a relationship feature and a characteristic feature, the mapping comprising at least one constituent match comprising a correspondence between the at least one constituent of the first artifact and the at least one constituent of the second artifact, the method includes acts or steps of: a) receiving as input the first and second artifacts, and a description of the artifacts, constituents, and the features of the constituents; b) performing advanced inexact matching, comprising a step of selecting the mapping, the mapping comprising the at least one constituent match; and c) producing as output the mapping determined from the step of performing advanced inexact matching.

Abstract: A failure recovery framework to be used in cooperative data stream processing is provided that can be used in a large-scale stream data analysis environment. Failure recovery supports a plurality of independent distributed sites, each having its own local administration and goals. The distributed sites cooperate in an inter-site back-up mechanism to provide for system recovery from a variety of failures within the system. Failure recovery is both automatic and timely through cooperation among sites. Back-up sites associated with a given primary site are identified. These sites are used to identify failures within the primary site including failures of applications running on the nodes of the primary site. The failed applications are reinstated on one or more nodes within the back-up sites using job management instances local to the back-up sites in combination with previously stored state information and data values for the failed applications.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for managing on-demand email storage are provided. An email service provider allocates a predetermined amount of storage space to an intended recipient. When an email is received for the intended recipient at the email service provider, the email service provider determines whether the predetermined storage space has sufficient capacity for storage of the email. If the predetermined storage space is insufficient for storage of the email, then the email service provider allocates on-demand storage space to the intended recipient. The email service provider then stores the email in the on-demand storage space, such that the email is stored, rather than discarded, when the predetermined storage space reaches full capacity. Before allocating on-demand storage space, the email service provider may compare the email characteristics with predefined criteria set by the intended recipient for emails to be stored in on-demand storage space.

Abstract: A query processing system has a query processor and a data manager. The query processor calls the data manager to carry out data access for a query including a filtering operation. The data manager accesses the data in a set of data and before returning the data, initiates a callback to the query processor to determine if the located data meets the filtering criteria. Where the data does not satisfy the filtering criteria, the data manager seeks additional data in the set of data, without having to return the first located data to the query processor.

Abstract: Method of making an electronic fuse blow resistor structure. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an insulator film, depositing a conductor on the insulator film, and after the depositing, etching the conductor to form a plurality of spaced apart non-conductive regions and a plurality of spaced-apart conductive regions. In another embodiment, the method includes forming the insulator film, forming a conductive sheet, and sub-dividing the conductive sheet into the plurality of conductive regions.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for determining a link speed. When a link between two computing devices is operational, a link speed for use in communicating across the link is stored and a remembered indicator is set to TRUE. After any event occurs that causes the link to become inoperational, in response to determining that the remembered indicator is TRUE, the stored link speed is used when attempting to make the link become operational.

Abstract: A cooperative data stream processing system is provided that utilizes a plurality of independent, autonomous and possibly heterogeneous sites in a cooperative arrangement to process user-defined job requests over dynamic, continuous streams of data. A method is provided to organize the distributed sites into a plurality of virtual organizations that can be further combined and virtualized into virtualized virtual organizations. These virtualized virtual organizations can also include additional distributed sites and existing virtualized virtual organizations and all members of a given virtualized virtual organization can share data and processing resources in order to process jobs on either a task-based or goal-based allocation mechanism. The virtualized virtual organization is created dynamically using ad-hoc collaborations among the members and is arranged in either a federated or cooperative architecture. Collaborations between members is either tightly-coupled or loosely coupled.

Abstract: A system and method for fast system recovery that bypasses diagnostic routines by disconnecting failed hardware from the system before rebooting. Failed hardware and hardware that will be affected by removal of the failed hardware of the system are disconnected from the system. The system is restarted, and because the failed hardware is disconnected, diagnostic routines may safely be eliminated from the reboot process.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically generating unit test cases for a computer program that can reproduce runtime problems. The method comprises: modifying the computer program according to one or more interested target program units in the program and possibly occurring run time problems; test executing the modified program; and automatically generating unit test cases according to the interested runtime problems occurring during the execution of the interested target program units. Wherein the modifying step adds captor code and problem detective code into the program, the captor code being configured to record the execution paths and execution contexts of the interested target program units in the program; and the problem detective code being configured to detect the interested unexpected exceptions possibly raised and the interested violations of predefined behavior rules possibly produced by the execution of the program units.

Abstract: A method and computer system for determining an existence of a file and, possibly, information related to the file are provided. The method and system include providing a file name, generating a file designator from the file name, and generating a hash value from the file name. The hash value is used to index a cache containing other file designators that meet a certain criterion, and if no entry is found in the cache, an operating system call is performed. If an entry is found in the cache, the entry of the cache is compared with the generated file designator. If the entry and the generated file designator are not the same, an operating system call is performed. If the entry and the generated file designator are the same, this indicates that the criterion is satisfied.