Abstract: A list presentation method. The list presentation method can include the steps of: dynamically grouping selected items in a list based on sequentially positioned symbols in the items which are common to one another; labeling each group of selected items; audibly presenting each group label through a speech user interface; and, responsive to a selection of one of the presented group labels, presenting through the speech user interface items in a group corresponding to the selected group label.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for sorting character representations of data under the present invention, a character-encoded sort data value is identified in a data line of a data set. The sort data value is a character encoding of a predefined numbering system such as hexadecimal or binary encoding. The sort data value is then converted to a predefined encoding scheme and the data set is sorted based on the converted sort data value. A cycle number may be appended to the sort data value to maintain the order of the sort data values when the sort data values wrap. One embodiment identifies and removes delimiters such as titles from the data set and are inserted into the sorted data set.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and a localized in-line cable filter system are provided for implementing electromagnetic cable noise suppression. The localized in-line cable filter system includes at least one electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter element connected between a cable and a current return path. An insulation displacement terminal connects the EMI filter element to the cable. The EMI filter element and current return path provide a low impedance connection toward a source.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-protocol object distribution system. The multi-protocol object distribution system can include one or more remote procedure call (RPC) transport protocol stubs; and, a meta-stub configured to select individual ones of the RPC transport protocol stubs through which distributed object services can be provided to requesting clients in the object distribution system. The RPC transport protocol stubs can include both a default RPC transport stub, and at least one other RPC transport stub which the meta-stub can select based upon changing conditions in the object distribution system. Importantly, the meta-stub can automatically select the default RPC transport stub by default.

Abstract: A hardware accelerator includes hardware support for a combinational only cycle and a latch only cycle in a simulation model with a single partition of latches and combinational logic. Preferred embodiments use a special 4-input 1-output function unit in the hardware accelerator in place of the normal latch function that write back the old latch value for combinational only cycles. Other embodiments include hardware support for separate array write disables for arrays and transparent latches depending on whether the cycle is a combinational only cycle and a latch only cycle. A conditional array write disable dependent on the occurrence of a hardware breakpoint is also included that supports switching from a latch plus combinational cycle to a latch only cycle, to give control to the user before evaluating the combinational logic if a breakpoint occurs on a latch.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for schematically embedding wire model objects into a schematic design of an integrated circuit. The method includes estimating a wiring routing geometry for each signal path in the circuit, selecting one or more cascading wire model objects (“WMOs”) for each segment in each geometry, and substituting each signal path with the respective one or more WMOs.

Abstract: A method to write information to a designated information storage medium using an allocated data storage device using a specified information recording format, whereby a previously-determined media bit for the designated information storage medium is examined, and a previously-determined device bit for the allocated data storage device is examined, and the write capability of the designated information storage medium using the specified information recording format is determined.

Abstract: There is described a method, system and computer program product for processing a link embedded in a link document in a client computer, said link comprises a URL reference for a URL document in the client computer or another computer, there being stored a record containing a link reference and an intended fingerprint, said intended fingerprint representing the content of the URL document associated with the URL of the link at the time of or after the link was created, said method comprising the steps of: fetching the intended fingerprint for the link; fetching the URL document; creating a current fingerprint of the fetched URL document; comparing the intended fingerprint and the current fingerprint; and identifying that the intended fingerprint and the current fingerprint are different in a material way.

Abstract: A system and method for a predriver and driver interface having scalable output drive capability with corresponding scalable power is disclosed.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an inventive apparatus for imaging a chip on a wafer includes a combined diamond chip image and kerf image having a plurality of sloped sides. The combined diamond chip image and kerf image includes a diamond chip image comprising a plurality of chip image rows that are parallel to at least one diagonal of the diamond chip image, and includes a kerf image adjacent to the diamond chip image. The kerf image comprises at least one kerf image row that is parallel to the at least one diagonal of the diamond chip image. The apparatus further includes a blocking material extending from the combined diamond chip image and kerf image to at least a periphery of an exposure field of a stepper. In a second aspect the imaging apparatus comprises an n-sided polygon-shaped combined chip image and kerf image. Also provided are inventive methods of manufacturing chips, and wafers manufactured in accordance with the inventive methods.

Abstract: Tracks of meta data are cleared in a storage server by allocating task control blocks for executing associated tasks in parallel. Throttling and recycling of task control blocks is provided to efficiently use memory and processing resources. Under the control of a master task, task control blocks are allocated to different hierarchical levels of storage resources in the storage server, such as a logical subsystem level and a subordinate volume level. The task control blocks are not deallocated from memory until there are no further tasks to process.

Abstract: A data processing unit including a first active cooling device configured to respond to a first control signal and a second active cooling device configured to respond to a second control signal. The control signals may be any type of control signal suitable to control the operation of the first and second active cooling devices. The data processing unit also includes a first control function selectively capable of providing the first control signal and/or the second control signal, and a second control function selectively capable of providing the first control signal and/or the second control signal. Logic associated with the first and second control functions is included to determine which of the control functions will provide which control signal at a specific time. Logic and/or switching or isolation apparatus is also included to prevent both the first and second control functions from attempting to provide one of the control signals simultaneously.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a first method is provided for accessing memory. The first method includes the steps of (1) storing a bit in a cell included in a memory having a plurality of cells arranged into rows and columns, wherein each cell includes a group of transistors adapted to both store the bit and affect a signal asserted during a read operation on a bit line coupled to the cell such that the affected signal matches a value of the bit stored in the cell; and (2) preventing the value of the bit stored in the cell from changing state while the group of transistors affects the signal asserted during the read operation on the bit line coupled to the cell. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for providing transactional quality of service providing transaction service level information from an application requesting a data transmission transaction to a communication process executing on a data processing system. The transaction service level information is provided separate from the data for the data transmission transaction. A quality of service level associated with the data transmission transaction is determined based on the transaction service level information received from the application. Other embodiments also provide for establishing a quality of service level without reference to transaction data content while further embodiments provide for establishing a quality of service level for responses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to adhesive compositions containing thermally-labile groups for decreasing the degradation temperature of the adhesive for reworkability of electronic components in surface mounting applications. In one embodiment, the thermally reworkable epoxy-based composition is a cured product of a multifunctional epoxide and a curing agent, the curing agent having at least one thermally-labile group. Upon heating the thermally reworkable epoxy-based composition above a desired trigger temperature, the thermally-labile group decomposes thereby effecting depolymerization in the network. Consequently, the physical properties (e.g., shear strength) of the adhesive network are severely degraded thereby enabling easy removal of the device. In another embodiment, a thermally reworkable epoxy-based composition is a cured product of an epoxide having at least one thermally-labile group and a curing agent having at least one thermally-labile group.

Abstract: A method for verifying a design through symbolic simulation is disclosed. The method comprises creating one or more binary decision diagram variables for one or more inputs in a design containing one or more state variables and building a binary decision diagram for a first node of one or more nodes of the design. A binary decision diagram for the initial state function of one or more state variables of the design is generated and the design is subsequently initialized. Binary decisions diagrams for one or more constraints are synthesized. A set of constraint values is accumulated over time by combining the binary decision diagrams for the one or more constraints with a set of previously generated binary decision diagrams for a set of constraints previously used in one or more previous time-steps. A binary decision diagram for the next state function of the one or more state variables in the design is constructed in the presence of the constraints.

Abstract: An adder circuit for determining the sum of two operands including a set of PGK circuits, at least one tier of group circuits, and a carry generation circuit. The PGK circuits generate propagate, generate, and kill bits corresponding to at least a portion of the first and second operands. The group circuit receives propagate, generate, and kill bits from a plurality of the PGK circuits and produces a set of group propagate, generate, and kill values. The carry generation circuit receives a carry-in bit and the outputs of at least one of the group circuits and generates a carry-out bit representing the carry-out of the corresponding group. The PGK circuits, group circuits, and carry circuits may use CMOS transmission gates in lieu of conventional complementary pass-gate logic (CPL).

Abstract: A circuit design method utilizes existing late mode worst case slack calculation functions inherent in timing path trace algorithms which only need to record the worst arrival and worst required arrival times at each netlist node as traced paths. Because of this, most individual path tracing is curtailed due to the likelihood that a more critical arrival or required arrival time has already been recorded at a given netlist node. Worst case slacks are then determined by subtracting the worst case arrival time from the worst case required arrival time. In this manner, worst case slack values are calculated for the entire netlist within a reasonable amount of time. The method uses these existing functions by querying the worst case slack at each netlist node under varied timing model scenarios. These varied timing model scenarios include altering the cell and net delays and arrival times in the model.

Abstract: A structure and associated methods of formation. The structure includes a layered configuration comprising a copper layer, a first layer, and a second layer. The copper layer consists essentially of copper. The first and second layers are disposed on opposite sides of the copper layer and are in direct mechanical contact with the copper layer. The first and second layers each consist essentially of a same alloy of nickel and cobalt having a weight percent concentration of cobalt in a range of 3% to 21%. A through hole in the layered configuration extends completely through the first layer, the copper layer, and the second layer, wherein a first opening in the layered configuration extends completely through the first layer and does not extend into any portion of the second layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to Web Services Invocation Framework (WSIF) operations. “interactionSpec” and “connectionSpec” are Java 2 Enterprise Edition Java Connector Architecture interfaces. Their properties are exposed as data in WSIF operations. Thus WSIF support for the Java 2 Enterprise Edition Java Connector Architecture is made functionally more complete.

Abstract: A segmented algorithmic pattern generator engine producing a test signal pattern made of vectors divided into fully definable segments. The engine allows defining processing controls to allow offsets of individual vectors relative to one another and defining additional pattern control formats. Also provided are reducing the pattern format depths in defining counter dimensions within each segment. Single vectors or vector group sequences may be defined at any point as well. The system allows the user control of the pattern generator to compensate for tool and/or device under test latency timing issues. Inputs may be combined and processed into one contiguous pattern of vectors which are definable by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for non-sequential access to fields in a window, document, form or template. When the window, document, form or template is opened for user input, the user activates the non-sequential mode of operation, such as by hitting a particular keystroke or sequence of keystrokes. Once the non-sequential mode of operation is activated, indicia appear in each of the possible input fields. The indicia indicate to the user what they must do in order to immediately move the cursor to that field, to effectuate moving the window focus to the desired field.

Abstract: A method of forecasting the demand for components used to manufacture a plurality of different devices is presented. The method determines a production quantity of each of the devices planned to be manufactured, analyzes each of the devices to produce exploded lists of components required to manufacture each of the devices and device assemblies, multiplies the list of components required for each device by each the production quantity to determine a total volume of each component required to manufacture the devices, identifies components as ones having a level of supply insufficient to meet demand and having no available substitute components, and calculates a volume of each critical component required to manufacture the devices based on the total volume of each component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for plating a workpiece. The apparatus comprises, generally, an anode, a cathode, and a selective anode shield/material flow assembly. In use, both the anode and the cathode are immersed in a solution, and the cathode is used to support the workpiece. During an electroplating process, the anode and the cathode generate an electric field emanating from the anode towards the cathode, to generate a corresponding current to deposit an electroplating material on the workpiece. The selective shield/material flow assembly is located between the anode and the cathode, and forms a multitude of adjustable openings. These opening have sizes that are adjustable during the electroplating process for selectively and controllably adjusting the amount of electric flux passing through the selective shield/material flow assembly and the distribution of the electroplating material on the workpiece. The selective shield/material flow assembly can also be used with an electroless plating system.

Abstract: A method for reducing a number of shapes, and a computer readable program code adapted to perform said method. The method forms first and second shape patterns. The second shape pattern includes the first shape pattern and error shapes. The error shapes are extracted from the second shape pattern. At least one environment shape corresponding to each error shape is derived from a subset of the error shapes. For example, each error shape in the subset may be expanded to form a corresponding expanded shape, and at least one environment shape corresponding to each expanded shape may be formed by removing all portions of the expanded shape common to the second shape pattern. The environment shape reflects a local geometric environment of its corresponding error shape. A subset of the environment shapes are deleted such that only unique environment shapes satisfying a selection criterion remain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for context-sensitive error event notification. The apparatus and method include a monitor to detect an error event within a computer application, an analysis module to determine characteristics of the error event, an assembler to compose a context-sensitive message comprising a context-sensitive resource relating to the event characteristics, and a transmission module to transmit the message to a set of addressees. The context-sensitive message may include error characteristics, error-specific information from reference materials, error-specific links to related information repositories, and an error-associated search. The context-sensitive message is automatically transmitted to a set of addressees that are associated with the error event.

Abstract: A security control system secures electronic devices. The electronic devices communicate wirelessly with the security control system. The security control system can be used to define an authorized wireless communication area for the electronic devices. On a regular basis, the security control system checks the presence of the electronic devices within the authorized wireless communication area. If an electronic device is removed from wireless communication without a deconnection request, an alarm is sounded.

Abstract: A device includes an optical gain medium through which optical radiation is amplified. The device includes first and second reflectors disposed around the gain medium. One of the reflectors includes an emission region though which optical output is emitted and a metallic structure that has an array of features that couple the radiation to at least one surface plasmon mode of the structure, thereby enhancing the device's output. The device may be a laser, e.g., a diode laser. The emission region may have a width of, for example, between 10 and 100 nanometers, and this emission region may be in the shape of a rectangular slit. The optical radiation in the gain medium may be advantageously polarized perpendicularly to an axis along which a longer dimension of the emission region is oriented. The device is useful for data recording, e.g., thermally assisted data recording.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and computing device for promoting reuse of previously generated access plans are disclosed. SQL statements containing literals are amended so as to substitute a parameter marker for each literal. Amended statements are provided to the DBMS along with parameters including the substituted literals and a substitution indicator indicating that the substitution has been performed. The DBMS assesses the soundness of the substitutions that are performed. Soundness may be measured in terms of the semantic correctness of the amended statement and the likelihood that the literal substitution will improve DBMS efficiency. If a substitution is unsound, the DBMS may obtain and optimize the original version of the amended SQL statement. Otherwise, the amended statement is optimized. Advantageously, SQL statements originally differing only in the value of one or more literals may become functionally equivalent, and the reuse of cached, previously generated access plans is thus promoted.

Abstract: A metallization process and material system for metallizing either blind or through vias in silicon, involving forming a low coefficient of thermal expansion composite or suspension, relative to pure metals, such as copper, silver, or gold, and filling the via holes in the silicon with the paste or suspension. The suspensions sinter with minimal bulk shrinkage, forming highly conductive structures without the formation of macroscopic voids. The selected suspension maintains a coefficient of thermal expansion closer to that of silicon.

Abstract: A system and method to schedule data for transmission. The system comprises data generating means, developing means, and transmission scheduling means. The data generating means generates data comprising content data and metadata relating to the content data. The developing means develops a set of input data. The transmission scheduling means produces a continuously updating schedule for transmission of copies of the content data based on the metadata and the set of input data.

Abstract: A method and circuits for testing an integrated circuit at functional clock frequency by providing a test controller generating control signals that assure proper latching of test patterns in scan chains at tester frequency and propagation of the test pattern through logic circuits being tested at functional clock frequency.

Abstract: P-type MOSFETs (PMOSFETs) are formed by encapsulating the gate with an insulator and depositing a germanium containing layer outside the sidewalls, then diffusing the germanium into the silicon-on-insulator layer or bulk silicon by annealing or by oxidizing to form graded embedded silicon-germanium source-drain and/or Extension (geSiGe-SDE). For SOI devices, the geSiGe-SDE is allowed to reach the buried insulator to maximize the stress in the channel of SOI devices, which is beneficial for ultra-thin SOI devices. Graded germanium profiles provide a method to optimize stress in order to enhance device performance. The geSiGe-SDE creates a compressive stress in the horizontal direction (parallel to the gate dielectric surface) and tensile stress in the vertical direction (normal to the gate dielectric surface) in the channel of the PMOSFET, therebyforming a structure that enhances PMOSFET performance.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a computer-based method and system for identifying, categorizing, and sharing preferred web site links over a communications network via a web key tool. The method includes receiving a request from a user client system to incorporate information relating to a web site into the web key tool; launching the web key tool and selecting a related option from a menu screen's list of options provided; associating the web site information with a category; transmitting the information to a central storage location associated with the web key tool where the information and request are processed for approval; saving the approved information in the central storage location; updating related database files with respect to the approved information; and providing access to the approved information via the communications network to authorized system users.

Abstract: An input method, system and apparatus based on a network and an input system thereof, in which a user selects a desired language and desired input method(s) by downloading an applet from a server and sends the input characters to be recognized, and then the server sends the recognized results back to the user.

Abstract: Electrically programmable fuse structures for an integrated circuit and methods of fabrication thereof are presented, wherein the electrically programmable fuse has a first terminal portion and a second terminal portion interconnected by a fuse element. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion reside over a first support and a second support, respectively, with the first support and the second support being spaced apart, and the fuse element bridging the distance between the first terminal portion over the first support and the second terminal portion over the second support. The fuse, first support and second support define a ?-shaped structure in elevational cross-section through the fuse element. The first terminal portion, second terminal portion and fuse element are coplanar, with the fuse element residing above a void, which in one embodiment is filed by a thermally insulating dielectric material that surrounds the fuse element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fail-safe and restartable system clock generation provides recovery from failures due to incorrect clock generator settings or from marginal clock distribution components. Clock failure is detected at a point along the clock distribution path between the output of the clock generator and the downstream circuits. If a clock failure is detected, a second clock, which may be the clock generator reference clock, is used to operate the downstream circuits. The clock generator, which may be a phase-lock loop, is then restarted, either with a predetermined loop filter voltage at which downstream circuits are guaranteed to operate, or with a divider setting on the output of the clock generator that reduces the frequency so that downstream circuits are guaranteed to operate. Parameters of the clock generator can thereby be reset and operating conditions determined before restoring the output of the clock generator to the downstream circuits.

Abstract: A method for accessing a protocol table includes providing a content addressable protocol table comprising a plurality of entries, wherein each entry includes a key field and an output field, constructing a key value from a protocol input, associatively searching the table for an entry whose key field matches the key value constructed from the input, and returning the output field of an entry whose key field matches that of the key value. The table optionally includes a mask field, and searching the table includes seeking the entry whose key field matches a bitwise AND of its mask field with the key value. An error is generated if no matching entry is found on the table.

Abstract: A method for increasing performance of non-relational databases with reduction in view index sizes is provided. One or more user views are provided in addition to the master view having all hierarchical/categorized data. User views are created having a subset of this hierarchical/categorized data that significantly reduces index size and improves performance. The indexes of the user view are associated with the indexes of the master view. This method improves view caching by dividing view cache into partitions based on the types of view, each with different priorities and management techniques. The master view may have a higher priority and may be used by servers while the user view may have lower priorities and may be used by users and client applications. In this way, legacy non-relational databases may continue to be suitably maintained with acceptable performance and avoiding potential cost and risk of migrating to a relational database.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for improving data transfer rate over a network are provided. When a piece of data is to be transmitted to a target system, it is divided into a number of packets and a determination is made as to whether the number of packets exceeds a threshold number. If so, the packets are transferred in parallel over a plurality of network connections. The ideal network connections are TCP/IP connections. Thus, each packet has an IP header, which contains an IP identification field. An indicium is placed into the IP identification field for proper reconstruction of the data by the target system.

Abstract: A system, method, and product are disclosed in a data processing system for serializing hardware reset requests in a software communication request queue in a processor card. The processor card processes software communication requests utilizing the queue in a serial order. A hardware reset request is received by the processor card and put in the queue. The hardware reset request is processed from the queue in the serial order with all requests from the queue that are currently being serviced have completed being serviced.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for processing a query spanning separate databases while revealing only minimal information beyond a query answer, by executing only specific information-limiting protocols according to query type.

Abstract: A cable attachment assembly, a hoist and a transportation system using the cable attachment assembly. The cable attachment assembly including: a plate pivotable about a first axis; first and second pivot assemblies pivotable about respective second and third axes, the first, second and third axes parallel to each other; a first cable retainer in the first pivot assembly, the first cable retainer adapted to rotateably retain an end of a first cable in the first cable pivot assembly, the first cable rotatable about a fourth axis; a second cable retainer in the second pivot assembly, the second cable retainer adapted to rotateably retain an end of a second cable in the second pivot assembly, the second cable rotatable about a fifth axis; wherein the fourth and fifth axes parallel to each other and the fourth and fifth axes are perpendicular to the first, second and third axis.

Abstract: A method and a system for automated verification and status identification (context) of objects using data about the objects captured via computer-enabled sensing elements are provided. The object may include goods tagged with electronic identifiers. The objects are shipped from one location to another, and identified via their electronic identifiers. The objects are scanned at the various locations by a number of sensing devices. The outcome of sensing is then compared with stored information describing the object and pointed at by their electronic identifier. The comparison is used to automatically verify that the scanned object is as identified and evaluate its condition.

Abstract: Several methods and structures are disclosed for determining electrical properties of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers and alternate versions of such wafers such as strained silicon:silicon/germanium:-on-insulator (SSGOI) wafers. The analyzed electrical properties include mobilities, interface state densities, and oxide charge by depositing electrodes on the wafer surface and measuring the current-voltage behavior using these electrodes, In a single gate structure, the source and drain electrodes reside on the wafer surface and the buried insulator acts as the gate oxide, with the substrate acting as the gate electrode. In a double gate structure, an oxide is used on the upper surface between the source and drain electrodes and an additional metal layer is used on top of this oxide to act as a second gate electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for determining image quality by analyzing DCT information. Included is a system for measuring image quality of a compressed image divided into a plurality of blocks, wherein each block has frequency domain components including a DC coefficient value and a plurality of AC coefficient values, the system comprising: a module for analyzing the DC coefficient values from the plurality of blocks to quantify at least one image quality measurement selected from the group consisting of: average brightness, peak brightness, and contrast; and a module for analyzing the AC coefficient values from the plurality of blocks to quantify a focus measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for predicting future values of a target metric associated with a task executed on a computer system. The method comprises the steps of, over a given period of time, measuring at least one defined metric, transforming that measurement into a value for a predictor source metric, and using the value for the predictor source metric to obtain a predicted future value for said target metric. The preferred embodiment of this invention provides a flexible performance multi-predictor to solve the problem of providing accurate future behavior predictions for adaptive reconfiguration systems. The multi-predictor makes predictions about future workload characteristic by periodically reading available hardware counters. Also disclosed is a method and system for periodically reconfiguring an adaptive computer system by rescheduling tasks based on future behavior predictions.

Abstract: A wireless device connects to one or more network node devices that are in turn connected to one or more wirelines. The wireless device has one or more wireless signal generators supporting one or more of the wireless connections and one or more memories to store an identifier. One or more negotiators negotiate with the network node device in order to establish a connection to one or more wirelines connected to the network node and a requesting process requests bridging to a call in progress.

Abstract: A method, system, and program for security screening of electronic devices by device identifier are provided. A security scanning system detects an identifier from an electronic device. The identifier may be a radio frequency identifier or other type of identifier which is preferably detectable by the security scanning system regardless of the operating status of the electronic device. The security scanning system queries a database with the identifier for information about the electronic device. Responsive to receiving the information about the electronic device from the central database, at least one real-time scanned characteristic of the electronic device is compared with this information. The information includes characteristics of the components of the electronic device and an x-ray overlay of the electronic device. If the real-time scanned characteristics and the information match, then electronic device is designated as secure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for a processor to write data to a cache or other fast memory, without also writing it to main memory. Further, the data is “locked” into the cache or other fast memory until it is loaded for use. Data remains in the locking cache until it is specifically overwritten under software control. The locking cache or other fast memory can be used as additional system memory. In an embodiment of the invention, the locking cache is one or more sets of ways, but not all of the sets or ways, of a multiple set associative cache.