Abstract: A message-based approach is presented for propagating a digital certificate state change notification throughout a data processing network. The approach includes registering at least one interested party with a certificate authority for state change information relating to the digital certificate; and automatically sending a state change notification message from the certificate authority to the at least one interested party responsive to the certificate authority noting a state change in the digital certificate. The at least one interested party can be registered by the certificate authority in a subscription list with initial forwarding of the digital certificate to the certificate authority for confirmation as part of an initial authentication process. The automatically sending results in sending the state change notification to only the at least one interested party registered with the certificate authority to receive the state change information for the digital certificate at issue.

Abstract: A detector circuit and method for detecting a silicon well voltage or current to indicate an alpha particle or cosmic ray strike of the silicon well. One significant application for the detection circuit of the present invention is for the redundancy repair latches that are used in SRAMs. The redundancy repair latches are normally written once at power-up to record failed latch data and are not normally written again. If one of the latches changes states due to an SER (Soft Error Rate-such as a strike by an alpha particle or cosmic ray) event, the repair data in the redundancy latches of the SRAM would now be incorrectly mapped. The detector circuit and method monitors the latches for the occurrence of an SER event, and responsive thereto issues a reload of the repair data to the redundancy repair latches.

Abstract: In a bi-directional, self-synchronous bus for communication between semiconductor devices, a logic delay is provided as a flag to a state machine control for indicating that the bus is making a transition from a low to a high state. The logic delay causes the bus to adaptively idle until the bus settles, making it amenable for a wide variety of bus sizes and topologies. In this way, oscillation of the bus is avoided without slowing the speed of the state machine clock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coordinating dynamic memory page deallocation with a redundant bit line steering mechanism are provided. With the method and apparatus, memory scrubbing and redundant bit line steering operations are performed in parallel with handling of notifications of runtime correctable errors. When a correctable error is encountered during runtime, and the correctable error is determined to be persistent, then dynamic memory page deallocation is requested of a hypervisor. The determination of persistence is based on a history CE table that is populated by the operation of the memory scrubbing and redundant bit line steering mechanism of a service processor. Thus, only those correctable errors that persist for longer than one memory scrubbing cycle are subject to memory page deallocation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving a first object relative to a second object is provided. One of the first and second objects is moved and thereby guided by a tracking device. The tracking device uses a pattern on the first object and/or second object and a releasable clamping device for holding the first and second object in contact. The first and second object can then be releasably clamped such that the patterns match and the clamping device holds the first and second object in a position defined by the pattern. This invention is particularly well suited for nanomechanical or micromechanical applications.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a software product is provided. Specifically, a type template, an output template, and a table of test data pertaining to the software product are provided. The test data is processed by a test generation system based upon the type template and the output template to automatically generate a test script file having at least one test case. The test script file is then used to test the software product.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring an execution of a program is provided. At least one relational query is constructed and compiled into a program instrumentation. The program instrumentation is incorporated into the program and one or more query results are output from the program as the program executes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to thermally-conductive pastes for use with integrated circuits, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to self-orienting microplates of graphite.

Abstract: Computer method and apparatus provides lightweight stereotypes in a programming model. An alternative to applied profiles is disclosed. A keyword list or list of strings is recorded as an annotation to a model element. The keywords are indicative of applied stereotypes of the model element, where the stereotypes are empty or are used as labels. The list of strings effectively augments the collection of applied stereotypes of the model element.

Abstract: A heatpipe for cooling an integrated circuit. The heatpipe includes a pipe and radial fins that are formed by extruding a single piece of material, such as heat conducting metal. Each of the radial fins extends away from the pipe and runs (preferably) the length of the pipe. Each radial fin has normally oriented subfins that provide additional heat convection surface areas to the radial fins. Within the pipe are interior fins, also formed during the material extrusion process.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided for generating an error detection state and correction of code patterns. Generally, conducting full speed testing of the dI/dt circuit in a low bandwidth lab environment is difficult. A circuit, however, can be employed that periodically detects the functionality of the dI/dt circuit to indicate success or failure. When errors are detected, the circuit allows for erroneous codes to be replaced with accurate ones. Using this circuit, conducting full speed testing of the dI/dt circuit in a low bandwidth lab environment can be more easily achieved.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for enhancing the audible presentation of addressing information disposed in content processed in a text reader. In an aspect of the present invention, a method for enhancing the audible presentation of addressing information disposed in content processed in a text reader can include translating the addressing information into text related to underlying content referenced by the addressing information, and audibly reading back the translated text in lieu of the addressing information.

Abstract: A system, method and program product having at least one subscriber subscribing to topics from one or more data sources. The number of subscriptions for each data source are registered in a table in real time. Upon detecting subscription activity, a matching routine compares the number of subscriptions registered for the available data source with a predetermined value, and if the number of subscribers exceeds the predetermined value a data source process corresponding to the data source will be started, and messages from the data source will be sent to the data source subscriber/s, otherwise, the data source provider will be stopped and not longer send messages.

Abstract: A polishing pad having a body comprising fibers embedded in a matrix polymer formed by a reaction of polymer precursors. The loose fibers define and the precursors were mixed first with curatives, then mold into a pad form. The pad may include a thin layer of free fibers at its polishing surface. A segment of at least a portion of the free fibers are embedded in the adjacent body of the polymer and fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for querying computer program design models (metamodels) is provided. A tree structure representation of the subject metamodel is likened to a database representation of the model elements. The invention method and apparatus logically maps a model query statement to the corresponding database version of the query. This leads to abstraction of the underlying metamodel and hence the queries targeting it in an automated and dynamic manner.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that, in an embodiment, receive an allocation request for a resource and registers the resource as a non-voting participant if the resource desires to delegate commit voting to another resource. The registered resource is then prohibited from participating in an enclosing transactional context and instead is informed when the transaction completes. The resource is enlisted as a voting participant if the resource does not desire to delegate commit voting. In this way, when multiple resources are used in a transaction, a resource may be registered and receive notifications of transaction completion instead of being enlisted and voting on commit decisions. The result of a transaction in which a single resource takes responsibility for a number of other resources is that transaction completion avoids the two-phase commit protocol and the resulting performance degradation.

Abstract: A repair system is disclosed comprising: a server having a repair manager; a client device having a repair agent; and a network, wherein the server and the client device are connected to the network. The repair agent, in response to a repair signal, is operable to restrict communication of the client device on the network to the repair manager, and the repair manager is operable to provide a repair application. The repair system is enabled to correct actual or potential problems including software viruses and trojans, and spam messages. Diagnosis and repairs can be carried out in response to a deleterious detection system or through user input to the device. The repair agent requires only limited system resources and therefore it particularly applicable to mobile devices where system resources are at a premium.

Abstract: An image sensor array and method of fabrication wherein the sensor includes Copper (Cu) metallization levels allowing for incorporation of a thinner interlevel dielectric stack with improved thickness uniformity to result in a pixel array exhibiting increased light sensitivity. In the sensor array, each Cu metallization level includes a Cu metal wire structure formed at locations between each array pixel and, a barrier material layer is formed on top each Cu metal wire structure that traverses the pixel optical path. By implementing a single mask or self-aligned mask methodology, a single etch is conducted to completely remove the interlevel dielectric and barrier layers that traverse the optical path. The etched opening is then refilled with dielectric material.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus and printed wafer such that a design is printed within a peripheral portion of the wafer. The peripheral portion of the wafer is between an outer boundary of an active portion of the wafer and an outer boundary of the wafer. The exposure apparatus comprises a lens, a reticle that includes a pattern, and a reticle blind. The reticle blind blocks a first portion of light that is passed through the exposure apparatus. A transparent portion of the reticle transmits a remaining portion of the light. The lens focuses the remaining portion of the light onto the wafer such that an image of a portion of the pattern is printed as the design within the peripheral portion of the wafer. The printed design is a function of where the reticle blind is positioned relative to the pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a contactless card reader and an information processing system utilizes the card reader. The contactless card reader comprises a contactless card interface for communicating with a contactless card by means of radio frequency, a contact card interface coupled to said contactless card interface for communicating with a contact card, and a contact card which is a smart card with processing capability and which interacts with the contactless card via the contact card interface and contactless card interface.

Abstract: A circuitized substrate and a method of making the circuitized substrate are provided. The circuitized substrate includes a substrate having a conductive pad thereon. A first layer of solder enhancing material is positioned on the conductive pad, the first layer of solder enhancing material includes a first region and a second region positioned relative to the first region. A solder member is positioned on the first region of the first layer of solder enhancing material. A second layer of solder enhancing material is positioned on the solder member and on a portion of the second region of the first layer of solder enhancing material. The circuitized substrate may be used in the fabrication of an electronic package.

Abstract: A system and method that locates and utilizes JavaScript national language resource files. A national language processing system for providing national language specific resources to be displayed in the Web page, including: a Web resource manager for providing a location of a JavaScript national language resource, wherein the Web resource manager includes a hash table for storing and querying previously located JavaScript national language resources; and a system for issuing an http request to a server to locate the JavaScript national language resource if the location of the JavaScript national language resource does not exist in the hash table.

Abstract: A method of merging a plurality of different versions of an electronic document during a software development process can include identifying the plurality of different versions of the electronic document. The electronic document can have a defined structure. The method further can include determining a plurality of deltas between the different versions and determining relationships, between individual ones of the plurality of deltas according to the defined structure of the electronic document. One or more of the plurality of deltas can be selectively accepted in a merged electronic document according to the determined relationships.

Abstract: A storage device comprising a storage medium having a plurality of sectors and a superset format. Each sector includes a header, a data section and a trailer, the data section sized to contain a number of bytes per sector equal to or greater than a maximum of subset formats to be supported. Meta data in a non-user portion of the storage medium includes a flag for indicating a subset format such that each sector is formatted to store less than the number of bytes.

Abstract: A buffered memory module including a downstream buffer, a downstream receiver, an upstream driver, an upstream receiver. The downstream buffer and the downstream receiver are both adapted for connection to a downstream memory bus in a packetized cascaded interconnect memory subsystem. The upstream driver and the upstream receiver are both adapted for connection to an upstream memory bus in the memory subsystem. During a test of the memory module, the upstream driver is connected to the downstream receiver and the downstream driver is connected to the upstream receiver. The memory module also includes one or more storage registers, a microprocessor and a service interface port. The microprocessor includes instructions for executing the test of the memory module including storing results of the test in the storage registers. The service interface port receives service interface signals that initiate the execution of the test and accesses the storage registers to determine the results of the test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for information repository workflows to transfer information between a first domain (e.g., healthcare sites) and a second domain (e.g., medical research facilities). Large quantities of medical information may be directly transferred to an information repository or indirectly transferred to the repository through the use of pointers. The information is cleansed and normalized prior to storage in a production database within the repository. The cleansing process is conducted while ensuring integrity of the production database is maintained and while continuing to receive additional information transfers. Errors encountered during processing are logged and reported.

Abstract: A semiconductor device structure is provided which includes a first semiconductor device; a second semiconductor device; and a unitary stressed film disposed over both the first and second semiconductor devices. The stressed film has a first portion overlying the first semiconductor device, the first portion imparting a first magnitude compressive stress to a conduction channel of the first semiconductor device, the stressed film further having a second portion overlying the second semiconductor device, the second portion not imparting the first magnitude compressive stress to a conduction channel of the second semiconductor device, the second portion including an ion concentration not present in the second portion such that the second portion imparts one of a compressive stress having a magnitude much lower than the first magnitude, zero stress, and a tensile stress to the conduction channel of the second semiconductor device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for efficient electronic document management. One embodiment of the inventive method involves retrieving a user-specific administrator setup file comprising a plurality of parameters pertaining to tasks that a user is authorized to perform on electronic documents, selecting at least one authorized task for performance on a selected electronic document, in accordance with the user-specific administrator setup files, and executing the selected authorized tasks in accordance with at least one set of predefined task execution instructions.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an instant messaging control mechanism can include the steps of determining a control setting for an instant messaging control mechanism based upon a calendar application entry, and responsive to the determining step, automatically adjusting the instant messaging control mechanism to the control setting. In one embodiment, the determining step can be performed by a calendar application to which the calendar application entry corresponds and can be performed responsive to a calendar event. In a further embodiment, the calendar application can establish a time at which the control setting is to be adjusted. The adjusting step can occur at approximately the established time, where the calendar event can occur in advance of the established time.

Abstract: A tape recording head/apparatus has cable connection pads aligned along a direction that run substantially perpendicular to a head actuation direction, which urges a ribbon-type external cable to be bent in its most flexible direction when the head module moves.

Abstract: A method for authenticating a requesting entity in a communications environment. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes determining a client identification of a client node associated with the requesting entity, and determining whether the requesting entity associated with the client node is acting in a supervisor capacity. A key to the requesting entity is returned from a resource provider node upon determining that the client identification of the client node indicates that the client node is permitted to access one or more resources of the provider node, and that the client node is acting in a supervisor capacity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for writing timing-based magnetic servo band patterns on magnetic storage media. The apparatus includes a magnetic head and a tri-state driver. The driver is adapted to control three magnetic head states including two writes states having positive and negative current outputs, respectively, for performing a write sequence and a rest state, having no current output for avoiding overwriting of the magnetic pattern between write sequences. The driver is further adapted to gradually change the magnetic head state from a rest state to a write state before beginning a write sequence and to gradually change the magnetic head state back to a rest state upon completing a write sequence. Thus, strong uniform signal pulses are produced upon playback of the magnetic pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for computing statistical parameters for sets of data items, by executing instructions of a computer program that is coded within a spreadsheet. Each set is generated in a time sequence that is specific to each set. For each time sequence, each data item is one data value or a pair of data values. The data items appears one-at-a-time in only one cell structure of the spreadsheet at each time in the time sequence. The one cell structure is a single cell or two cells. A loop of iterations is performed for each set. In each iteration, a command is responded to by updating the statistical parameters based on the latest data item in the one cell structure in the spreadsheet. The updated statistical parameter are stored in a parameter field of the spreadsheet assigned to each statistical parameter.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture for managing query results and, more particularly, for sorting data records contained in a query result obtained in response to execution of a query against a database. In one embodiment, the data records in the query result are sorted on the basis of related information which is retrieved from a corresponding data source. In another embodiment, the sorting is performed on the basis of a value variance which is determined for each of the data records in the query result. In still another embodiment, the sorting is performed on the basis of a requested value range coverage. In yet another embodiment, the sorting is performed on the basis of suitability scores which are determined with respect to analysis routines which are configured for processing the query result.

Abstract: Data management systems, such as used in disk control units, employ memory entry lists to help keep track of user data. Improved performance of entry list maintenance is provided by the present invention. Much of the protocol employed to conduct such maintenance is preferably performed by hardware-based logic, thereby freeing other system resources to execute other processes. New entries to the memory list are only allowed at predetermined addresses and entries are updated by writing a predetermined data pattern to a previously allocated address. Optionally, improved error detection, such as a longitudinal redundancy check, may also be performed in an efficient manner during entry list maintenance to assure the integrity of the list.

Abstract: A system of managing a supply chain via a computer network that includes a manufacturing enterprise is provided. The system includes a host system, a network link to at least one supply chain entity, and an a-source application executing on the host system. The a-source application processes a bill of material file, which includes verifying demographic information, collecting pricing data and items in external warehouse files, and mapping the items to a commodity. The a-source application also generates and transmits a bid request to a web site. The a-source application further receives marketing data including customer demand for manufacturing enterprise components and receives and analyzes bid responses received from the supply chain entities to determine which components are in demand. The a-source application further generates an award notice based in part on customer demand and availability of components produced internally compared to similar components offered by outside sources.

Abstract: A system and method implementable in a JAVA® application for providing C++ language friend-style access that grants JAVA® objects access to methods of another JAVA® object. The method comprises steps of: providing a method in the implementing JAVA object for determining the name of a JAVA object class that has called a method within the implementing JAVA object; comparing the JAVA object class name against a list of object names that have been granted access rights to the method in the implementing JAVA object; and, in response to the comparing, one of: enabling execution of the method of the implementing JAVA object upon determination that the calling object class is a member of the list, or, preventing execution of the method upon determination that the calling object is not a member of the list.

Abstract: A method, system and article of manufacture for query building and, more particularly, for building query conditions for queries against data in a database. One embodiment comprises receiving user input for constructing a first query condition of a query. Then, user-selectable elements to display for constructing a second query condition of the query are identified. Which user-selectable elements are identified is dependent on the first query condition. The identified user-selectable elements for constructing the second query condition are displayed. Then, user selection of one or more of the displayed user-selectable elements for constructing the second query condition is received. The first and second query conditions define selection criteria for selection of a specific set of the data from the database.

Abstract: Techniques for provision of on-demand utility services utilizing a yield management framework are disclosed. For example, in one illustrative aspect of the invention, a system for managing one or more computing resources associated with a computing center comprises: (i) a resource management subsystem for managing the one or more computing resources associated with the computing center, wherein the computing center is able to provide one or more computing services in response to one or more customer demands; and (ii) a yield management subsystem coupled to the resource management subsystem, wherein the yield management subsystem optimizes provision of the one or more computing services in accordance with the resource management subsystem and the one or more computing resources.

Abstract: Systems, methods and a computer program product are provided to permit the identification of all of the devices of a specified domain in a multi-domain environment. All communication among the domain devices is in-band having the advantage that no additional cabling is required. A control center between host devices and the domains receives an in-band command from an initiating device in a specified domain, the command being transmitted in response to the activation of a triggering device on the initiating device. Upon receipt of the command, the control center broadcasts an in-band command to each of the other devices in the domain directing the other devices to activate an indicator on each of the other devices. With the indicators on the devices in the specified domain activated, an administrator is able to identify those devices and thus focus his search for the faulty device only on those devices within the domain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for programmable determination of frequency, phase, and jitter relationship of a first clock and a second clock in an electronic system. In a first, initialization, mode, a first register and a second register are initialized with a first bit pattern and a second bit pattern, respectively. In a second, normal, mode, the first clock is coupled to the first register and the second clock is coupled to the second register. A compare unit observes the bit patterns of the first and second registers and reports when one or more predetermined relationships between the first clock and the second clock occur.

Abstract: Generally, the invention provides methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for a design automation application to evaluate a design automation task using an on-demand computer network. In one embodiment, after composing a design automation task, a requesting entity transmits the design automation task, along with a set of data used for testing, to a drop server box provided by the on-demand computer network. The design automation application is configured to process the design automation task and to prevent it from interfering with or eavesdropping on other tasks being executed in the on-demand environment, and from interfering with the operation of the on-demand environment itself. Thus, the design automation application provides a secure container to evaluate the design automation task, eliminating the need to partition resources to a particular processing request in advance. The design automation application consumes available grid resources to complete the processing task.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture for managing query results and, more particularly, for sorting data records contained in a query result obtained in response to execution of a query against a database. In one embodiment, the data records in the query result are sorted on the basis of related information which is retrieved from a corresponding data source. In another embodiment, the sorting is performed on the basis of a value variance which is determined for each of the data records in the query result. In still another embodiment, the sorting is performed on the basis of a requested value range coverage. In yet another embodiment, the sorting is performed on the basis of suitability scores which are determined with respect to analysis routines which are configured for processing the query result.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for processing colloquialisms in message text. A method of processing colloquialisms in message text can include detecting a colloquialism in message text, locating a universal form for the detected colloquialism, and transmitting the message text with the universal form to a designated message recipient. The transmitting step can include replacing the colloquialism with the universal form, and transmitting the message text with the universal form to a designated message recipient. Alternatively, the transmitting step can include supplementing the colloquialism with the universal form, and transmitting the message text with the universal form to a designated message recipient.

Abstract: A system, method and program product having at least one subscriber subscribing to topics from one or more data sources. The data sources available and the number of subscriptions for each data source are registered in a table in real time. Upon detecting either subscription activity by the subscribers or availability of data on a data source, a matching routine compares the subscriptions registered for the available data source and enables the sending of messages from the available data source to subscriber/s.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for preserving relationships of mapped views in an object model. A database model, including database tables and views is examined and a foreign key constraint list is derived for the view. A set of objects for an object model is generated from the database model. Based on the derived foreign key list, relationships are generated between objects mapped to the view and objects mapped to the target table of the view's derived foreign key.

Abstract: A cap nitride stack which prevents etch penetration to the HDP nitride while maintaining the electromigration benefits of HDP nitride atop Cu. In one embodiment, the stack comprises a first layer of HDP nitride and a second layer of a Si—C—H compound disposed over the first layer. The Si—C—H compound is for example BLoK, or N-BLoK (Si—C—H—N), and is selected from a group of materials that has high selectivity during via RIE such that RIE chemistry from the next wiring level does not punch through. Carbon and nitrogen are the key elements. In another embodiment, the stack comprises a first layer of HDP nitride, followed by a second layer of UVN (a plasma nitride), and a third layer comprising HDP nitride disposed over the second layer.

Abstract: Methods, and program storage devices, for performing model-based optical lithography corrections by partitioning a cell array layout, having a plurality of polygons thereon, into a plurality of cells covering the layout. This layout is representative of a desired design data hierarchy. A density map is then generated corresponding to interactions between the polygons and plurality of cells, and then the densities within each cell are convolved. An interaction map is formed using the convolved densities, followed by truncating the interaction map to form a map of truncated cells. Substantially identical groupings of the truncated cells are then segregated respectively into differing ones of a plurality of buckets, whereby each of these buckets comprise a single set of identical groupings of truncated cells. A hierarchal arrangement is generated using these buckets, and the desired design data hierarchy enforced using the hierarchal arrangement to ultimately correct for optical lithography.

Abstract: Obsolete and unwanted computer and other products are demanufactured according to a method of recovering the largest revenue. An optimum level of disassembly and parts removal is determined based on strategies involving outright sale, sale of parts, disassembly costs, and commodity recovery. Critical parts are identified and regulatory requirements are included.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for establishing a point-in-time copy. Input/Output (I/O) requests to tracks identified as source tracks and corresponding target tracks in a point-in-time copy relationship are suspended until the point-in-time copy relationship is established. At least one data structure providing information on the source tracks and corresponding target tracks in the point-in-time copy relationship is generated, wherein the point-in-time copy relationship is established before data at the source tracks is copied to the target tracks and before source tracks in cache at the point-in-time are destaged to storage.