Abstract: A computer implemented method and a computer program for synchronizing a first and a second database, where data is provided for keeping track of whether the records of the first database have been added or changed since a previous synchronization. Based data reflecting whether the records of the first database have been added or changed since a previous synchronization, it is determined whether the records of the first database have been changed or added since the previous synchronization. If one of the records of the first database has not been changed or added since the previous synchronization, a synchronization with records of the second database is performed using a record representative of the one record at the time of a previous synchronization. The representative record is stored in a history file which contains records reflecting the contents of records of the databases at the time of a previous synchronization.

Abstract: The method of the present invention discovers patterns in a sequence of characters in two phases. In a sampling phase, preferably proper templates corresponding to the sequence of characters are generated. Patterns are then generated corresponding to the templates and stored in memory. In a convolution phase, the patterns stored in memory are combined to identify a set of maximal patterns.

Abstract: The memory management system is operational in a database system and functions to gracefully transition data from the allocated memory space to run files on disk only as needed. The memory management system accommodates variable length input records in the workspace of a database sort operation, requires no extra copying of records in memory, and maintains memory utilization at a high level. This memory management system therefore minimizes the amount of data written to disk during run formation and enables the use of the replacement selection algorithm even with variable length input records, which improves performance of sorting and overall operational efficiency of the database system.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed describing processes that optimize generational garbage collection techniques in a card-marked heap. The invention localizes nodes in an older generation that have a pointer to a newer generation. This node localization increases the density of such nodes in the cards marked as having these nodes and thus reduces the number of marked cards that need to be examined for nodes having pointers to the newer generation.

Abstract: An agent computer block 16 analyzes and classifies the meaning of a request for advice on an individual's action, on the basis of voice recognition character data inputted by an input/output computer block 15, and requests a personal computer 2 to start up an information retrieval application program involving the request for advice on the individual's action.

Abstract: A document management device includes a database for storing and managing document data, a document retrieving device for retrieving the document data from the database, a document display for displaying at least one document data retrieved by the document retrieving device, and a format storage device for storing at least one evaluation format each of which has an identifier and a plurality of definitions of evaluation attributes. The evaluation format specifies the structure of evaluation data representing evaluation for the document data. A document selecting device allows for selection of one document data among the document data displayed, and a format selecting device allows for selection of one of the evaluation formats. An attribute value input device allows for inputting attribute values which are the result of evaluation for the document data selected by the document selecting device from the viewpoint represented by the evaluation attributes defined in the evaluation format.

Abstract: A data structure, called an ordered sparse accumulator (Ordered SPA), permits sequencing in numeric order by index and dynamic alteration of the nonzero structure of the active column in sparse matrix computations during the sequencing operation.

Abstract: A method and system for storing and retrieving spatial data objects from a spatial database is discussed. The system stores multi-dimensional objects within the database by determining their position in a multi-tiered coordinate system. One each object has been assigned to a particular coordinate, the object is further assigned to one of many overlapping sections within the coordinate system. Each object is assigned to a particular section of the coordinate system depending on its overall size and position.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: an input device for receiving input information; a display device for displaying information on a display screen; and a database for storing words and information related to the words to allow information related to a related word related to an input word be retrieved.

Abstract: An object oriented framework mechanism for data transfer between a data source and a data target provides an infrastructure that embodies the steps necessary to perform the data transfer and a mechanism to extend the framework to fit a particular data transfer environment. Certain core functions are provided by the framework, which interact with extensible functions provided by the framework user. The architecture of the framework allows a developer to determine the conditions and parameters that apply to the data transfer while allowing a user to interact with the framework with an interface that is consistent regardless of the specific combination of data source, data target, connection type, or protocol. The extensible functions allow new data transfer environments to be easily implemented using the framework.

Abstract: A object oriented attribute handle for parsing and packing object attributes for communication thereof between virtual and physical devices in an object oriented programming environment. The handle comprising the steps of creating a plurality of attribute description files for each class of object instances and either parsing or packing instance attributes in accordance with a corresponding one of the plurality of attribute description files. The handle using a suite of routines to parse or pack instance attributes in accordance with the corresponding predefined attribute description file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining distinct cardinality of a data sample using dual hash bitmaps. Two different bitmaps determine the distinct cardinality of the data sample (e.g., a column of data within a data table of a database). A small sized bitmap, M*sqrt(C*K), is used where M is a programmable value that reduces collision error, C is the size of the column ("data sample size"), and K is a key density value. Once selected, both M and K are constant. Sample entry values are hashed by a hash function and a modulo function determines an entry into the first bitmap. Based on the bitmap's bit entries, a first counter is updated, or not, to maintain a first distinct cardinality value. A large bitmap is used having a size, M*C, but only a small fraction is actually used, M*sqrt(C*K). Only hashed column entries falling inside the fraction are processed as above to maintain a second counter. At the end of the data sample entry processing, the second counter is extrapolated to the large bitmap size.

Abstract: A digital data processing system comprises a host information generating device, a mass storage subsystem, and a back-up information storage subsystem. The host information generating device generates information and provides it to the mass storage subsystem for storage. The mass storage subsystem receives the generated information from the host information generating device and transfers the generated information to the storage element for storage, and further transfers the generated information to the back-up information storage subsystem. The back-up information storage subsystem receives and stores the generated information from the mass storage subsystem's control element. The back-up information storage subsystem includes a filter/buffer module, a tape log module and a reconstruction module. The filter/buffer module filters and buffers the information received from the mass storage subsystem and provides the buffered information to the tape log module for storage.

Abstract: A unique vehicle ID number and other verification information is stored in a small memory mounted on a tank truck. When the truck is connected to a loading terminal by means of a cable which is used by an existing overfill/ground system, an interface circuit connected between the memory and the cable prevents signals which are normally found on the cable leads from damaging the memory circuits. When information must be read from the memory, a special identification and verification system connected to the overfill/grounding circuits modifies some of the normal signals on the cable in order to activate the on-board memory and retrieve the stored information without disabling the overfill and ground proving capabilities.

Abstract: An infrared remote-controlled soil compacting device is controlled such that the device cannot be set into operation as long as the operator with the sending unit is within close vicinity of the soil compacting device so that an accidental operation or propelling in the wrong direction is prevented. This is achieved by providing an infrared close range radiation in addition to the infrared control radiation required for the operational control of the device. The close range radiation has a substantially reduced intensity relative to the control radiation so that the close range radiation can be received within the receiving unit only within close vicinity of the sending unit. When the close range radiation is received within the receiving unit the generation or release of electric signals affecting propelling of the soil compacting device is suppressed.