Abstract: A diagnostic tool suite is made available to technicians servicing equipment at residential and business locations using a portable device such as a PDA. The PDA runs a main engine that can execute diagnostic modules, with each diagnostic module corresponding to a particular appliance or device that requires troubleshooting, repair, diagnosis, maintenance or installation. The diagnostic modules use a limited number of templates to define possible screen layouts for each screen displayed to the technician. Additionally, the diagnostic module includes a diagnostic flow definition file wherein each record corresponds to a screen displayed to a technician. The main engine uses the template information and the diagnostic flow definition records to fully define a screen to display to a technician. In this way, an extensible, modular, non-specific diagnostic tool suite is available to a technician.

Abstract: A document production system is provided for preparing documents and managing a database of information pertaining to investigational studies of medical products. The document production system includes a data management user interface for providing user access to the database and for retrieving information from the database as specified by selected document templates for placement into word processor-compatible documents. Additionally, the data management user interface is capable of updating information stored within the database in accordance with information specified within a previously-prepared document.

Abstract: In a file management system of the present invention, in order to efficiently manage a picture recording file that stores moving picture data such as television program, there is provided a property file for storing status information indicating a use state (such as reproduction count or reproduction portion, for example) of the picture recording file. According to the use state of each picture recording file, the status information indicating the use state is stored in the property file. In this manner, for example, when all the image recording file is displayed in a list, the use state of each picture recording file is acquired from the property file, making it possible to clearly present a user with a use state such as “Not reproduced” or “Reproduced”.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling distribution of information from a secure domain by automatically detecting outgoing messages which violate security policies corresponding to the secure domain. Semantic models are constructed for one or more message categories and for the outgoing messages. The semantic model of an outgoing message is compared with the semantic models of the message categories to determine a degree of similarity between the semantic models. The outgoing message is classified based on the degree of similarity obtained from the comparison. A determination is made, based on the classification of the outgoing message, if distribution of the outgoing message would violate a security policy for the secure domain. Distribution of the outgoing message is allowed if no security policy is violated.

Abstract: A new computerized methods using a database system on a global network to administer film festivals. The methods include the filmmakers inputting film information into the database, which information becomes available to selected film festivals. The system preferably handles multiple submissions to different festivals, processes applications, provides simultaneous judging of a competition, and schedules film play times at the festivals.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of evaluating the flow of medical ethical information within a health care organization. The dissemination practices of the health care organization are determined, so that a process map can be generated. This process map is used to pinpoint problems with the information flow of medical ethical information within the health care organization. New policies and/or procedures are devised to alleviate the problems and the hospital's personnel is trained in the implementation of the new policies and/or procedures.

Abstract: A method and system for gathering end-user data over a network infrastructure using input pages generated from Requestor specifications and for outputting end-user data based on output generated from Requestor specifications by using a common identifier to maintain associations with the required data information and the Requestor input and output specifications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assigning an identity to an object (10) in a database, which object has an extension that includes a plurality of coordinate points in a coordinate system representing a multidimensional reality. The method is characterised by the steps of selecting one of the object's coordinate points (P0) and assigning the object an identity (11) based on the coordinates (x0,y0,z0,t0) of said coordinate point. Selecting the dimensions of the coordinate system in a suitable manner, e.g. by allowing them to comprise time, space and alternative embodiments, ensures that all objects in the database have wholly unique identities that are also based on one of the coordinate points of the object. This can be used to advantage in the database structure.

Abstract: A method, system and computer product are disclosed whereby distribution lists of invitees in an ordered manner are automatically generated for use in scheduling meetings in a way that is responsive to specifiable parameters following a review of a collection of electronic mail messages as to subject matter and recipients.

Abstract: A method and system for importing and exporting selected directory and calendar information of a first format found in various electronic media to and from personal information management computer applications of a second format is described. Specifically, the present invention discloses a method and system for importing directory and calendar information that is structured in standardized vCard and vCalendar formats from a first application to corresponding electronic address book and calendar applications via clipboard and automatic translator applications. The invention includes an automatic translator that takes the standardized information from the clipboard application and translates the vCard and vCalendar information into a format that is native to the corresponding target application, e.g., electronic address book and calendar applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a relational database system for storing and manipulating biomolecular sequence information, the database including genomic libraries for a plurality of types of organisms, the libraries having multiple genomic sequences, at least some of which represent open reading frames located along a contiguous sequence on each the plurality of organisms' genomes, and a user interface capable of receiving a selection of two or more of the genomic libraries for comparison and displaying the results of the comparison. The system also provides a user interface capable of receiving a selection of one or more probe open reading frames for use in determining homologous matches between such probe open reading frame(s) and the open reading frames in the genomic libraries, and displaying the results of the determination.

Abstract: A data processing system and method stores a relational database in which audit records are stored without compromising the ability to detect data tampering. The technique provides for detection of unauthorized row modification, row deletion, and row insertion. Extra measures are incorporated to protect from administrator attacks. In addition, the technique enables integrity checking and audit log archiving without having to suspend or bring down the audit subsystem. These on-line capabilities are especially important in mission critical applications which must satisfy the requirement that the application be disabled if the audit subsystem is not functioning properly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multimedia search method for searching multimedia objects using color histogram. The present invention provide a multimedia retrieval method and a multimedia feature structure capable of accelerating accurate and efficient multimedia object search by adopting various meaning reflection level according to each bin value of the color histogram. In the present invention, the color groups are classified into the solid, neutral, and gray levels, and the binarization standard point is determined at each color group such that the color distribution can be effectively represented in the binary histogram, resulting in improving the retrieval performance of binary color histogram which is a shortcoming in the conventional binary histograms in addition to remaining the high efficiency of the binary color histogram.

Abstract: A communication system and method for supporting the communication of inter-dependent data messages includes determining if a later data message represents an inter-dependent message affiliated with an earlier data message. The communication system and method determines whether a condition associated with the earlier inter-dependent data message is fulfilled. If the condition is fulfilled, communication system executes a command associated with the fulfilled condition and the later inter-dependent data message.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing hierarchical textual file for storage in a relational database allows the user to use readily available commands for querying and manipulating stored in a relational database. A generally tabular data structure contains data attribute fields associated with corresponding data element fields. Hierarchical textual file is accepted containing structured data elements. The data attributes are determined. The data attributes are associated with corresponding structured data elements of the accepted hierarchical textual file. The determined data attributes are stored in the generally tabular data structure of the relational database.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing query messages over a network are embodied in the present invention. The processing includes extracting a group of queries from query messages received from system users over a network, and associating a current sequence number with the group of queries. A request message is prepared including (i) the queries of the group, (ii) a first sequence number equal to the current sequence number, and (iii) a first message count equal to the number of queries included. The request message is then sent to a search engine and a response message received from the search engine. The response message including (i) a plurality of replies, (ii) a second sequence number, (iii) a second message count, (iv) a third sequence number, and (v) a third message count. The replies are placed in reply messages for forwarding to the users who submitted the query messages related to the replies.

Abstract: According to the preferred embodiments, an apparatus and method for dynamic routing using dynamic data streams is disclosed. Dynamic routing using dynamic data streams facilitates the creation of a flexible paper gateway in a digital filing system that provides for receiving, processing and storing document images from a wide variety of sources. When thus implemented, dynamic routing allows the digital filing system to efficiently operate while providing digital filing services to a wide variety of users with different needs. Thus, the preferred embodiments provide for the efficient digital filing and efficient management of paper-based information from its receipt at the desktop through an indexing, scanning, image storage and image retrieval process.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a commercial transaction via a communications network includes maintaining synchronized updates to databases at different business entities to facilitate accurate transactions between the business entities. A change in configuration data stored in a first configuration database is detected in accordance with a real-time detection procedure. Revision data is transmitted to a second configuration database within a maximum time interval after detection of the change in the configuration data. A second configuration database is updated in accordance with the revision data, such that the configuration data of the first configuration database mirrors configuration data of the second configuration database with respect to at least one commercial transaction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for modifying a database. A database manager receives operation entries to be applied to a database. The database manager generates an error detection value for each operation entry as it is received, and enters both the operation entry and its associated error detection value in a journal. The database manager then copies the database to another version of the database, checks the validity of each operation entry using the error detection value, and, if the operation entry is valid, updates the copied version of the database based on the operation entry. The database manager also generates an error detection value for the database after it has been updated with all the operation entries from the journal. If there is a data corruption event, such as a power failure, then the database manager uses the error detection values for the operation entries and for the database during the database recovery process.

Abstract: A system and method for the optimized storage and retrieval of video data at distributed sites calls for the deployment of “Smart Mirror” sites throughout a network, each of which maintains a copy of certain data managed by the system. Every user is assigned to a specific delivery site based on an analysis of network performance with respect to each of the available delivery sites. Generalized network performance data is collected and stored to facilitate the selection of additional delivery sites and to ensure the preservation of improved performance in comparison to traditional networks.