Abstract: In a distributed computing environment, an apparatus and method for a federated Naming System which can resolve Composite Names comprised of Names from an arbitrary number of disparate Naming Systems. A syntax for Composite Names is defined as well as necessary operations to directly resolve such Composite Names without the need for customized agents or gateways.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth for improving the performance of general purpose computing systems that utilize exclusive and shared seize mechanisms to assure the integrity of shared data objects, records, or other unit of synchronization. More particularly, methods and apparatus are set forth which allow concurrent reads of shared data objects in a coherent fashion, without always having to perform a seize.

Abstract: A dynamic, finite versioning scheme supports concurrent transaction and query processing in which there is no interference between transactions and queries and no quiescence of either transactions or queries for allowing queries to access a more up-to-date database. Only a finite number of logical versions are dynamically maintained on disk for a database page. Acquiring no locks, queries access appropriate query versions, according to their initiation times. Each corresponding query version of all the database pages constitutes a transaction-consistent, but perhaps slightly out-of-date, database snapshot. Through typical concurrency control mechanisms, different transactions access the most up-to-date versions, and their updates are allowed to be incrementally written into the database before they are committed. To save storage, a physical page copy may simultaneously represent multiple versions. The exact logical version(s) that a physical page copy represents changes dynamically and implicitly.

Abstract: When a subtransaction (46) of a higher-level transaction (50) commits during the operation of a database (10), the database enters into its operation log a record (FIG. 6 ) that acts both as a commit record for the subtransaction (46) and as an update record for the higher-level transaction and includes a field (74) that identifies a higher-level "undo" transaction whereby the subtransaction can be undone without individually undoing its constituent operations. By logging operations in this manner, the database can handle multi-level recovery with very few restrictions on the timing of its updates and log entries.

Abstract: A method for temporarily storing and retrieving 8-bit character information data for a magnetic disk information storage system in a number of 4.times.n DRAM buffer memory configurations. A virtual memory address for each of said 8-bit information characters is provided and each of the characters are organized into a 16-byte block. The virtual memory addresses are translated to corresponding addresses of memory locations in said 4.times.n buffer memory unit for storage of 4-bit groups of said 16-byte block in said 4.times.n DRAM buffer memory by selecting a row address for storage of said 16-byte block, by selecting a base column address for said 16-byte block, and by successively incrementing said base column address by 4 to provide additional column address for successive 4-bit groups of said 16-byte blocks. Each of said 4-bit groups of said 16-byte block are transferred through a 4-bit data bus to the various predetermined address locations in one of said 4.times.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for automatically updating databases contained in the random access memory and tape storage of a cellular switch. First, instructions are issued to a cellular switch, causing the switch to provide a first output of one or more operative databases contained in the random access memory of the switch. Then, one or more backup databases are loaded into the random access memory of the switch, and instructions are issued to the switch causing the switch to provide a second output of the backup databases. The first and second outputs are then analyzed by a computer program, and in response to the analysis the program automatically assembles a number of cellular switch compatible software commands into a text file. Finally the text file is transmitted to the switch, thereby updating databases contained in the random access memory and the tape storage of the switch.

Abstract: A method and computer system are disclosed for determining the access privileges currently held by a database user with respect to objects in the database. The steps of the method are: (a) requesting a determination of those objects to which a given user has access privileges; (b) automatically determining those objects to which the user has direct access privileges; and (c) automatically determining those objects to which the user has indirect access privileges. This last step (c) is accomplished by (1) automatically determining all access groups to which the user belongs; and (2) automatically determining those objects to which those access groups, determined in step (1), have access privileges.

Abstract: A slip input apparatus which when retrieving an index record with abbreviation data input, permits an operator to easily and arbitrarily set which field of the index record is to be used to retrieve an index file, which field data in the retrieved index record is to be output, and which field data in the retrieved index record is to be fetched as input data. Accordingly, irrespective of the type of data entered in abbreviation, a user is allowable to output arbitrary field data or fetch arbitrary field data from a memory as input data.

Abstract: A musical information retrieval system, for providing pieces of musical information to a user, is equipped with a relative difference analyzer for improvement of an average access time period even if the user is not familiar with an electronic processing system, and the relative difference analyzer comprises an input unit for providing a key word representative of a piece of identifying information indicative of an attribute of a musical composition, a data file including a plurality of books respectively having index records for storing respective pieces of musical attributive catalog information and detail data records for storing respective pieces of detailed musical data information associated with the pieces of detailed musical data information, respectively, an analyzer for searching the index records for candidates each partially identical with the piece of identifying information but partially different from the piece of identifying information, and a displaying unit for indicating the relative differ

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention permit the automated distribution of an electronic document to a preselected list of recipients. A selected document is identified and a document profile is selected or created, including an identification of the technical or functional area disclosed within that document. An examination of the document profile is then utilized to determine a preselected group of recipients and the document is automatically transmitted to those recipients. In one embodiment of the present invention, the creator of each document is prompted to select one or more functional areas from a predetermined list of functional areas during the creation of a document. In still another embodiment, the functional area of a document is automatically established in response to an examination of the department number, division, building, laboratory group, et cetera associated with the creator or creators of the document.