Abstract: In a multi-threaded computing environment, a shared cache system reduces the amount of redundant information stored in memory. A cache memory area provides both global readable data and private writable data to processing threads. A particular processing thread accesses data by first checking its private views of modified data and then its global views of read-only data. Uncached data is read into a cache buffer for global access. If write access is required by the processing thread, the data is copied into a new cache buffer, which is assigned to the processing thread's private view. The particular shared cache system supports generational views of data. The system is particularly useful in on-line analytical processing of multi-dimensional databases. In one embodiment, a dedicated collector reclaims cache memory blocks for the processing threads. By utilizing a dedicated collector thread, any processing penalty encountered during the reclamation process is absorbed by the dedicated collector.

Abstract: A method for aggregating sparse data in a multidimensional array by using a composite join hierarchy created by segmenting the data so that each segment of the hierarchy processed is smaller and more likely to fit in memory. The method employs a recursive sub-cubing mechanism wherein an n-dimensional cube is broken into a number of (n-1)-dimensional cubes and each of those cubes are solved as (n-2)-dimensional cubes etc. Within each division, the processing is segmented by hierarchy level so a dimension with three hierarchy levels (for example, month-quarter-year) would form three separate subcubes with one less dimension. This algorithm produces one ‘worklist’ for every combination of hierarchy levels in the cube. Each of these worklists is represented as a bitmap of the cells contained within it and may be used as a basis of generating more aggregate worklists. To minimize the need for input-output data transfers, all the derived worklists of a single worklist are generated at the same time.

Abstract: A method for translating, in a software paging system, an input key describing a virtual page to the address of the page in main memory, comprises creating, in main memory, a translation buffer which has a plurality of records. Each record has a plurality of cells, each cell having a key field for storing a key or a portion of a key which identifies a page in memory, and each cell having an address field for storing the address of the identified page. If the input key matches a stored key, the address associated with the identified page is retrieved. Otherwise, a paging manager is invoked to establish an address for the input key, and the input key and established address are saved. The least recently used order of memory pages addressed in the dereferenced record is indicated by updating a least recently used cell indicator associated with the dereferenced record.

Abstract: A building wall comprises channel-shaped uprights and metal-clad insulating panels arranged in alternating sequence so that the interior faces of the panels form parts of the interior walls of the building while the exterior faces of the panels form parts of the exterior walls of the building. Flanges are formed along the vertical edges of the sheet metal outer faces of the panels. These flanges extend into the open sides of the channel-shaped uprights and are situated in facing relationship with the inner faces of the uprights. Vertically aligned lances, struck out from the opposed plates of the channel-shaped uprights, are engaged with L-shaped slots of the flanges of the panels. The lances have camming surfaces which tightly urge the flanges of the panels against the inner faces of the side plates of the uprights so that the flanges and uprights reinforce each other to form a strong, rigid wall structure.