Abstract: For each process a stack data structure that includes two stacks, which are joined at their bases, is created. The two stacks include a normal stack, which grows downward, and an inverse stack, which grows upward. Items on the stack data structure are segregated into protected and unprotected classes. Protected items include frame pointers and return addresses, which are stored on the normal stack. Unprotected items are function parameters and local variables. The unprotected items are stored on the inverse stack.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method and apparatus is presented for alerting an operator of a network problem using a variety of contact devices. A server receives notification of a network problem. The server accesses presence information detailing the current location of an operator. The server then uses push technology to transmit alert information to the operator. As such, the alert information may be communicated directly to a client machine used by the operator. In the case where the operator is communicating through a contact device, which communicates with an interactive system, the alert information is forwarded to the interactive system, which communicates with the contact device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for wireless and network based mapping method and system for supporting field personnel to access, select and download facilities related maps and related information. Mapping files are manipulated in accordance with a grid block overlay over a first level map display. Each of the grid blocks is uniquely identifiable and indexed with one or more algorithms necessary for the local creation of an enhanced and/or enlarged second level of display.

Abstract: For each process a stack data structure that includes two stacks, which are joined at their bases, is created. The two stacks include a normal stack, which grows downward, and an inverse stack, which grows upward. Items on the stack data structure are segregated into protected and unprotected classes. Protected items include frame pointers and return addresses, which are stored on the normal stack. Unprotected items are function parameters and local variables. The unprotected items are stored on the inverse stack.

Abstract: For each process a stack data structure that includes two stacks, which are joined at their bases, is created. The two stacks include a normal stack, which grows downward, and an inverse stack, which grows upward. Items on the stack data structure are segregated into protected and unprotected classes. Protected items include frame pointers and return addresses, which are stored on the normal stack. Unprotected items are function parameters and local variables. The unprotected items are stored on the inverse stack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically generating charts, preferably in Microsoft® Excel format, for the users to be able to better analyze the network data. All the functions needed to generate are performed at the network server without installing any additional components on user's server, thereby independent of any third party software. Furthermore, minimal user input is required using any kind of application without modifications.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method is presented for displaying power and heat faults that occur in a network. A server initiates a variety of power alarm display methods. Each method is directed at receiving specific types of power alarm information and displaying or inhibiting the display of this information on a wallboard. The methods operate simultaneously and update the wallboard with power alarm information in near real time. Further, the methods continue to operate and update the display of the power alarm information when tickets associated with the alarms are received or when an operator acknowledges the alarm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a most efficient, automated, fast and least expensive method and apparatus for processing the dig ticket alerts to prevent damage of underground facilities. All the functions required to process the ticket alerts are handled by one system called the geolink (geographical link to data) fiber integrity, i.e. GFI. The processing includes checking the ticket alerts for a dig location, automatically closing the ticket alerts if the dig location is not touching a cable buffer and forwarding the ticket alerts to the technician responsible for the ticket alert if the dig location is touching the cable buffer. The GFI system will receive and process thousands of dig ticket alerts on a daily basis without depending on any other system.

Abstract: For each process a stack data structure that includes two stacks, which are joined at their bases, is created. The two stacks include a normal stack, which grows downward, and an inverse stack, which grows upward. Items on the stack data structure are segregated into protected and unprotected classes. Protected items include frame pointers and return addresses, which are stored on the normal stack. Unprotected items are function parameters and local variables. The unprotected items are stored on the inverse stack.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method of providing relevant information about a network problem is presented. In one embodiment of the present invention, methods are presented for acquiring, analyzing, and distributing relevant information to network operations personnel, which include both service provider personnel and clients. A network portal is presented. The network portal consolidates and intelligently distributes network operations information, such as alarm information in real time. As such, the information required to make informed decisions is communicated to network operations personnel in a format that facilitates the access and use of the information. In addition, as the network problem changes (i.e., resolves, escalates), the changes in the alarm information may also be communicated to network operations personnel.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method and apparatus is presented for accessing data using Web Services. A prototype object is defined which describes data. The prototype object is defined in a Web Services Description Language (WSDL) document using a class. In one embodiment of the present invention, the class is implemented with a struct data type. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the class is implemented with a class data type. The WSDL document is used to operate a Web Service, which accesses the data and generates objects compliant with the class.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for searching a large database of dig location tickets for tickets of particular interest. A user can locate an area of concern on an on-screen map and can view a list of tickets received for a given date range of the map. For example, when underground plant damage occurs in a particular region, users need not text-search in the database to locate a particular ticket that may have caused the damage, but can instead locate the ticket using the enhanced on-screen map of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for consolidating troubleshooting information generated by a variety of troubleshooting systems is presented. A fault occurs in a network. At least one troubleshooting system notifies a network incident analyzer of the fault. A graphical user interface (GUI) is presented to a network operator. The network operator inputs information into the GUI. The information is used in conjunction with the original troubleshooting information to generate a query to a plurality of troubleshooting systems. Updated troubleshooting information is received in the network incident analyzer in response to the queries. The network incident analyzer uses the updated troubleshooting information to update the GUI and ultimately isolate the fault.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for testing a fiber-optic cable. An Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is presented. Test signals are generated from the OTDR and received by the OTDR for processing. The received test signals are sampled and analyzed. The received test signals include reflectance spikes and a slope. A first-order derivative is taken of the received signal. The first-order derivative is then filtered to remove the reflectance spikes and the slope. Discontinuities in the filtered first-order derivative denote a fault in the fiber-optic cable.

Abstract: To locate a buried conveyance (10), electromagnetic signaling information is collected at spaced intervals along the conveyance with the aid of a locating device (14). A processor (21) receives such information from the locating device (14) and then geographically orders the information in accordance with the geographic coordinates of the location at which it was obtained. Once geographically ordered, the information is then provided on a display (22) to provide a visual representation of the information as a function of the conveyance length.