Abstract: A method and device using a camera element to recognize and decode “invisible” watermarks. Of particular significance to the present invention is the development of a “designator” that is used to identify the existence of, and if desired, the approximate location of, the watermark or other coded content contained in an actual image such as media content (a displayed website, an printed or electronic advertisement, a label, billboard, brochure or any other means of displaying content) and assist in quick acquisition of the invisible watermark or other coded content by the reading device. A perceived image of the actual image can be optimized using the known characteristics of the designator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accepting a pass code such as a personal identification number (PIN) are disclosed. The method involves providing a user with a challenge, typically on some form of shielded display to prevent third party viewing. The user now enters a response which transforms the challenge into the pass code allocated to the user. The response allows the user to be validated against a stored record of the pass code allocated to the user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides apparatus and a method for testing a transmission path across one or more printed circuit boards. According to the method, a test signal is presented at a first location on the transmission path. The test signal is generally low frequency compared to normal data communications on the transmission path. A pickup line is capacitively coupled at a second location to the transmission path. The pickup line is monitored with a detector to see whether or not the test signal is present. If the test signal is not present, it is determined that there is a fault on the transmission path between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides apparatus including a data structure representing a fault tree for a system. The data structure comprises a plurality of events linked by propagations. Each event is classified as one of at least three possible event types. A first type of event is a problem event, which represents an underlying cause of misbehavior in the system. A second type of event is an error event, which represents an error in the system comprising an incorrect signal or datum. A third type of event is a report event, representing the formal detection by the system of an error. Each propagation in the fault tree denotes a cause and effect linkage from one event to another event. There are no propagations within the fault tree to a problem event.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automated diagnosis for a system. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a fault tree representation of the system, the fault tree specifying propagations of errors generated in the system by problems to produce error reports. At least some of the propagations have timing information associated therewith. One or more error reports having timing information associated therewith are received and analysed using the fault tree representation to determine a suspect list of problems. The suspect list contains those problems that could have generated errors to produce the received error reports compatible with the propagations in the fault tree, and consistent with the timing information associated with the propagations and the received error reports.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for reporting a status from a first node in a network to a second node in the network. The first node maintains a first value and a second value, both of which represent some status at the first node. When this status is modified, the first value is updated in accordance with the modified status. Once this has been done, a transmission is sent indicating the updated first value from the first node to the second node. The second node maintains a third value that also represents the status at the first node. Therefore, when the second node receives the transmission from the first node indicating the updated first value, it updates this third value in accordance with the updated first value. It then sends a confirmation back to the first node. Once this confirmation has been received at the first node, the second value is updated in accordance with the updated status. In this way, the third value mirrors the first value, and the second value mirrors the third value.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes at least one component which is vulnerable to damage during scan testing for a particular input data configuration, and supports a safe mode in which this particular input data configuration is disabled. The semiconductor device also includes a port for receiving an input scan vector for scan testing, and an authorization unit connected to said port. The authorization unit maintains the device in safe mode if an input scan vector does not satisfy at least one predetermined criterion. In one particular implementation, the authorization unit generates a digital signature for the input scan vector, which is then compared to a signature portion included within the input scan vector itself. Scan testing is enabled providing that this comparison finds a match.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method for simulating the operation of a system. The method includes providing a fault tree representation of the system. The fault tree defines a set of problems that may occur in the system, and specifies propagations in the system whereby a problem may create one or more errors that may in turn be detected by error detectors to produce corresponding error reports. The fault tree representation allows the presence of a problem in the system to be simulated, and the set of error reports resulting from the simulated problem to be determined. This simulation can be repeated for different problems to compare the sets of error reports potentially produced by the different problems.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for generating a data structure representative of a fault tree for a system. One embodiment of the method includes providing one or more input files comprising a source code description of the fault tree. The source code description has a plurality of statements specifying events and propagations in the fault tree, where a propagation represents a cause and effect linkage between events. The method further includes compiling the input files in source code into the data structure.

Abstract: An Error Correcting Code (ECC) conversion facility includes a first interface for receiving input data protected in accordance with a first ECC, and first and second processing paths, each connected to the first interface. First and second decoders are incorporated into respective first and second processing paths. Each of these decoders serves to extract clear data from input data protected in accordance with the first ECC. The first processing path also includes a decoder that can protect clear data in accordance with a second ECC. The output of the system is then connected to both the first and second processing paths, and produces output data protected in accordance with the second ECC. A first portion of this output data comprises data received from the first processing path, and a second portion of the output data comprises data received from the second processing path.

Abstract: A method for tracking repair histories includes providing a field replaceable unit having a memory device, generating a repair history record associated with a repair request for the field replaceable unit, and storing the repair history record in the memory device. A computing system includes a field replaceable unit including a memory device configured to store a repair history record associated with repairs performed on the field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for performing automated management on a system. The method includes providing a fault tree representation of the system. The fault tree specifies propagations of errors generated in the system by problems to produce error reports. The method further includes receiving one or more error reports which are analyzed using the fault tree representation to determine one or more suspected problems. The suspected problems represent those problems that could have generated errors to produce the received error reports compatible with the propagations in the fault tree. The method further includes deconfiguring or reconfiguring one or more components in the system in response to the determination of the suspected problems.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides apparatus and a method for testing a transmission path across one or more printed circuit boards. According to the method, a test signal is presented at a first location on the transmission path. The test signal is generally low frequency compared to normal data communications on the transmission path. A pickup line is capacitively coupled at a second location to the transmission path. The pickup line is monitored with a detector to see whether or not the test signal is present. If the test signal is not present, it is determined that there is a fault on the transmission path between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for reliably generating a random number sequence. The apparatus comprises a digital pseudo-random number sequence generator having a first output and an analog random number sequence generator having a second output. The pseudo-random number sequence on the first output and the random number sequence on the second output are combined using logic such as an exclusive-OR operation to generate an output number sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to the processing of state information such as interrupt status in a hierarchical network of nodes having a tree configuration. There is a root node at the top of the hierarchy, one or more intermediate nodes, and a plurality of leaf nodes at the bottom of the hierarchy. Each leaf node is linked to the root node by zero, one or more intermediate nodes. Each leaf node maintains information about one or more interrupt states, and each intermediate node maintains information derived from the interrupt states of leaf nodes below it in the hierarchy. This interrupt information is then processed by navigating from the root node to a first leaf node having at least one set interrupt state which is then masked out. The status of any intermediate nodes between this first leaf node and the root node is then updated if appropriate to reflect the fact that the particular interrupt state at the first leaf node is now masked out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accepting a pass code such as a personal identification number (PIN) are disclosed. The method involves providing a user with a challenge, typically on some form of shielded display to prevent third party viewing. The user now enters a response which transforms the challenge into the pass code allocated to the user. The response allows the user to be validated against a stored record of the pass code allocated to the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to performing a service operation on a computer. In one embodiment, information indicative of the need for a service operation is sent by a customer computer to a support center. Based on this received information, the support center then identifies the service operation to be performed on the computer, such as the replacement of a faulty component. The support center then creates a service task record describing this service operation, which is transmitted from the support center to a mobile computing device associated with an engineer who is to complete the service operation. This typically includes schedule information, detailing when and where the service operation is to be performed. When the engineer then arrives at the customer location, a direct communication link is established between the customer computer to be serviced and the mobile computing device, for example using an infrared link.

Abstract: A method for tracking repair histories includes providing a field replaceable unit having a memory device. Operational history data is collected during the operation of the field replaceable unit. The operational history data is stored in the memory device. A computing system includes a field replaceable unit including a memory device configured to store operational history data associated with the field replaceable unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the power consumption of a semiconductor device such as a CPU or other form of processor that is operable to process a sequence of instructions. The device includes a monitor for checking the power consumption of the device, in order to detect any significant change in power consumption (which can cause problems for the power supply circuitry). In order to mitigate such change, one or more dummy instructions are inserted into the sequence of instructions. The dummy instructions do not affect the logical processing, but are selected in order to limit the change in power consumption. Thus if the change in power consumption represents an increase, then dummy instructions are selected that do not require much current. Conversely, if the change in power consumption represents a decrease, then dummy instructions are selected that draw a relatively large amount of current.

Abstract: A payment device is provided for use in transactions such as credit purchases at a retail store. The device includes a non-volatile memory containing a set of multiple identifiers that are associated with a customer account. The multiple identifiers are also known to an agency that provides the customer account. The device further includes a processor operable to select one identifier out of the set of multiple identifiers for use with any particular transaction involving the device and the customer account. This identifier is then conveyed from the device, typically via a store terminal, to the agency that maintains the account.