Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a system image for the computer. An initial state of the system image is identified. Responsive to an event, a determination is made as to whether a present state of the system image has changed from the initial state of the system image. Responsive to a change between the initial state of the system image and the current state of the system image, an update of the system image is sent for storage.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a desired distribution of machines with respect to a stationary map is disclosed. Each machine determines its location via a global positioning system calculation. Next, the machine determines a cell corresponding to the determined location. Each machine broadcasts a message at a time slice allocated for the cell. A central control center receives the broadcasted messages from a plurality of machines and uses the received broadcasted messages to determine the locations of the plurality of machines. It then matches the determined locations of the machines against a desired distribution of machines. Responsive to a finding that the determined locations do not adequately match the desired distribution, the central command center issues commands to respective machines to bring the machines into compliance with the desired distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing an application on a client computer. An image is created of a selected client computer. The image of the selected client computer is placed on another computer. The application is installed on the another computer, wherein an update image is created. The updated image is sent back to the client computer.

Abstract: The present invention is a load balancing and distributing switch-on/turn-on control for a circuit breaker, an appliance, a device, or an apparatus wherein each switch-on device on a circuit breaker, appliance, device, or apparatus generates and provides a turn-on time delay up to a maximum turn-on time delay so that the turn-on times and respective loads after a power failure from all circuit breakers, appliances, devices, and/or apparatuses are distributed and/or balanced over a turn-on period. The present invention distributes and balances the load and consumption by various appliances, devices, and apparatuses at the time of initial power up after a power failure. The present invention also distributes the turn-on times of the various appliances, devices, and apparatuses at the initial power up time. A circuit system and method for load balancing and distributing switch-on control of an operating device.

Abstract: A method of alerting a pilot to the location of other aircraft begins by detecting the presence of at least one other aircraft and then calculating that aircraft's projected flight path in the sky. Given the position of the pilot's head or eyes, a given image (e.g., a circle) is then projected (or otherwise displayed) on the aircraft's windshield at a calculated position. This position represents a relatively small region in the sky that the pilot, given the head or eye position and the projected flight path, should expect to see the other aircraft. In this manner, the pilot need no longer search the sky to attempt to map a display image to an actual location in his or her field of view.

Abstract: A method for locating machines in space, comprises the steps of determining a location of each machine via a global positioning system calculation performed at the machine. The GPS position is used to determining a cell corresponding to the determined location in which the machine is located. Each machine waits for a time slice allocated for the cell to broadcast a message indicative of the machine's position. In turn, the broadcasted messages are received from a plurality of machines and used determine the locations of the plurality of machines.

Abstract: A method for controlling automobile traffic lights uses global positioning systems installed at each vehicle. Each vehicle determines a location of the vehicle via a global positioning system calculation. Each vehicle determines a cell corresponding to the determined location. Each vehicle broadcasts a message at a time slice allocated for the cell. A traffic light computer system receives broadcasted messages from a plurality of vehicles which are approaching the traffic light. The system uses the received broadcasted messages to determine an optimal traffic signal sequence.

Abstract: The location of machines in space is displayed in a three dimensional user interface. At each machine of a plurality of machines, the location of the machine is determined via a global positioning system calculation. Each machine, determining a cell corresponding to the GPS determined location. The machines broadcasting a message at a time slice allocated for the cell, wherein the message is indicative of the type of machine broadcasting. The machine which presents the interface receives broadcasted messages from the plurality of machines. Using the received broadcasted messages, it determines the locations of the plurality of machines. Next, the presentation machine chooses a representation of each machine according to a machine type. Finally, the user interface is constructed by orienting and presenting the representations within a user interface showing a volume of space according to the determined locations.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a desired distribution of a moving cluster of machines is described. At each machine, the location of the machine is determined via a global positioning system calculation. Next, each machine determines a cell corresponding to the determined location. Each machine broadcasts a message at a time slice allocated for the cell. A controller, either centrally located or on the machines themselves, receives the broadcasted messages from a plurality of machines. The controller uses the received broadcasted messages to determine the locations of the plurality of machines. By matching the determined locations of the machines against a desired distribution of machines within the cluster, it determines whether the determined locations adequately match the desired distribution. If not, it issuing commands to respective machines to bring the cluster into compliance with the desired distribution.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the operation of a drawbridge is disclosed. The location of each a set of land vehicles approaching the drawbridge via a global positioning system calculation is determined. Each land vehicle, determining a cell corresponding to its determined location. Each land vehicle broadcasts a message at a time slice allocated for the cell. Similarly, a ship approaching the drawbridge determines its position via a global positioning system calculation, determines a cell corresponding to the location of the ship and broadcasts a message at a time slice allocated for the cell. The drawbridge controller receives broadcasted messages from the land vehicles and the ship. Using the received broadcasted messages, the drawbridge controller determines the optimal period to lift the drawbridge.

Abstract: A method for allocating bandwidth to devices seeking to initiate contact with a communication service is described. At each device, the location of the device is determined via a global positioning system calculation. At each device, a cell corresponding to the determined location is determined. At each device, a message for service to the communication service is sent at a time slice allocated for the cell. Upon receiving notification of service, allocated bandwidth and frequency by the communication service, communication is established.

Abstract: A method for dynamically translating bus address within a computer system is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system of the present invention, a computer system has a multiple of buses connected in a hierarchial manner. Information concerning a bus and a device attached to a bus are stored in a Hardware Namespace. In response to a request for an access to a device attached to one of the buses for the first time, a determination is made from the Hardware Namespace as to whether or not there is resource available for the device in a parent bus of the device. If there is resource available in the parent bus for the device, another determination is made from the Hardware Namespace as to whether or not the resource is exclusively allocated in the parent bus for the device. If the resource is exclusively allocated in the parent bus for the device, the device is configured according to the available resource.