Abstract: A distributed processing system delegates the allocation and control of computing work units to agent applications running on computing resources including multi-processor and multi-core systems. The distributed processing system includes at least one agent associated with at least one computing resource. The distributed processing system creates work units corresponding with execution phases of applications. Work units can be associated with concurrency data that specifies how applications are executed on multiple processors and/or processor cores. The agent collects information about its associated computing resources and requests work units from the server using this information and the concurrency data. An agent can monitor the performance of executing work units to better select subsequent work units. The distributed processing system may also be implemented within a single computing resource to improve processor core utilization of applications.

Abstract: A video input device senses a visual portion of a presentation and produces video signal information corresponding to the visual portion. A user interface is provided for inputting presentation identification information relating to a presentation. The audio signal information, video signal information and presentation identification information are stored as a presentation set. The system further includes a presentation management portion in communication with the presentation capture portion. The presentation management portion includes a character recognition device for generating text character information from the presentation set video signal information and adding the text character information to the set. The presentation set is stored in a database that includes a database indexing system for generating an index of text character information from the presentation set, and a database search program for searching the index for selected information contained therein.

Abstract: A data processing system is described for providing digital video information on subscriber demand, for very large video data files. The system enables rapid response to the requests by network subscribers, independent of the number of video files offered for selection. The data processing system is coupled through a data switch to a subscriber communications network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively adjusting the stiffness of a ski using prestressed, curved rod members. The rod members are positioned lengthwise of the ski in bores and the stiffness of the ski can be selectively adjusted by rotating the rod members about their longitudinal axes. For a stiff ski, each rod member is rotated so that the prestressed curve faces upwardly and for a soft ski, each rod member is rotated so that the prestressed curve faces downwardly. By rotating the rod members between these extremes, intermediate degrees of stiffness can be obtained. One or more rod members can be used and when plural rod members are used, the stiffness of the ski can be adjusted both lengthwise and crosswise. Indicating means are provided for showing the rotational position of each rod. The rod members can be placed directly in drilled out bores in the ski, in drilled out bores of a housing which can then be inserted in the ski, or in tubes mounted within or atop the ski.