Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating a multi-component system. Each component in the system contains a computing device. Each computing device is controlled by software running on the computing device. A first portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control operations needed to coordinate the activities of all the components in the system. This first portion is known as a “coordinating process.” A second portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control local processes (local activities) specific to that component. Each component in the system is capable of hosting and running the coordinating process. The coordinating process continually cycles from component to component while it is running.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating a multi-component system. Each component in the system contains a computing device. Each computing device is controlled by software running on the computing device. A first portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control operations needed to coordinate the activities of all the components in the system. This first portion is known as a “coordinating process.” A second portion of the software resident on each computing devised is used to control local processes (local activities) specific to that component. Each component in the system is capable of hosting and running the coordinating process. The coordinating process continually cycles from component to component while it is running.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating a multi-component system. Each component in the system contains a computing device. Each computing device is controlled by software running on the computing device. A first portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control operations needed to coordinate the activities of all the components in the system. This first portion is known as a “coordinating process.” A second portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control local processes (local activities) specific to that component. Each component in the system is capable of hosting and running the coordinating process. The coordinating process continually cycles from component to component while it is running.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating a multi-component system. Each component in the system contains a computing device. Each computing device is controlled by software running on the computing device. A first portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control operations needed to coordinate the activities of all the components in the system. This first portion is known as a “coordinating process.” A second portion of the software resident on each computing devised is used to control local processes (local activities) specific to that component. Each component in the system is capable of hosting and running the coordinating process. The coordinating process continually cycles from component to component while it is running.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating a multi-component system. Each component in the system contains a computing device. Each computing device is controlled by software running on the computing device. A first portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control operations needed to coordinate the activities of all the components in the system. This first portion is known as a “coordinating process.” A second portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control local processes (local activities) specific to that component. Each component in the system is capable of hosting and running the coordinating process. The coordinating process continually cycles from component to component while it is running.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating a multi-component system. Each component in the system contains a computing device. Each computing device is controlled by software running on the computing device. A first portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control operations needed to coordinate the activities of all the components in the system. This first portion is known as a “coordinating process.” A second portion of the software resident on each computing device is used to control local processes (local activities) specific to that component. Each component in the system is capable of hosting and running the coordinating process. The coordinating process continually cycles from component to component while it is running.

Abstract: In a distributed computer system with a number of nodes, a process integrated mechanism includes a coordinating process device for controlling a single node at any instant of time. A run time controller executes the coordinating process device through a transfer cycle where the transfer cycle includes an amount of time the coordinating process device is resident on a single node plus an amount of time required to transfer the coordinating process device between one node and another node such that the coordinating process device is unaware of its movement from one node to another node and such that the total time for the transfer cycle, from the perspective of each node, is fast enough to control each node.

Abstract: A computer system having an explanation facility for facilitating user understanding of concepts underlying a domain of knowledge which enables a user to interact with and explore the domain of knowledge. The explanation facility utilizes a concept-map based representation of a domain of knowledge and several icons to control the mode of output of information from the computer system. Each concept map has concept nodes which represent concepts in the domain of knowledge, links between the concept nodes, and icons. The icons are positioned at the concept nodes and represent alternative modes of output of information from the computer system. A user desiring more information about a concept node can select one of the icons corresponding to the mode of output of information desired. Modes of output of information include audio, video (images and movies), text, concept maps, and combinations of the foregoing.