Abstract: A reorganization system permitting reorganization in an operating implementation of the data storage and retrieval system invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Hei11-310096 Japanese Patent 3345628. The invention permits the reorganization of primary keys and blocks storing records by means of the provision of current location tables LC and new location tables LN and writing location table entries from LC to LN for one or multiple blocks in a given reorganization pass. Alternate-key indices may also be reorganized in the same fashion. Reorganization is performed continuously. The use of reorganization pointers to indicate during reorganization how far reorganization has advanced permits reorganization of a database without suspending the database while executing data retrieval, addition, updating and deletion by means of primary keys and alternate keys.

Abstract: The invention provides a communications system with few transmission collisions. The communications system is provided with a rhythm node, which rhythm nodes transmit synchronized upstream transmission instigation messages, upon receipt of which dominant nodes perform upstream transmissions sequentially and after their predetermined standby times. The rhythm node transmits synchronized downstream transmission instigation messages, upon receipt of which tonic nodes perform downstream transmissions sequentially and after their predetermined standby times. Transmissions of upstream transmission instigation messages and downstream transmission instigation messages are synchronized. Transmissions are efficient and without collisions because individual nodes perform transmissions in sequence rather than instantaneously.

Abstract: While scalability in database processing may be achieved gradually and at low cost, to achieve high scalability of several thousand times. This database accelerator holds on an accelerator system copies of location tables, which correspond to primary-key indices, and alternate-key location tables, which correspond to alternate-key indices, for a primary system that performs data updates. When a location table or alternate-key location table on the primary system is modified, updates are synchronized to the location table and alternate-key location tables on the accelerator system. The data itself is held only on the primary system. Major improvements in processing capabilities are achieved over serial processing by distributing processing requests among accelerator systems.

Abstract: Problem: Communications networks comprising a multitude of nodes suffer frequent transmission collisions, the performance of their transmission paths goes unavailed, and delays occur in transmission. The invention provides a communications system capable of high-speed transmissions without collisions. Solution: A rhythm node is provided on the communications network, and upstream transmissions are performed subsequent to receipt by individual dominant nodes of a transmission instigation message multicast by the rhythm node and after a predetermined standby time. For downstream transmissions, the rhythm node allocates downstream transmission permission to a tonic node.

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose is to enable the non-disruptive insertion of columns, and like operations, into databases that remain in operation, guarantee that programs using old database definition sets are able to run, and automate the creation and modification of database definition sets. Constitution: A database system comprising a logical structure conversion component that, in a database system that stores and retrieves data, converts records defined by some given version of a database definition set to records defined by a different version of the database definition set and a data storage component that stores multiple versions of the database definition paired to the records of one given table and multiple versions of the records defined by those database definition sets.

Abstract: A reorganization system permitting reorganization in an operating implementation of the data storage and retrieval system invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Hei11-310096 Japanese Patent 3345628. The invention permits the reorganization of primary keys and blocks storing records by means of the provision of current location tables LC and new location tables LN and writing location table entries from LC to LN for one or multiple blocks in a given reorganization pass. Alternate-key indices may also be reorganized in the same fashion. Reorganization is performed continuously. The use of reorganization pointers to indicate during reorganization how far reorganization has advanced permits reorganization of a database without suspending the database while executing data retrieval, addition, updating and deletion by means of primary keys and alternate keys.

Abstract: While scalability in database processing may be achieved gradually and at low cost, to achieve high scalability of several thousand times. This database accelerator holds on an accelerator system copies of location tables, which correspond to primary-key indices, and alternate-key location tables, which correspond to alternate-key indices, for a primary system that performs data updates. When a location table or alternate-key location table on the primary system is modified, updates are synchronized to the location table and alternate-key location tables on the accelerator system. The data itself is held only on the primary system. Major improvements in processing capabilities are achieved over serial processing by distributing processing requests among accelerator systems.

Abstract: This data backup and recovery system enables backup and recovery of data at low cost and in short periods of time. The system is comprised of a primary system that updates the source data and one or more secondary systems that back up the source data. The secondary systems may be installed in the vicinity of the primary system or at a remote location. The secondary systems have the same logical configuration as the primary system and perform backups by acquiring the most recent data in real time. The update histories maintained by the secondary systems may be used to restore the primary system to any given state at an earlier point in time. Using a secondary system as a referential tool enables load distribution; the backup processing of the secondary system may then be suspended to perform referential batch processing while it is detached from on-line processing.

Abstract: This method of evaluation provides means of accurately evaluating individuals and groups within an organization on the basis of numerical data and for thereby instituting genuine meritocracy within the organization. The activities of individuals and/or groups comprised of one or more individuals within the organization are quantified as billables or by applying tools of accounting and the individuals and/or groups comprised of one or more individuals evaluated on the basis of computer output provided that quantification as input. Use of this method of evaluation and such quantification of individual performance enables objective and fair evaluation of the individual. Application of this method and system further allows determination of the pay, retirement or severance pay, and other remuneration of individuals.

Abstract: Conventional information storage systems are subject to numerous practical constraints such as contiguity in the physical locations of blocks and the requirement that storage blocks be created in advance. Information retrieval in these systems has required the creation of indices, which take a long time to generate, and the structure of these systems makes them prone to deadlock because the indices are updated and the range of exclusion broadened when the referent information is modified. This invention utilizes the random access facilities of semiconductors to achieve high speeds and minimize the maintenance load. This invention introduces location tables and alternate-key tables to replace these indices. It also stores multiple records in a single block and can handle variable-length records and spanned records. The location tables manage the storage blocks.

Abstract: Conventional information storage systems are subject to numerous practical constraints such as contiguity in the physical locations of blocks and the requirement that storage blocks be created in advance. Information retrieval in these systems has required the creation of indices, which take a long time to generate, and the structure of these systems makes them prone to deadlock because the indices are updated and the range of exclusion broadened when the referent information is modified. This invention utilizes the random access facilities of semiconductors to achieve high speeds and minimize the maintenance load. This invention introduces location tables and alternate-key tables to replace these indices. It also stores multiple records in a single block and can handle variable-length records and spanned records. The location tables manage the storage blocks.

Abstract: Conventional information storage systems are subject to numerous practical constraints such as contiguity in the physical locations of blocks and the requirement that storage blocks be created in advance. Information retrieval in these systems has required the creation of indices, which take a long time to generate, and the structure of these systems makes them prone to deadlock since the indices are updated and the range of exclusion broadened when the referent information is modified. This invention utilizes the random access facilities of semiconductors to achieve high speeds and minimize the maintenance load. This invention introduces location tables and alternate-key tables to replace these indices. It also stores multiple records in a single block and can handle variable-length records and spanned records. The location tables manage the storage blocks.

Abstract: This data backup and recovery system enables backup and recovery of data at low cost and in short periods of time. The system is comprised of a primary system that updates the source data and one or more secondary systems that back up the source data. The secondary systems may be installed in the vicinity of the primary system or at a remote location. The secondary systems have the same logical configuration as the primary system and perform backups by acquiring the most recent data in real time. The update histories maintained by the secondary systems may be used to restore the primary system to any given state at an earlier point in time. Using a secondary system as a referential tool enables load distribution; the backup processing of the secondary system may then be suspended to perform referential batch processing while it is detached from on-line processing.

Abstract: Conventional information storage systems are subject to numerous practical constraints such as contiguity in the physical locations of blocks and the requirement that storage blocks be created in advance. Information retrieval in these systems has required the creation of indices, which take a long time to generate, and the structure of these systems makes them prone to deadlock since the indices are updated and the range of exclusion broadened when the referent information is modified. This invention utilizes the random access facilities of semiconductors to achieve high speeds and minimize the maintenance load. This invention introduces location tables and alternate-key tables to replace these indices. It also stores multiple records in a single block and can handle variable-length records and spanned records. The location tables manage the storage blocks.

Abstract: Conventional information storage systems are subject to numerous practical constraints such as contiguity in the physical locations of blocks and the requirement that storage blocks be created in advance. Information retrieval in these systems has required the creation of indices, which take a long time to generate, and the structure of these systems makes them prone to deadlock since the indices are updated and the range of exclusion broadened when the referent information is modified. This invention utilizes the random access facilities of semiconductors to achieve high speeds and minimize the maintenance load. This invention introduces location tables and alternate-key tables to replace these indices. It also stores multiple records in a single block and can handle variable-length records and spanned records. The location tables manage the storage blocks.

Abstract: This order placement and payment settlement system provides secure transactions in online shopping by means of the intermediation of settlement bodies that authenticate buyers and sellers, allowing each party to conduct business with confidence in the other. The buyer's computer or other data terminal accesses the seller's server to obtain purchase order information and transmits such information as is required to the server of the settlement body. On the basis of that information, the server of the settlement body references buyer credit databases provided to it and then transmits the purchase order to the seller's server only when the buyer is capable of making payment. The settlement body server also uses a trustworthiness ranking of the seller to determine the timing of settlement and effects settlement unless the buyer objects to settlement before that time. The system thus provides both the buyer and the seller with enhanced confidence in the integrity of the transaction.

Abstract: Conventional information storage systems are subject to numerous practical constraints such as contiguity in the physical locations of blocks and the requirement that storage blocks be created in advance. Information retrieval in these systems has required the creation of indices, which take a long time to generate, and the structure of these systems makes them prone to deadlock since the indices are updated and the range of exclusion broadened when the referent information is modified. This invention utilizes the random access facilities of semiconductors to achieve high speeds and minimize the maintenance load. This invention introduces location tables and alternate-key tables to replace these indices. It also stores multiple records in a single block and can handle variable-length records and spanned records. The location tables manage the storage blocks.