Abstract: Described is a database audit system used to monitor, and optionally alert on database activity, providing a complete record of access to data and database structure. The data audit system may also provide an audit trail of data accesses and changes to database schema and permissions. A database audit may be performed by collecting data from database transaction logs and traces, exporting the collected data into a repository, and analyzing the data in the repository to create data audit reports and to provide data audit browsing capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a licensing mechanism allowing for different forms of license for use in an environment of interconnected servers providing content. The invention comprises both methods and a system for licensing individual content based upon the nature of the use, thus facilitating the distribution of content without a license for non-commercial purposes and content with a license for commercial purposes. The system utilizes a special form placed within the content, the form containing either a legal assertion of the non-commercial nature of the use, or an identification of the licensee and other related data. If the form includes an identification of the licensee, a license server may be contacted to validate the license. The invention also includes a licensing tool or server to generate the appropriate form for insertion within the content.

Abstract: Persistent data storage for client computer software programs is provided using a repository that enables client computer software programs to store data securely on a client computer system, subsequently retrieve that data, and optionally share the data in a controlled fashion with authorized client computer software programs. The present invention can be used by both trusted and untrusted client computer software programs that either reside locally on the client computer system or are downloaded from a server computer system. A benefit of the present invention is that it allows untrusted applets to have access to persistent storage without compromising the integrity of the client computer system. Since the present invention controls persistent storage space, not the programmer of the client computer software program, the burden of insuring storage integrity and security is removed from the programmer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for metering Internet content deployed by content providers based on a technology platform licensed from content technology providers are provided. The systems and methods of the present invention consists of a metering infrastructure that enables content providers to meter the usage of content deployed with their technologies. The technologies are licensed to content providers, and the licensing fees are based on the content usage by content users. Content providers are charged a licensing fee for the usage of commercial content. In a preferred embodiment, non-commercial content may be deployed based on the licensed technologies and may be distributed free of charge.

Abstract: A system for delineating partially- or fully-bounded areal regions of a map utilizes deformable templates, which it dynamically expands and contorts to conform to the boundaries of the regions. The system segments the map into a number of cells, with each cell relating, for example, to a pixel. The system then defines an "energy" field for the floor plan by assigning cells corresponding to boundary edges predetermined minimum energy values, cells corresponding to boundary interiors predetermined maximum energy values, and each non-boundary cell an energy value defined by the distance of the cell from the closest boundary edge cell. The system then iteratively manipulates a template over a selected region of the floor plan in an attempt to minimize the "potential" of the template, which is defined by a potential function that includes a "total energy score" and various size and test terms that encourage desired template deformations.

Abstract: A system to enable individual locator devices or badges developed for location of people or objects to (1) determine whether their identification transmissions are received by sensor stations and to (2) take appropriate actions when the transmissions are not received. Each badge in the system can transmit to any sensor station in the system a request for an acknowledgement within a set interval of time. Each time a sensor station receives a request for acknowledgement from a badge the sensor station sends a message of acknowledgement to the badge. If the badge does not receive an acknowledgement within the set interval of time, the badge takes appropriate action due to its occlusion from the system. If the badge receives an acknowledgement within the interval of time, it resets its internal timer.