Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for processing data representing a data entity having sub entities. The method includes analyzing queries to the data entity for deriving information about sets of the sub entities frequently queried together, and grouping the sub entities to a number of banks, each bank having a maximum width, based on the information about sets of sub entities frequently queried together, in order to reduce an average number of banks to be accessed for data retrieval.

Abstract: A method for processing data contained in tables in a relational database includes joining a first table and a second table into a joined table determining metadata for at least one column of a table of the following tables: the first table, the second table, and the joined table. The metadata is used for processing data in the at least one column of the table, and for processing data in at least one column of at least one other table of the following tables: the first table, the second table, and the joined table.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for dictionary encoding data without using three-valued logic is provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method includes encoding data in a database table using a dictionary, wherein the data includes values representing NULLs. A query having a predicate is received and the predicate is evaluated on the encoded data, whereby the predicate is evaluated on both the encoded data and on the encoded NULLs.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for the parallel computation of frequency histograms in joined tables is provided. The method includes reading data in a table row-by-row from a database system using a coordinator unit and distributing each read row to separate worker units. Each worker unit computes a partial frequency histogram for each column in the table in parallel. The partial histograms from the worker units are then merged and the coordinator unit sends the merged frequency histograms to the worker units.

Abstract: A system and associated method for customizing a documentation. A documentation template has elements and each element can hold a custom value. At least one element is associated with at least one constraint that governs the validity of the custom value for the element. The documentation template is presented and custom values for elements in the documentation template are obtained. The custom value for the element can be interactively provided by a user or automatically determined by system context of the user. Then validity of obtained custom values is checked against constraints associated with each element. Constraints may be classified in determining the impact of violated constraints in generating a customized document. Elements are substituted by valid corresponding custom values, and the customized documentation for the user is generated and stored as a result.

Abstract: A medium and system for managing an external routine in a computer implemented database management system includes creating a first table for storing external routines in a data store coupled to the database management system. An external routine is stored in the first table so that the database management system is allowed to automatically manage any modification related to the external routine and to control access to the external routine such that administrative support is minimized.

Abstract: A method for managing an external routine in a computer implemented database management system includes creating a first table for storing external routines in a data store coupled to the database management system. An external routine is stored in the first table so that the database management system is allowed to automatically manage any modification related to the external routine and to control access to the external routine such that administrative support is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling access to protected web pages on a web server by using a method of authentication. The method according to the invention is divided into a general method for authenticating the client and a downstream method for granting authorization to access the protected web pages by generating a session ID of which the client is notified after successful authentication, and by inserting the session ID as part of the new request. This ensures that even the links on the protected-access web page are covered and are provided with a session ID to serve as access authorization. The session ID is preferably given a validity date. The present invention fits into the existing browser infrastructure without any alterations being needed for this purpose. The use of a chip card increases the security of the method of authentication.

Abstract: A method for managing an external routine in a computer implemented database management system includes creating a first table for storing external routines in a data store coupled to the database management system. An external routine is stored in the first table so that the database management system is allowed to automatically manage any modification related to the external routine and to control access to the external routine such that administrative support is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and a method for performing cashless payments between a customer and a dealer. The advantages of the present invention lie in that payments can be performed over the Internet without implementing special payments commands stored in the customer chip card. It is sufficient to use a normal chipcard with a file structure. Such a file structure can be used in different file system cards and does not depend on the chipcard's operating system. Therefore, the inventive method can be used in a variety of chipcards without implementing special payments commands. The protocol is designed such that per payment only three steps of communication are required.

Abstract: A device and method for identifying critical card commands and their execution on the chip card. Each card command to be executed is supplied prior to its execution to a comparison device, which can either be a component of the chip card reader or a component independent of this. The comparison device checks with reference to filed comparison samples whether a critical card command is involved. A special comparison process is used for this. If the card command to be executed is a critical card command, it must be additionally confirmed by the user for it to be executed. A particular form of execution consists in comparison samples for identifying critical card commands being deposited during manufacture of the chip card and these being loaded into the working memory of the chip card reader or the comparison device on initialisation of the chip card in the chip card reader.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and a method for performing cashless payments between a customer and a dealer. The advantages of the present invention lie in that payments can be performed over the Internet without implementing special payments commands stored in the customer chip card. It is sufficient to use a normal chipcard with a file structure. Such a file structure can be used in different file system cards and does not depend on the chipcard's operating system. Therefore, the inventive method can be used in a variety of chipcards without implementing special payments commands. The protocol is designed such that per payment only three steps of communication are required.

Abstract: Reduces artifacts in fast imaging sequences used in magnetic resonance imaging by changing the phase of the radio frequency pulse output of a synthesizer in order to prevent the transverse magnetization caused by the radio frequency pulses used for "tipping" aligned spins into the transverse plane from reaching a steady state condition. Steady state conditions are known to cause artifacts in the final images.

Abstract: NMR imaging apparatus comprising apparatus for applying a linear magnetic field gradient to a sample, apparatus for varying the magnetic field gradient in a predetermined manner, apparatus for obtaining an NMR signal based on the linear magnetic field gradient, apparatus for storing the NMR signal, apparatus for reconstructing an NMR image from the stored NMR signal, and display apparatus for displaying the reconstructed NMR image, and wherein the apparatus for obtaining an NMR signal includes apparatus for obtaining the NMR signal at times when cancellation of the signal component dependent on magnetic field inhomogeneities occurs. There is also provided a technique for NMR imaging using the above apparatus.