Abstract: Techniques are provided for data management across a persistent memory tier and a file system tier. A block within a persistent memory tier of a node is determined to have up-to-date data compared to a corresponding block within a file system tier of the node. The corresponding block may be marked as a dirty block within the file system tier. Location information of a location of the block within the persistent memory tier is encoded into a container associated with the corresponding block. In response to receiving a read operation, the location information is obtained from the container. The up-to-date data is retrieved from the block within the persistent memory tier using the location information for processing the read operation.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for block allocation for persistent memory during aggregate transition. In a high availability pair including first and second nodes, the first node makes a determination that control of a first aggregate is to transition from the first node to the second node. A portion of available free storage space is allocated from a first persistent memory of the first node as allocated pages within the first persistent memory. Metadata information for the allocated pages is updated with an identifier of the first aggregate to create updated metadata information reserving the allocated pages for the first aggregate. The updated metadata information is mirrored to the second node, so that the second node also reserves those pages. Control of the first aggregate is transitioned to the second node. As a result, the nodes do not attempt allocating the same free pages to different aggregates during a transition.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for implementing write ordering for persistent memory. A set of actions are identified for commitment to persistent memory of a node for executing an operation upon the persistent memory. An episode is created to comprise a first subset of actions of the set of actions that can be committed to the persistent memory in any order with respect to one another such that a consistent state of the persistent memory can be reconstructed in the event of a crash of the node during execution of the operation. The first subset of actions within the episode are committed to the persistent memory and further execution of the operation is blocked until the episode completes.

Abstract: A system for remotely managing a medication regimen includes a communication device usable by a target individual, a peripheral device that obtains biometric information of the target individual, an interactive medication dispenser, and a processor. The processor causes the communication device to enable a conversation interface associated with a virtual assistant that provides information, queries, and directions to a target individual, receives input from the target individual, information from the medication dispenser, and biometric information from the peripheral device, determines a status of management of the medication regimen based on the received data, determines a response based on the determined status, and transmits the response.

Abstract: A network controller maintains network availability between a pair of endpoints. The controller detects a topology of a computer network connecting endpoints. The controller determines a metric of availability between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The metric of availability is based on non-overlapping paths between the first endpoint and the second endpoint. Responsive to a determination that the metric of availability satisfies a predetermined criterion, the controller adjusts a path between the first endpoint and the second endpoint.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to techniques for improving fuel efficiency of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine capable of operating at various displacement levels. An autonomous driving unit or cruise controller selects when possible an engine torque output that corresponds to a fuel efficient displacement level. The resultant vehicle speed profile and NVH level is acceptable to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to techniques for improving fuel efficiency of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine capable of operating at various displacement levels. An autonomous driving unit or cruise controller selects when possible an engine torque output that corresponds to a fuel efficient displacement level. The resultant vehicle speed profile and NVH level is acceptable to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A prescription management system receives prescription information and manages containers filled with the prescription. The prescription is stored in the container and the container is attached to a tracking device storing prescription information. The tracking device is managed by the prescription management system. The tracking device activates an indicator when it receives a request from the prescription management system identifying the tracking device. The indicator permits a user, such as a pharmacist, to locate a desired prescription. In some instances, filled prescriptions may be stored in a filled prescription holding area for a long period of time (i.e., the customer hasn't picked up the prescription). The system allows a user to identify these filled prescriptions and return the medication back to available stock for filling future prescriptions. The system may also identify these filled prescriptions and have the filled prescriptions delivered to a customer's home before the prescriptions expire.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improving the fuel efficiency of autonomous vehicles by operating either (1) at a first effective engine displacement that takes into account noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) when the vehicle is occupied or (2) at a second effective engine displacement, without concern for occupant NVH, when the vehicle is not occupied. The second effective engine displacement is typically more fuel efficient than the first effective engine displacement, but result in a higher level of NVH compared to the first effective engine displacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to techniques for improving fuel efficiency of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine capable of operating at various displacement levels. An autonomous driving unit or cruise controller selects when possible an engine torque output that corresponds to a fuel efficient displacement level. The resultant vehicle speed profile and NVH level is acceptable to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improving the fuel efficiency of autonomous vehicles by operating either (1) at a first effective engine displacement that takes into account noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) when the vehicle is occupied or (2) at a second effective engine displacement, without concern for occupant NVH, when the vehicle is not occupied. The second effective engine displacement is typically more fuel efficient than the first effective engine displacement, but result in a higher level of NVH compared to the first effective engine displacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to techniques for improving fuel efficiency of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine capable of operating at various displacement levels. An autonomous driving unit or cruise controller selects when possible an engine torque output that corresponds to a fuel efficient displacement level. The resultant vehicle speed profile and NVH level is acceptable to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A prescription management system receives prescription information and manages containers filled with the prescription. The prescription is stored in the container and the container is attached to a tracking device storing prescription information. The tracking device is managed by the prescription management system. The tracking device activates an indicator when it receives a request from the prescription management system identifying the tracking device. The indicator permits a user, such as a pharmacist, to locate a desired prescription. In some instances, filled prescriptions may be stored in a filled prescription holding area for a long period of time (i.e., the customer hasn't picked up the prescription). The system allows a user to identify these filled prescriptions and return the medication back to available stock for filling future prescriptions. The system may also identify these filled prescriptions and have the filled prescriptions delivered to a customer's home before the prescriptions expire.

Abstract: A prescription management system receives prescription information and manages containers filled with the prescription. The prescription is stored in the container and the container is attached to a tracking device storing prescription information. The tracking device is managed by the prescription management system. The tracking device activates an indicator when it receives a request from the prescription management system identifying the tracking device. The indicator permits a user, such as a pharmacist, to locate a desired prescription. In some instances, the system may detect an event associated with the stored prescription that prevents the prescription from being dispensed to a customer. For example, the storage container may be tampered with, the prescription may require additional verification, or a consultation must be given to the customer first. Once the appropriate remedial action has taken place, the system allows the prescription to be dispensed to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to techniques for improving fuel efficiency of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine capable of operating at various displacement levels. An autonomous driving unit or cruise controller selects when possible an engine torque output that corresponds to a fuel efficient displacement level. The resultant vehicle speed profile and NVH level is acceptable to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to techniques for improving fuel efficiency of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine capable of operating at various displacement levels. An autonomous driving unit or cruise controller selects when possible an engine torque output that corresponds to a fuel efficient displacement level. The resultant vehicle speed profile and NVH level is acceptable to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to techniques for improving fuel efficiency of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine capable of operating at various displacement levels. An autonomous driving unit or cruise controller selects when possible an engine torque output that corresponds to a fuel efficient displacement level. The resultant vehicle speed profile and NVH level is acceptable to vehicle occupants.

Abstract: Various methods and arrangements for controlling catalytic converter temperature are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes a catalytic monitor and a firing timing determination unit. The catalytic monitor obtains data relating to a temperature of a catalytic converter. Based at least partly on this data, the firing timing determination unit generates a firing sequence for operating the engine in a skip fire manner. Another aspect of the invention relates to an engine exhaust system that can help expedite the heating of a catalytic converter.

Abstract: Various methods and arrangements for controlling catalytic converter temperature are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes a catalytic monitor and a firing timing determination unit. The catalytic monitor obtains data relating to a temperature of a catalytic converter. Based at least partly on this data, the firing timing determination unit generates a firing sequence for operating the engine in a skip fire manner. Another aspect of the invention relates to an engine exhaust system that can help expedite the heating of a catalytic converter.