Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing storage and retrieval in an information storage system cache is disclosed that uses the hashing technique with the open-addressing method for collision resolution. Insertion, retrieval, and deletion operations are limited to a predetermined number of probes, after which it may be assumed that the table does not contain the desired data. Moreover, when using linear probing, the technique facilitates maximum concurrent, multi-thread access to the table, thereby improving system throughput, since only a relatively small section is locked and made unavailable while a thread modifies that section, allowing other threads complete access to the remainder of the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing storage and retrieval in an information storage system cache is disclosed that uses the hashing technique with the open-addressing method for collision resolution. Insertion, retrieval, and deletion operations are limited to a predetermined number of probes, after which it may be assumed that the table does not contain the desired data. Moreover, when using linear probing, the technique facilitates maximum concurrent, multi-thread access to the table, thereby improving system throughput, since only a relatively small section is locked and made unavailable while a thread modifies that section, allowing other threads complete access to the remainder of the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing storage and retrieval in an information storage system cache is disclosed that uses the hashing technique with the external chaining method for collision resolution. In order to prevent performance deterioration due to an unrestrained growth in the length of chains, an on-the-fly record removal technique is combined with background chain-pruning processes that continually trim long chains to keep chain lengths at an acceptable equilibrium without triggering abrupt, disruptive action at the time the system senses that it is stressed. More specifically, each insertion, retrieval, or deletion of a record is an occasion to rid an entire linked list of its records that have aged out. Additionally, concurrent background processes continually navigate the hash table, trimming those chains that are deemed excessively long.

Abstract: Generating telephone service logic based on received data is disclosed. The telephone service logic may include caller priority levels. A caller priority level may be updated based on a change in information associated with a caller. The telephone service logic may be upgraded in accordance with new telephone service logic. The new telephone service logic may be automatically located, purchased and downloaded over at least one network via a buying request script. The buying request script may represent a collective buying group as an aggregation of compatible buying request scripts created by a plurality of different users. The telephone service logic may be transmitted to a computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing storage and retrieval in an information storage system cache is disclosed that uses the hashing technique with the open-addressing method for collision resolution. Insertion, retrieval, and deletion operations are limited to a predetermined number of probes, after which it may be assumed that the table does not contain the desired data. Moreover, when using linear probing, the technique facilitates maximum concurrent, multi-thread access to the table, thereby improving system throughput, since only a relatively small section is locked and made unavailable while a thread modifies that section, allowing other threads complete access to the remainder of the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing storage and retrieval in an information storage system cache is disclosed that uses the hashing technique with the external chaining method for collision resolution. In order to prevent performance deterioration due to an unrestrained growth in the length of chains, an on-the-fly record removal technique is combined with background chain-pruning processes that continually trim long chains to keep chain lengths at an acceptable equilibrium without triggering abrupt, disruptive action at the time the system senses that it is stressed. More specifically, each insertion, retrieval, or deletion of a record is an occasion to rid an entire linked list of its records that have aged out. Additionally, concurrent background processes continually navigate the hash table, trimming those chains that are deemed excessively long.

Abstract: The computer apparatus and methods of the preferred embodiment uses computer technology in a unique way to motivate children to devote more time to educational and cultural enrichment. In the preferred embodiment, educational material is provided at a child's local computer under control of a central computer system connected to it over a computer network. On completing a particular educational task, the child is rewarded with a certain number of points. Points that the child accumulates are stored centrally, and at least some of the points can be redeemed towards the purchase of goods and services offered through the system of the preferred embodiment by its commercial participants. The purchasing transactions are also administered by the central computer. Parents, preferably, use the system to support their children's purchasing activity financially and to select content available for presentation to the child.

Abstract: The preferred computer apparatus and methods use computer technology in a unique way to motivate children to devote more time to educational and cultural enrichment, and encourages them to explore the appropriateness of various educational institutions that they may apply to for admission. In the preferred embodiment, educational material is provided at a child's local computer under control of a central computer system connected to it over a computer network. On completing a particular educational task, the child is rewarded with a certain number of points. Points that the child accumulates are stored centrally, and at least some of the points can be redeemed towards the purchase of goods and services offered through the system of the preferred embodiment by its commercial participants. The purchasing transactions are also administered by the central computer.

Abstract: The computer apparatus and methods of the preferred embodiment uses computer technology in a unique way to motivate children to devote more time to educational and cultural enrichment. In the preferred embodiment, educational material is provided at a child's local computer under control of a central computer system connected to it over a computer network. On completing a particular educational task, the child is rewarded with a certain number of points. Points that the child accumulates are stored centrally, and at least some of the points can be redeemed towards the purchase of goods and services offered through the system of the preferred embodiment by its commercial participants. The purchasing transactions are also administered by the central computer. Parents, preferably, use the system to support their children's purchasing activity financially and to select content available for presentation to the child.

Abstract: A central computer system preferably communicates with local computers of users over the Internet and stores account information of users. Preferably, users may interact with information provided by the central computer system or third party computer systems. The availability of such information is preferably controlled by a different user. The central system preferably stores data representing rewards available to the users as a result of interaction with such information. The users preferably may obtain products or services, in accordance with the stored rewards, wherein at least some of such products or services are promoted by a different user, which provides financing for at least some of the items obtained with the reward. Preferably, the central system includes administrative software that may provide monitoring and managing performance of the system, fraud detection, and management of the information available to the users.

Abstract: The preferred computer apparatus and methods use computer technology in a unique way to motivate children to devote more time to educational and cultural enrichment, and encourages them to explore the appropriateness of various educational institutions that they may apply to for admission. In the preferred embodiment, educational material is provided at a child's local computer under control of a central computer system connected to it over a computer network. On completing a particular educational task, the child is rewarded with a certain number of points. Points that the child accumulates are stored centrally, and at least some of the points can be redeemed towards the purchase of goods and services offered through the system of the preferred embodiment by its commercial participants. The purchasing transactions are also administered by the central computer.

Abstract: The computer apparatus and methods of the preferred embodiment uses computer technology in a unique way to motivate children to devote more time to educational and cultural enrichment. In the preferred embodiment, educational material is provided at a child's local computer under control of a central computer system connected to it over a computer network. On completing a particular educational task, the child is rewarded with a certain number of points. Points that the child accumulates are stored centrally, and at least some of the points can be redeemed towards the purchase of goods and services offered through the system of the preferred embodiment by its commercial participants. The purchasing transactions are also administered by the central computer. Parents, preferably, use the system to support their children's purchasing activity financially and to select content available for presentation to the child.

Abstract: The computer apparatus and methods of the preferred embodiment uses computer technology in a unique way to motivate children to devote more time to educational and cultural enrichment. In the preferred embodiment, educational material is provided at a child's local computer under control of a central computer system connected to it over a computer network. On completing a particular educational task, the child is rewarded with a certain number of points. Points that the child accumulates are stored centrally, and at least some of the points can be redeemed towards the purchase of goods and services offered through the system of the preferred embodiment by its commercial participants. The purchasing transactions are also administered by the central computer. Parents, preferably, use the system to support their children's purchasing activity financially and to select content available for presentation to the child.

Abstract: The computer apparatus and methods of the preferred embodiment uses computer technology in a unique way to motivate children to devote more time to educational and cultural enrichment. In the preferred embodiment, educational material is provided at a child's local computer under control of a central computer system connected to it over a computer network. On completing a particular educational task, the child is rewarded with a certain number of points. Points that the child accumulates are stored centrally, and at least some of the points can be redeemed towards the purchase of goods and services offered through the system of the preferred embodiment by its commercial participants. The purchasing transactions are also administered by the central computer. Parents, preferably, use the system to support their children's purchasing activity financially and to select content available for presentation to the child.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing storage and retrieval in an information storage system is disclosed that uses the hashing technique with the external chaining method for collision resolution. In order to prevent performance deterioration due to the presence of automatically expiring data items, a garbage collection technique is used that removes all expired records stored in the system in the external chain targeted by a probe into the data storage system. More particularly, each insertion, retrieval, or deletion of a record is an occasion to search an entire linked-list chain of records for expired items and then remove them. Because an expired data item will not remain in the system long term if the system is frequently probed, it is useful for large information storage systems that are heavily used, require the fast access provided by hashing, and cannot be taken off-line for removal of expired data.