Abstract: An addressing method and computer system for sharing a large memory address space using address space within an operating system's virtual address space. The system provides sharing the SSB over many processes without the disadvantages associated with process based global sections. For instance, the novel system does not require that each process maintain its own dedicated page table entries (PTEs) in order to access the SSB thereby requiring less operating system virtual memory to maintain the PTE data structures. The system uses a process to switch to kernel mode, then identifies those sections of the operating system virtual memory space that are not being used; in some cases the unused address space can be 1.5-1.8 gigabytes in size. The unused address space is linked together to form the SSB. The system alters the privileges of the PTEs corresponding to the SSB so that user mode processes can access this usually protected operating system virtual memory space.

Abstract: An addressing method and system for accessing a very large size physical buffer by a number of processes. The novel system is applicable within a computer system having an n-bit computer operating system (e.g., where n is 16, 32, 64, etc.). The addressing method allocates a relatively small window of virtual address space, for each software process, which is used to access the very large physical buffer using a relatively small amount of operating system memory overhead. A page frame number (PFN) table of the system address space maintains a listing of physical memory pages used to define the very large physical buffer. The PFN table is used by each process to translate between a relative page number (RPN) and an address of a physical memory page containing the record. The virtual address space ("window") of each process is used to access the physical memory buffer and contains a hash table, a virtual access control block (VACB) free list, and a VACB table.

Abstract: An arbitration procedure allowing processes and their associated processors to perform useful work while they have pending service requests for access to shared resources within a multi-processor system environment. The arbitration procedure of the present invention is implemented within a multi-processor system (e.g., a symmetric multi-processor system) wherein multiple processes can simultaneously request "locks" which control access to shared resources such that access to these shared resources are globally synchronized among the many processes. Rather than assigning arbitration to the operating system, the present invention provides an arbitration procedure that is application-specific. This arbitration process provides a reservation mechanism for contending processes such that any given process only requests a lock call to the operating system when a lock is available for that process, thereby avoiding spinlock by the operating system.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for determining the boundaries of arbitrarily shaped regions on a computer display system having a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU is coupled to a display having a plurality of selectively enabled and disabled display elements arranged in a matrix, whereby each display element is identified by a unique X,Y address. A memory coupled to the CPU includes a plurality of memory cells, wherein the cells correspond to a display element on the display. An initial X,Y address is selected on the display by a user employing a cursor control to identify an area on the display where the boundaries of a region are to be determined. The initial X,Y address selected by the user is defined as a seed cell.

Abstract: A package for displacing an item and the package comprises a semi-rigid plastic member which includes a bottom and sides extending upwardly from the bottom and terminating in a continuous edge. A flexible plastic cover non-releasably secures to the continuous edge. The package includes a J-hook configured in the extension of one side of the package. The J-hook further comprises a reinforcing recess.