Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for operating a data processing machine is described in which data about a state of the machine is written to a location in storage. The location is one that is accessible to software that may be written for the machine. The state data as written is encoded. This state data may be recovered from the storage according to a decoding process. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A process is introduced that determines contour requirements from many factors. Based on the contour requirements, the process either generates at least one content-derived signature contour from either many content identifiers or at least one content-derived signature contour, or generates at least one optimized content-derived signature contour from contour-related data and either at least one content-derived signature contour or a derivation from at least one content-derived signature contour.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a set of multiplex blocks coupled with an interrupt controller and multiple interrupt request lines, and a virtual machine monitor block (VMM) coupled to the set of multiplex blocks. Each multiplex block corresponds to a distinct interrupt request line. Each multiplex block is to route the interrupt request signal received via the corresponding interrupt request line either to the interrupt controller or the VMM block depending on a current configuration value of this multiplex block.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes recognizing an interrupt pending during an operation of guest software, determining that the interrupt is to cause a transition of control to a virtual machine monitor (VMM), determining whether the interrupt is to be acknowledged prior to the transition of control to the VMM, and if the interrupt is to be acknowledged, acknowledging the interrupt and transitioning control to the VMM.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for handling privileged events in a virtual machine environment includes detecting an occurrence of a privileged event, determining which one of multiple virtual machine monitors (VMMs) is to handle the privileged event, and transitioning control to this VMM.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a request to transition control to a virtual machine (VM) is received from a virtual machine monitor (VMM) and a determination is made as to whether the VMM has requested a delivery of a fault to the VM. If the determination is positive, the fault is delivered to the VM when control is transitioned to the VM.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a predefined behavior of a virtual machine monitor (VMM) with respect to one or more virtual machines (VMs) is identified, and processor-managed resources associated with the one or more VMs are utilized based on the predefined behavior of the VMM.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing information items. Processing comprises one of context filtering, context prioritizing, or both context filtering and context prioritizing. In some embodiments the set of context items from which processing criteria are derived includes a user's calendar of appointments, schedule changes, exceptions, and the like.

Abstract: Optimizing the retrieval of blocks of data from a tape media of a longitudinal serpentine tape drive. A device block map (DBM) is retrieved from the tape media and stored in memory. The DBM comprises a table having one or more rows and one or more columns for each block of data stored on the tape media. The columns are selected from the group comprising a wrap column, a position column, a logical block column, and a file identifier column. One or more retrieval paths for requested blocks of data are determined from an image of the physical layout of the requested blocks on the tape media generated by linear interpolation of the DBM stored in memory. Each of the retrieval paths comprises an ordered sequence of the blocks of data and the manner in which the tape media is to be traversed to accomplish the retrieval of the ordered sequence. A sum of distances is determined for each of the retrieval paths and an optimal one of the retrieval paths is selected based on the determined sum of distances.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for optimizing the retrieval of blocks of data from a tape media of a longitudinal serpentine tape drive. A device block map (DBM) is retrieved from the tape media and stored in memory. The DBM comprises a table having one or more rows and one or more columns for each block of data stored on the tape media. The columns are selected from a group comprising a wrap column, a position column, a logical block number column, and a file identifier column, wherein the wrap column indicates a track where the block of data is recorded on the tape media, the position column indicates a physical position where the block of data is recorded on the tape media, the logical block number column indicates a logical block number for the block of data, and a file identifier column indicates a logical file identifier for the block of data.

Abstract: A data storage system for use with a tape cartridge storing data in a serpentine pattern on tape media, and having a memory device for storing a device block map for the tape median, comprises tape drive, or a loading mechanism, which first positions the tape cartridge at memory interface for transfering the device block map from the memory device to a processor, and subsequently positions the tape media for reading and/or writing. The processor processes the device block map from the memory device for optimal retrieval of the serpentine pattern data of the tape media. The processing of the device block map occurs while the tape media is positioned for reading and/or writing, so that the processor begins the retrieval reading process immediately upon the positioning of the tape media. In another aspect of the invention, a robotic accessor of an automated data storage library moves the tape cartridge to the tape drive.

Abstract: A cursor positioning system for use with computer systems employing relative-pointing devices (e.g., trackballs or mice) for cursor positioning functions. The cursor positioning system employs a cursor driver, stored in a memory of the computer system and responsive to cursor positioning signals from the relative-pointing device, to enable fast and accurate cursor positioning to specific, predefined locations. The cursor driver responds to user-actuated signals, such as "clicks" or keystrokes to record cursor position objects at particular cursor locations. Thereafter, during cursor position selection mode, initiated by a keystroke or relative-pointing device signal, the cursor's position is moved from position object to position object. The preferred embodiment also provides for recording of bias objects, typically the same as the position objects, to attract the cursor's location towards them. This attraction reduces undershoot and overshoot of the cursor.

Abstract: A hairstyling comb particularly useful for applying streaks of highlighter to the hair comprises a hollow stem closed at one end and communicable at its other end with a reservoir of a viscous liquid to be applied to the hair. Discrete passageways are spaced along the length of the stem whereby its interior opens to discrete locations near the junctions between respective pairs of teeth of the comb. Concavities open generally laterally of the comb, each communicating with a respective one of said passageways and having a relatively greater cross-sectional area.

Abstract: Various data storage formats help to efficiently locate, read, and write user data stored on magnetic tape media. A tape is formatted by writing multiple segment-headers, free from any interleaved access of user data Adjacent segment-headers are spaced by a predetermined interval to define multiple data storage segments. Segment-headers all contain a unique key, which is copied into a key index to identify valid segments. After formatting, normal tape accesses can be performed. Without erasing any old headers or data, a new formatting scheme can be established by writing new segment-headers on the tape. The new segment-headers include a new unique key, replacing the previous key in the key index. Previous segment-headers stored on the tape are ignored, since they lack the updated key. Segments may be selectively grouped to provide independently addressable partitions. Mapping between segments and partitions can use a fixed relationship (e.g.

Abstract: Various data storage formats help to efficiently locate, read, and write user data stored on magnetic tape media. A tape is formatted by writing multiple segment-headers, free from any interleaved access of user data. Adjacent segment-headers are spaced by a predetermined interval to define multiple data storage segments. Segment-headers all contain a unique key, which is copied into a key index to identify valid segments. After formatting, normal tape accesses can be performed. Without erasing any old headers or data, a new formatting scheme can be established by writing new segment-headers on the tape. The new segment-headers include a new unique key, replacing the previous key in the key index. Previous segment-headers stored on the tape are ignored, since they lack the updated key. Segments may be selectively grouped to provide independently addressable partitions. Mapping between segments and partitions can use a fixed relationship (e.g.

Abstract: A storage media for linear, serpentine recording is pre-formatted for data storage operations by recording partition format information in a single pass along the length of the storage media by recording partition format information for all storage media tracks at regular partition intervals defined by index locations alternately in both storage media directions before moving the storage media to the next partition interval. At each index location, partition markers are recorded in successive parallel tracks first in one media direction and then the other until markers are recorded across the entire width of the storage media. The steps of moving to a next partition index location, recording partition information in successive parallel tracks in first one direction and then the other, and moving to a next index location one partition length away, are repeated until all partitions of the storage media are pre-formatted.

Abstract: A cursor positioning system for use with computer systems employing relative-pointing devices (e.g., trackballs or mice) for cursor positioning functions. The cursor positioning system employs a cursor driver, stored in a memory of the computer system and responsive to cursor positioning signals from the relative-pointing device, to enable fast and accurate cursor positioning to specific, predefined locations. The cursor driver responds to user-actuated signals, such as "clicks" or keystrokes to record cursor position objects at particular cursor locations. Thereafter, during cursor position selection mode, initiated by a keystroke or relative-pointing device signal, the cursor's position is moved from position object to position object. The preferred embodiment also provides for recording of bias objects, typically the same as the position objects, to attract the cursor's location towards them. This attraction reduces undershoot and overshoot of the cursor.

Abstract: An improved insert anchor assembly which provides a lifting clevis is disclosed. A novel void former comprising a body and plug to completely surround the lifting clevis is also disclosed. An improved hoisting attachment capable of complimentable receipt within the recess created by the void former is further provided.

Abstract: An improved insert anchor assembly which provides a lifting clevis is disclosed. A novel void former comprising a body and plug to completely surround the lifting clevis is also disclosed. An improved hoisting attachment capable of complimentable receipt within the recess created by the void former is further provided.

Abstract: An improved insert anchor assembly which provides a lifting clevis is disclosed. A novel void former comprising a body and plug to completely surround the lifting clevis is also disclosed. An improved hoisting attachment capable of complimentable receipt within the recess created by the void former is further provided.