Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fault-tolerant computing in a parallel processing environment. Intermediate data points are determined from a set of input data by a plurality of processing elements operating in parallel. Preferably, the resolution of the intermediate data points is greater than the resolution required in an output imaging data set. The intermediate data points are spatially re-gridded to the resolution required in the output imaging data set, ignoring any missing data as a result of a processing element failing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a virtual storage volume with a file size independent of a file size limitation of a computer. In one embodiment, a storage area is randomly selected from among a plurality of available storage areas. A determination is made as to whether the selected storage area contains at least a predetermined amount of free space. If so, the predetermined amount of free space is allocated on the selected storage area to create an allocated storage area. A symbolic link to the allocated storage area is written in a directory associated with the virtual storage volume. Data destined for the virtual storage volume is then written in the allocated storage area.

Abstract: A computer program, and a method and apparatus for creating the computer program. The computer program is stored on a computer readable medium and is executable by a computer system. The computer system can comprise a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for reading the parameter from a parameter cache in the computer system. The parameter cache is capable of storing the parameter as an object therein. The computer program also comprises instructions for validating the parameter and aborting the function if the parameter is not valid, and instructions for loading the parameter from the parameter cache and performing the function in accordance with the parameter if the parameter is valid.

Abstract: An integrated source code file and a method and apparatus for creating a computer program from the integrated source code file. The integrated source code file is stored on a computer readable medium and the computer program created therefrom is executable by a computer system having a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for validating the parameter, the instructions adapted to run on both the front-end and the back-end. The computer program also comprises graphical user interface information for creating a graphical user interface, which can be used to receive the parameter. The computer program still further comprises a documentation section for providing information related to the function, which is adapted for display via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fault-tolerant computing in a parallel processing environment. Intermediate data points are determined from a set of input data by a plurality of processing elements operating in parallel. Preferably, the resolution of the intermediate data points is greater than the resolution required in an output imaging data set. The intermediate data points are spatially re-gridded to the resolution required in the output imaging data set, ignoring any missing data as a result of a processing element failing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the size of a file beyond a file size limitation of a computer. In one embodiment, a storage area is randomly selected from among a plurality of available storage areas. A determination is made as to whether the selected storage area contains at least a predetermined amount of free space. If so, the predetermined amount of free space is allocated on the selected storage area to create an allocated storage area. A symbolic link to the allocated storage area is written in a directory associated with the virtual storage volume. Data destined for the virtual storage volume is then written in the allocated storage area.

Abstract: A computer program, and a method and apparatus for creating the computer program. The computer program is stored on a computer readable medium and is executable by a computer system. The computer system can comprise a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for reading the parameter from a parameter cache in the computer system. The parameter cache is capable of storing the parameter as an object therein. The computer program also comprises instructions for validating the parameter and aborting the function if the parameter is not valid, and instructions for loading the parameter from the parameter cache and performing the function in accordance with the parameter if the parameter is valid.

Abstract: An apparatus for restructuring data includes a receiving section for receiving a data record having a header and an array, and a compressing section for compressing the header according to a lossless form of compression and for compressing the array according to a lossy form of compression. Also provided is a method for storing the compressed header and the compressed array in a self-defining file. The self-defining file includes a multi-level index, which contains information such as the size and location of compressed headers and compressed arrays contained within the file.

Abstract: A computer program, and a method and apparatus for creating the computer program. The computer program is stored on a computer readable medium and is executable by a computer system having a front-end for interfacing with a user, and a back-end for performing batch functions. The computer program comprises instructions for performing a function, which requires at least one parameter for its operation. The computer program further comprises instructions for validating the parameter. The computer program also comprises graphical user interface information for creating a graphical user interface, which can be used to receive the parameter. The computer program still further comprises a documentation section for providing information related to the function, which is adapted for display via the graphical user interface.