Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for processing work items includes a dispatcher operable to receive a plurality of messages and determine if any of the messages is associated with a work assignment. The system also includes an active work server communicatively coupled to the dispatcher and operable to receive work information associated with at least one message determined by the dispatcher to be associated with a work assignment. The active work server is further operable to create a work item associated with the at least one message based at least in part upon the work information, wherein the work item comprises an owner identifier. The active work server further communicates the work item to an owner associated with the owner identifier.

Abstract: A communication system (10) comprises a plurality of clients (12) including a first client (18) and a second client (20). Within the communication system (10), continuity of one or more of a plurality of broadcast events (14) is provided between the plurality of clients (12). The first client (18) monitors a broadcast event (34). Thereafter, the second client (20) launches monitoring of the broadcast event (34) in response to an occurrence associated with the broadcast event (34).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for registering a user in a group communication network provides for determining an address for a location server, requesting the location server to register the user, and receiving a notification from the location server that the user is registered. The method further provides for requesting the location server to authenticate the user before registering the user, and requesting the location server to load information about the user. The method and apparatus also provides for a significant reduction in the actual total dormancy wakeup time and latency by exchanging group call signaling even when mobiles are dormant and no traffic channel is active.

Abstract: Systems and methods to, for example, allow a series of HTTP request/response transactions to be used to emulate a more fully bi-directional communications channel between a client and a server in a communications network are presented. The client and the server create software objects that can represent both direct connections or connections via intermediary servers such as proxy servers or relay servers, hide the underlying limitations of the transport from the application using it, and in so doing, simplify the programming interface for an application programmer.

Abstract: A terminal operated at a switching facility has at least one indicating element which indicates operating modes of another terminal allocated to the indicating element. The other terminal is operated at another switching facility. Calls to the other terminal may be picked up by operating a function element, e.g., pressing a key, associated with the indicating element that indicates the operating modes of the other terminal, when an incoming call to the other terminal is indicated.

Abstract: The file server, especially the video or game file server, is composed of several hard disks These hard disks each contain at least one ring buffer as well as an storage are. When archiving a file, the file is split into file stripes, which are then distributed among several of the hard disk's storage areas. When the user requests a file, the file stripes are complied on an available ring buffer. Then isochronal real-time transmission from the ring buffer to the subscriber's terminal unit can begin right away. Once the file is transferred, a copy remains in the ring buffer. The hard disks may be grouped into nodes. The file server may be decentralised by positioning a portion of the nodes as remote nodes, which are geographically separated from other nodes. The file server can also be decentralised by making each fixed disk a part of a subscriber's terminal unit.

Abstract: When there are a plurality of kinds of starting modes in which conditions to start a process of a job are different, a device driver of an information processing apparatus can recognize the starting modes which can be designated by a peripheral apparatus.

Abstract: Information is provided about the histories of authors in a computer mediated persistent conversation such as a newsgroup. The information may include any or all of how long an author has been active in the group, in what other newsgroups the author participates, to what other threads of conversation the author contributes, and which other participants the author most often engages in discussion. This information may be obtained as an aggregation of data obtained from the groups or communities automatically. The information about any selected user or group is then made available or otherwise provided to any other users so that they can decide whether the selected user or group is likely to provide helpful or useful information. Also, particular message type indicators may be applied to messages when they are posted by users. The message type indicators may also be obtained as an aggregation of data obtained from the groups or communities automatically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a member from an active call in a group communication network provides for receiving a member list from a user and sending a request to a server to remove the member list from the active group call. The method and apparatus further provides for announcing each member in the member list that they are being removed from the group call, receiving acknowledgement from each member in the member list, and sending a response to the request, indicating that the member list has been removed.

Abstract: In a service providing system, a client computer displays chat log data received from a server in a log display area and shared information in a shared-information display area. When the chat log data and the shared information, both of which are received from the server, are linked with each other, the client computer displays a link arrow heading from a link word of the chat log data towards a shared-information window displaying the shared information linked with the chat log data.

Abstract: A method and associated system for promoting smooth communications in a chat system. A keyword list 3 stores keywords. A keyword-detection module 2 detects the sending of any keyword from another user terminal on any channel. A status-detection system 4, in response to the detection of a keyword, judges user status based on the status of the user terminal. A reporting module 9 sends the user status to the channel on which the keyword was sent. A report destination table 10 correlates the user status report destination with the keyword remark source and stores this information, and the reporting module 9 may report the user status to a report destination determined based on the report destination table. The real-time status of a user called by a keyword is reported, so as to support smoothly conducting conversations held in real time.

Abstract: In a data processing system in which image data representing a form or the like is generated and transmitted via a network, selection is made as to whether data necessary for generating image data or generated image data is stored.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for communicating with a technician at a customer service location in a telecommunications system. One method embodiment includes generating an electronic message in an administration system; transmitting the generated electronic message from the administration system through a technician server operatively associated with the administration system; and, displaying the generated electronic message on a screen display adapted for viewing with an access device of the technician at the customer service location. One system embodiment includes an administration system configured for generating at least one electronic message; a technician server operatively associated with the administration system; and, a screen display adapted for receiving and displaying the generated electronic message for viewing on an access device of the technician at the customer service location. Computer-readable media embodiments of the present methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for processing a message received from a computational network. The network message includes a header and a body and/or an attachment. The system includes a group assistant 38 to parse the header and the body and/or attachment to locate predetermined types of information, including at least one intended network message recipient, and a message notification agent 42 to assemble the predetermined types of information in a notification message and forward the notification message to the intended network message recipient. The notification message has a smaller byte size than the corresponding network message.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the spread of computer viruses in an electronic mail network. In a mail server having a multiplicity of connected email subscriber computers, a method is installed which is used to test emails sent in succession to the subscribers or sent in succession by the subscribers for particular commonalities, and, depending on commonalities established, either to forward the emails automatically as intended or to retain them until another criterion arises.

Abstract: An e-mail processing system of an embodiment of the present invention determines whether a received piece of e-mail is a piece of e-mail sent from a WWW browser, forwards the received piece of e-mail to a second mail server when the received piece of e-mail is determined not to be a piece of e-mail sent from a WWW browser, and controls the received piece of e-mail not to be forwarded to a second mail server when the received piece of e-mail is determined to be a piece of e-mail sent from the WWW browser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for routing short messages sent by a mobile terminal from a foreign network to an external short-message entity, and a device for carrying out the method. It is the object of the invention to reach an external short-message entity (8), for instance a software application, which runs on a computer in a data network (9), from a mobile telephone (1) from any desired foreign network (10). This object according to the invention is solved in that the inquiry of the of the short-message service center (12) of the foreign network (10) to the home network (7) occurs at a virtual home location register (14) of the home network (7), based on the receiver number of the external short-message entity (8), which virtual home location register replies to the inquiry with an acknowledgment containing information on a virtual mobile switching center (15) of the home network (7), via which the short message (SMS) is to be transmitted to the external short-message entity (8).

Abstract: Environments of various devices such as an image input device are effectively used as a commonly used resource (shared resource) on a network can be simply set without any loss. In an information processing apparatus provided on a network, a CPU checks as to whether or not a device is locally connected to this information processing apparatus, and then notifies this check result to a management device provided on the network. This management device judges as to whether or not a server program of a common system is installed in a terminal apparatus based on a content of a notification issued from this terminal apparatus. In accordance with this judgement result, the management device installs this server program to this terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A virtual private network (VPN) service is provided through a shared network infrastructure comprising a plurality of interconnected provider edge (PE) devices having customer edge (CE) interfaces. Some of the CE interfaces are allocated to a VPN supporting a plurality of virtual local area networks (VLANs) and are arranged for exchanging traffic data units with CE devices. Each traffic data unit includes a VLAN identifier. At least one virtual connection is established in the shared network infrastructure between two CE interfaces of different PE devices, allocated to said VPN, for forwarding traffic data units including a VLAN identifier. Said virtual connection (VC) has an identifier determined from said VLAN identifier and an identifier of said VPN.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for communicating among a plurality of computer-based machines that are interconnected through a network. The method and system utilize a first group of computer modules that operate on a first machine as well as a second group of computer modules that operate on a second machine. The modules of the first and second groups exchange messages over a data network ring. Any one of the modules in the first group may operate as a proxy that is responsible for messages sent to or from the first machine over the data network ring. Any one of the modules in the second group may operate as a proxy that is responsible for messages sent to or from the second machine over the data network ring.

Abstract: A system allowing a user of a browser program on a computer connected to an open distributed hypermedia system to access and execute an embedded program object. The program object is embedded into a hypermedia document much like data objects. The user may select the program object from the screen. Once selected the program object executes on the user's (client) computer or may execute on a remote server or additional remote computers in a distributed processing arrangement. After launching the program object, the user is able to interact with the object as the invention provides for ongoing interprocess communication between the application object (program) and the browser program. One application of the embedded program object allows a user to view large and complex multi-dimensional objects from within the browser's window. The user can manipulate a control panel to change the viewpoint used to view the image.

Abstract: A wireless integrated network sensor (WINS) system is provided that integrates articulating tracking systems with WINS network components including visual or infrared sensors and imaging devices to enable precise tracking and targeting of objects moving through a sensor field or past a single integrated sensing and targeting unit. Further, arrays of sensors together with local signal processing are used to trigger cameras and tracking systems, and to provide an alternative location capability for improved robustness. The system is self-configuring and remotely controllable, and enables remote systems and operators to query for collected data, including sensory and image data, and control the system in response to the collected data.

Abstract: A server program which facilitates reuse of a portion of existing software for providing a plurality of documents linked with each other through a network. When information indicating that an input by manipulation of a button being arranged in a start-of-transition screen and designating a screen transition occurs is received, an end-of-transition screen is determined based on a screen-transition table in which a correspondence between the button in the start-of-transition screen and the end-of-transition screen is predefined. At least one name of at least one item which is set in both of the start-of-transition screen and the end-of-transition screen and is to be transcribed is acquired based on screen-item definition information in which names of items set in each screen are predefined, and data which is set as the at least one item in the start-of-transition screen is transcribed into the end-of-transition screen.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of performing online switching of software from executing a first version of operating software to executing a second version of operating software in a communication system (100). The system (100) incorporates connection gateways (130, 200) controllable using the software for routing and processing communication traffic flowing between subscribers connected to the system (100) in response to subscriber demand.

Abstract: Process for executing an electronic service which is downloadable from a service server throughout a telecommunication network, such as an Internet network for instance, which process comprises the steps of: constructing an electronic package, such as a jar file for instance, which comprises the methods and classes for embodying a service executable by a client computer and further involving one additional cache control file for the purpose of controlling the caching operation of said electronic package within a service cache; downloading said electronic package within a service cache of an intranet and extracting from said package cache control file; caching said electronic service within said proxy in accordance with the information contained within said cache control file.

Abstract: A system, method, article of manufacture, and a computer program product identifies (discovers) member objects of one or more computer system parts in an Enterprise Information System (EIS) while establishing at least one topographical relationship among the member objects to create digital assets, which involves traversing one or more computer file systems of the EIS to find one or more of the member objects. For each member object found, a digital asset identifier of the found member object is placed in an intermediate representation. The intermediate representation is a graph with nodes and edges. Each of the digital asset identifiers corresponds to one of the nodes of the graph. The edges represent the topographical relationship. A digital asset is created from the member object by placing the member object in a logic/data section of the digital asset and attaching an extended environment data structure to the logic/data section. The digital asset is stored in an asset inventory container object.

Abstract: A storage area network has one or more digital data processors, e.g., hosts, in communication with one or more storage devices. At least a selected one of the hosts has an operating system in which a storage device must be claimed before the storage device can be accessed by applications programs executing on that host. The improvement is characterized by a selectively actuable filter, e.g., loaded with the selected host operating system, that when downloaded and actuated to a host intervenes to block claiming of one or more selected storage devices.

Abstract: A management apparatus for managing a communication device having an identifying table storing unit for storing an identifying table with an identifying condition for determining a type of the communication device. The identifying condition corresponds to a check method for determining a function of the communication device that satisfies the identifying condition. An identifying unit determines whether or not the communication device satisfies the identifying condition and a check unit determines the function of the communication device by using the check method corresponding to the identifying condition, in a case where the communication device satisfies the identifying condition.

Abstract: A system and method for quantitatively assessing the vulnerability of a computer network, comprised of elementary network elements each having at least one host, to external attack. The method produces a quantitative assessment that is repeatable and can be compared to a quantitative assessment of a separate network to determine the relative vulnerability of the network. The quantitative assessment is a function of the quantitative assessment of each elementary network unit, which is derived by classifying each port on each host and subsequently determining a quantitative vulnerability rating for the elementary network unit in accordance with the classification of each port on each host.

Abstract: An independent, integrated centralized high speed system for data management, particularly useful in providing, processing, and reporting surveillance information, is provided. An independent and integrated centralized high speed system for data management, according to the present invention, includes an independent communications network, such as a private network, capable of transmitting data at speeds of not less than 7 frames per second. The present invention also includes one or more data acquisition devices, such as a camera, operably connected to the independent high speed circuit for recording digital images, at least both voice and visual. The data acquisition device also may include one or more data stream processors. One or more voice transmission subsystems may be connected to the independent communications network, such as IP telephony. In addition, at least one client computer for processing the data is provided.

Abstract: Novel storage area networks (SANs) and methods of operation thereof utilize a plurality of hosts coupled via an interconnect with one or more storage units. A manager device, process or other functionality in communication with a plurality of agent processes, devices or other functionality, each of which is associated with a host. The agents identify attributes of (i) their associated hosts, (ii) interconnect to which that host is coupled, and/or (iii) storage units to which that host is coupled via the interconnect. The manager responds to these attributes identified by the agents to manage the SAN. The manager can be implemented on a first digital data processor and the hosts on further digital data processors. These digital data processors can be coupled via a first network, e.g., an IP or other network, to support communications between the manager and the agents. A second network, e.g.

Abstract: An approach is provided for shaping traffic of a communication system. Resource usage of a network element of the communication system is determined. The usage is compared with thresholds that are established according to loading of the communication system; these thresholds correspond to various transmission states that limit usage of the resources of the communication system (e.g., bandwidth). Further, based on the comparison, the resource usage of the network element is controlled according to a particular transmission state, thereby ensuring fair access. This approach as particular applicability to shared capacity systems, such as a satellite communication system.

Abstract: A documentation system for a network having a source device which is connected to a network path which is connected to a destination device, the documentation system comprising, a data port which includes an electronic module with an identification code on the network path, the destination device including an electronic module with an identification code, the source device having the capability to send query signals along the network path addressed to a data port and destination device corresponding to the network path, the electronic module corresponding to the data port responding to the query addressed to the data port by transmitting its identification code to the source device, and the electronic module of the destination device responding to the query addressed to the destination device by transmitting its identification code to the source device, and a processor and a switch in communication with the source device, the processor and switch for directing the source device to send the query signals, to i

Abstract: To provide a system which allows large volumes of data to be exchanged efficiently through network connections using portable terminals. An example data communications system includes a data terminal which stores certain data; and an operation terminal which controls access rights to the data stored in the data terminal, in which the operation terminal grants another operation terminal access rights to desired data. The data terminal returns the data according to an access request made based on the access rights. On the other hand, the operation terminal passes the acquired access rights to the data terminal, which then accesses the data terminal via a high-speed, stable, wired network and acquires the desired data, based on the access rights.

Abstract: A method for controlling the installation of first program codes on network elements of a telecommunications network using a network management system, and a network management server. Upon a first instruction of an operator of the telecommunications network, the network management system causes a first program code, to be transmitted from a service server to the network management server. The network management server transmits the first program code to one or more network elements of the telecommunications network and causes the first program code to be integrated into the second program code already installed on the respective network element. Upon a second instruction of the operator, the network management system activates this installation of the first program code for a limited area of the telecommunications network. Upon a third instruction of the operator, the network management system activates the installation of the first program code in the active network area of the telecommunications network.

Abstract: A documentation system for a network having a source device which is connected to a network path which is in turn connected to a destination device, the documentation system comprising a data port which includes an electronic module with an identification code on the network path, the destination device including an electronic module with an identification code, the source device sending query signals along the network path addressed to a data port and destination device corresponding to the network path, the electronic module of the data port responding to the query addressed to the data port by transmitting its identification code to the source device, and the electronic module of the destination device responding to the query by transmitting its identification code to the source device, and a processor and a switch in communication with the source device, the processor and switch for directing the source device to send the query signals and to interpret the responses, the electronic modules corresponding t

Abstract: Method and system for generating, managing and broadcasting multimedia events reports over communications networks. The method comprises defining a model of the reports, implementing the model on a computer system, generating a user report of a current event to a user among the events by connecting a client system operated by the user to the computer system, registering an event title, date, time and place, and associating a time of the time scale with an action selected from predetermined key actions occurring during the current event in response to the user inputs by way of the user interface of the client system, storing the user report in the data storage device, and broadcasting the report over the network by way of the data communication system. The system includes a communications network and a computer system for implementing the method.

Abstract: Groups of network devices may be identified automatically based on interface tags associated with network device interfaces such that network devices within a group are automatically identified, periodically or otherwise, based on an association of one or more common interface tags between the group and the network device interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining and deploying a networked computer system features creating and storing a textual representation of a logical configuration of the networked computer system according to a structured markup language. Based on the textual representation, one or more commands are generated for configuring an operable computer system that conforms to the logical configuration. The commands may be directed to devices that are interconnected to one or more computing elements and storage devices, to instruct the devices to logically connect the computing elements and storage devices into the computer system. As a result, a real-world virtual server farm or data center may be created and deployed substantially instantly.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for pre-tabulating sub-networks. This method (1) generates a sub-network that performs a function, (2) generates a parameter based on this function, and (3) stores the sub-network in a storage structure based on the generated parameter. In some embodiments, the generated sub-network has several circuit elements. Also, in some embodiments, the generated sub-network performs a set of two or more functions. Some embodiments store each generated sub-network in an encoded manner. Some embodiments provide a method for producing a circuit description of a design. This method (1) selects a candidate sub-network from the design, (2) identifies an output function performed by the sub-network, (3) based on the identified output function, identifies a replacement sub-network from a storage structure that stores replacement sub-networks, and (4) replaces the selected candidate sub-network with the identified replacement sub-network in certain conditions.

Abstract: A storage system storing data sending/receiving data to/from a plurality of external devices via a common network. The storage system controls access from the plurality of external devices. The storage system accepts accesses according to different protocols from the plurality of external devices via the common network. The storage system analyzes the protocol from the external devices which accessed through the external interface. The storage system sends/receives data based on the analysis result.

Abstract: A resource download process is provided which includes accepting and/or determining evidence about user based factors, accepting and/or determining resource based factors, and maximizing the expectcd value of downloading resources. A resource distribution process is provided which includes accepting and/or determining user based factors, accepting and/or determining resource based factors, accepting and/or determining intermediate storage facility based factors, and minimizing the total expected latencies between requesting and receiving resources. A process for distributing resources is provided which includes determining a change in value and a change in cost of storing resources on a first storage facility versus storing resources on a second storage facility, determining a value density based on the change in value and the change in cost, and maximizing a total value density given a total size of resources being less than the finite available capacity of the first storage facility.

Abstract: Generally, a terminal can access a resource selection device to access a content source, the content source being structured and arranged to respond directly to the terminal. For example, a PC (“personal computer”) may be pointed at a load-balancing switch. The load balancing switch translates the PC's traffic and directs the PC traffic to a server (or switch) providing streaming services. The server responds directly to the terminal, but uses the IP address/identity of the load-balancing switch with which the terminal is communicating.

Abstract: The invention provides an off-the-shelf product solution to target the specific needs of commercial users with naturally parallel applications. A top-level, public API provides a simple “compute server” or “task farm” model that dramatically accelerates integration and deployment. A Propagator API allows parallel applications that require inter-node communication to be seamlessly deployed in heterogeneous environments, including networks of interruptible PCs. Implementation of parallel applications using the Propagator API does not require that the environment provide a separate node (or processor) for each block of concurrently-executable code. Nor does the Propagator API require that the assignment between particular blocks of code and processing resources remain static during execution of the parallel application.

Abstract: A method and system for using an Ethernet ring topology to connect Ethernet Computer Enclosure Services (CES) devices. The system contains two physical Ethernet tailstock connectors for every CES device on the Ethernet ring for point-to-point connection between Ethernet Network Interface Cards (NIC's) connected to each CES device. A master CES device initiates all network traffic, and the master CES device assigns IP addresses for all CES devices, including both the master CES device as well as slave CES devices on the Ethernet ring. After IP addresses are assigned to all CES devices, a network command is issued by the master CES device on a regular basis to poll the slave CES devices for status and failure information. If a break occurs anywhere in the ring, the master CES device isolates and identifies the break and reverses the direction of the polling signal to access each slave CES device.

Abstract: The system and method herein involve obscuring or encrypting a user identification (ID) for use in a plain text, unencrypted authentication scheme, such as Digest, Basic, or NTLM authentication. An exemplary embodiment of the system and method involves the creation of an obscured username that can be communicated over a unsecure communication channel, such as, a wireless communication channel, without disclosing identification information to third parties. One way in which the obscured username is created is by encrypting a plain text username. Both the obscured username and plain text username are stored at the client such that the obscured username is communicated over unsecure channels when the user enters the plain text username. Thus, the obscuring process is transparent to the user.

Abstract: A method of integrating setting up a residential gateway or access point and setting up a client network adapter into a single software process. The method eliminates inconsistent and confusing terminology and methods of interfacing different client adapter setups with different residential gateways and access points by using a common user interface.

Abstract: In a server-client system, data transmitted by an application of a client computer is stored in a client computer. Whether an application of a server computer terminates normally is reported to the client computer. When the application does not terminate normally, the stored data is retransmitted to another server computer.

Abstract: A method of enabling reuse of Web session data generated at a server in a client/server environment is described. The method comprises: recording a user's interaction with a Web site thereby producing Web session data; converting the Web session data into a document having a portable format; and transferring the portable format document to a user such that it may be reused to regenerate at least a part of the Web session at a later point in time. The portable document, typically in an XML format with XSL formatting instructions, can be passed to different users for editing and use by them and makes the Web session data browser and server independent.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling in real-time a user browser is disclosed. The system includes a client-side script, a client role, a user browser, a server role, and a role support server. The method and system enables an administrator's of an HTML document including a client role, so that users can communicate with the administrator through their own browsers in real time using the client role and the administrator can remotely control remotely the user browser in real time using a server role. Therefor, users can communicate in real time with the administrator using the web browser without installation of any separate program, and perform a direct electronic messaging, confirmation of bilateral on/off-line, file transfer, etc.