Abstract: A database system is provided that allows for navigation to outgoing links and incoming links. The database system is defined by a plurality of database-oriented projects. Each project has one or more parameters. Each project also has one or more instances thereof. An entry is associated with each parameter in each instance of a project. In a project, a parameter may be defined as being a parameter of a previously defined project. If so, then the parameter is designated as a link to the parameter of the previously defined project. The link designation changes the structure of the database system. The name of a previously defined instance of a previously defined project is entered for the linked parameter entry. When a previously defined instance of a project having at least one linked parameter entry is displayed, an instance of a project having a linked parameter entry may be viewed by selecting the respective link from the display, thereby providing navigation to an outgoing link.

Abstract: Data available in a system is identified. Each data is categorized as a scalar data or a tabular data. The tabular data is associated with data from a table and the scalar data is not. Each data is further categorized as a parameter data or a statistic data. The statistic data is pulled from the system. The parameter data is either pulled from the system or pushed to the system. The data is grouped into groups based on logical relationships of data in the groups. A blank form is developed for each group of data. Each blank form has one or more fields defined to accommodate the data in the group. Using the blank form, the data is pushed to the system and to pulled from the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a partitioning method of a set of objects which comprises an initialization phase for determining a partition which has an optimal number of classes, and a modification phase of this partition for obtaining a partition whose classes have optimal contents from the point of view of the search for objects. The invention also relates to a multilevel partitioning method of partitioning a set of objects which utilizes such a partitioning method for creating a tree-like structure of objects. The invention finally relates to a search method, for example, of searching a certain number of objects which are closest to an example in the tree-like structure obtained in this manner.

Abstract: A method for using a computer system to dynamically represent the state of any device comprising a plurality of sub-systems. The method includes the steps of providing a modeling language for permitting a user to define a hierarchical data structure comprised of a plurality of leaves. Each leaf represents a discrete symbol associated with a sub-system of the device. A parent symbol is similarly defined representing a level of abstraction of the device which is higher in said hierarchy than the plurality of leaves. In response to updated data received for any said leaf symbol, the system automatically determines an updated state of the leaf symbol based on the updated data and automatically propagates the updated state to the parent symbol. Consequently, a state of any device and its sub-systems can be dynamically represented, without the need for customized computer programming, once the hierarchical data structure has been defined by a user.

Abstract: Picture data segmented in time series for each of the desired scenes (in a delivery unit in a baseball game, for example) of a subject is associated with corresponding retrieval data, and stored as a picture database. Desired picture data is extracted from the picture database, and is stored in CR-ROM. Then, the data is distributed and allowed to be viewed, or is viewed through a network. Especially a score information database is generated in advance, an analysis listing automatically generated based on the database is displayed, and attribute information edited and displayed in graphics is added to each delivery in the listing so that the analysis listing can be associated with the picture data. Thus, a desired picture can be easily viewed only by specifying a desired delivery by referring to the attribute information displayed in graphics and added.

Abstract: A system and method in a computing network for generating an integrated circuit (IC) tapeout file at a remote client workstation by transmitting prompted IC technical data to the mask manufacturer. The process validates that the tapeout file is complete and accurate prior to generating the final IC tapeout file to be archived in the mask manufacturer's database.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for accessing a shared file system that is accessible to a first computer. The shared file system includes files in at least one file format compatible with at least one application program installed on the first computer. A request is received from an Internet browser program executing on a second computer for an applet over the Internet. The applet is transmitted to the browser program at the second computer. The applet is capable of executing in the browser program at the second computer to display a desktop interface at the second computer and establish a connection with the shared file system. The applet further provides access to at least one desktop application program through the desktop interface that is compatible with at least one application program installed on the first computer system. The desktop application program manipulates files in the same file format as the at least one application program installed on the first computer system.

Abstract: A device and method for synchronizing information between computer systems is provided. Certain subsets of information may be synchronized, while excluding other information from the synchronization process. The determination of the information subset to synchronize requires no explicit designation by the user. Instead, the subset of information to be synchronized is ascertained through actions of the user that implicitly indicate the user's interest in the information, allowing for an intuitive assumption of the user's synchronization desires, and requiring no user activity outside of the user's normal operational activity.

Abstract: A data processing system and method stores a relational database in which audit records are stored without compromising the ability to detect data tampering. The technique provides for detection of unauthorized row modification, row deletion, and row insertion. Extra measures are incorporated to protect from administrator attacks. In addition, the technique enables integrity checking and audit log archiving without having to suspend or bring down the audit subsystem. These on-line capabilities are especially important in mission critical applications which must satisfy the requirement that the application be disabled if the audit subsystem is not functioning properly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a computer freeing space in a memory, wherein a plurality of objects are present within the memory. Responsive to an indication that space needs to be freed in the memory, an object is identified within the plurality of objects that is an oldest, least recently used object that is in use in the memory, wherein the object is an identified object and has a set of object attributes. The set of object attributes is inspected for the identified object to determine whether the identified object is a candidate for storage in a seldom used object store. Responsive to a determination that the identified object is a candidate, the object is copied to the seldom used object store, wherein the identified object becomes a relocated object. References to the relocated object to a location of the relocated object in the seldom used object store are adjusted. Space is freed in the memory occupied by the relocated object.

Abstract: A data processor comprises a number of databases for storing records and a plurality of user systems capable of accessing the databases. The user systems each include a datastore/application environment instance with which users can interface. Host systems may include more than one instance. The datastores contain time-versioned views of records. The data processor is operable in at least two modes, a normal operation mode in which an evaluation in response to a user enquiry can be carried out using records relevant to a current viewpoint time and time span, and a recovery operation mode in which records relevant to a viewpoint time and time span for a previous evaluation are accessed and used to exactly reproduce the previous evaluation.

Abstract: Updating of information contained in a database is provided, in a more accurate manner, through the use of an update file as part of a coding engine. In particular, a database containing a plurality of data entries is provided to a coding engine. The coding engine will compare the data entries to a reference database. It will leave undisturbed those entries that match entries in the reference database. Entries in the database that do not match will be compared against information contained against an update file, with the update file reflecting events occurring after the last revision of the reference database. In one embodiment, the coding engine is utilized to update street address databases.

Abstract: Improved techniques for allocating file descriptors are disclosed. According to one aspect, the file descriptors are stored in a tree-like data structure. The tree-like data structure is a data structure that includes a plurality of nodes arranged in the tree-like structure. The nodes have numeric values that are the file descriptors represented in a binary format. Each of the nodes also maintains an allocation count and an indication whether or not a particular node is available (i.e., unallocated). Preferably, the tree-like structure is an infix binary tree in which each node records the number of file descriptors within its right subtree (including itself) that are already allocated. The improved techniques allow file descriptors to be allocated much more efficiently than conventionally achieved.

Abstract: A high speed programmable counter architecture is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the high speed programmable counter includes an n bit high speed prescaler and an m bit low speed counter. An input signal can be divided by any value equal to or greater than j*2n. The modulus of division can be provided to the programmable counter in binary form directly, without requiring complex calculations or decoding circuitry. The present invention allows high speed programmable counters to be provided that are capable of dividing by much smaller numbers than conventional counters, including numbers less than 2n*(2n−1), wherein n is equal to the number of bits in a high speed prescaler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a varying-radix numeration system is described. A method includes receiving a first sequence of values, determining a number of positions for a second sequence of values, and generating the second sequence of values, each value of the second sequence corresponding to a radix, the radix for each value of the second sequence varying over the second sequence in relation to an application value, the application value corresponding to a position in the second sequence and a sum of a set of values in the second sequence.

Abstract: An integrated circuit has a two-dimensional pyramid filter architecture of an order 2N−1, where N is a positive integer greater than five. The two dimensional pyramid filter, in operation, capable of producing, on respective clock cycles, pyramid filtered output signals corresponding to output signals produced by fourteen one-dimensional pyramid filters of order 2N−1, and pyramid filtered output signals corresponding to output signals produced either by four two-dimensional pyramid filters or one two-dimensional pyramid filter of order [2(N−1)−1] using signal sample matrices of order [2(N−1)−1]. The respective output signals in said two-dimensional pyramid filter architecture are summed on respective clock cycles of said two dimensional pyramid filter architecture.

Abstract: A decimation filter includes a first circuit block for respectively delaying by one clock an input signal synchronized with a clock signal and for producing a plurality of delayed signals, adders for adding or merging by confluence buffers the delayed signals to obtain total signals and for feeding the total signals to one signal line, and a second circuit block for counting pulses of the total signals. The filter provides an analog-to-digital converter which processes signals at a high speed and which is resistive against overflow.

Abstract: A method for sub-optimizing interactions in data communications network environments. The method includes the steps of deeming certain activities which involve interactions between a user and a data communication system to be less important than other activities, and introducing a degradation in response time for the interactions belonging to the certain activities deemed less important compared to a response time for the interactions belonging to the other activities.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to one or more computer networks having computers like personal computers or network servers with microprocessors linked by broadband transmission means and having hardware, software, firmware, and other means such that at least one parallel processing operation occurs that involve at least two computers in the network. More particularly, this invention relates to one or more large networks composed of smaller networks and large numbers of computers connected, like the Internet, wherein more than one separate parallel processing operation involving more than one different set of computers occurs simultaneously and wherein ongoing processing linkages can be established between virtually any microprocessors of separate computers connected to the network.

Abstract: A WWW client-server system is provided with a local-file-transfer method and a local-file-transfer system which achieve significant reduction in operator work load in comparison with conventional keyboard entry. According to the present invention, lengthy data, which is not suitable for keyboard data entry, is stored as a file in the client device in advance, and is transferred to the server device at the time of search. The server device carries out the search for requested information based on the transferred file data. Furthermore, a search query can be constructed at the client based on combined search conditions made up from search-condition file names and search condition data previously transferred to the server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a distributed data processing system for processing requests for documents. A request is received from a user for a selected page at a server. The selected page is returned to the user with a unique token, wherein each user is sent a unique token. Responsive to receiving a new request for a page, a determination is made as to whether the new request includes the unique token. Responsive to receiving the new request including the unique token, a determination is made as to whether a previous request from this user is simultaneously being processed by the server. Responsive to a new request having been received for a document while another prior request is pending, the new request is processed by either rejecting the new request, or by canceling the previous request and processing the new request, or by delaying the processing of the new request until the previous request has completed.

Abstract: The load balancing system comprises a first load balancing apparatus (primary), a first load balancing apparatus (secondary), and a first load balancing apparatus (backup), which carry out load balancing by primary-sorting service requests from clients to service sites; and first and second secondary load balancing apparatuses which carry out load balancing by second-sorting the service request which has been primary-sorted by the first load balancing apparatus (primary), the first load balancing apparatus (secondary) and the first load balancing apparatus (backup), to one of multiple servers provided in the site.

Abstract: A method for controlling the information exchange between at least one central computer and a subscriber via a control system. Following a request from the subscriber, the control system receives the data relevant to the subscriber from the central computer in a first control phase. In a second control phase, information transmitted from the subscriber is processed and transmitted to the central computer. The first and the second control phases are defined by a single control program.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking a data transmission, and for reporting the receipt of the data transmission and the level and/or type of interaction between the intended recipient user and the data transmission. Preferably, the length of time which elapses before the user receives the data transmission is measured and compared to a predetermined period of time. If the intended recipient user does not receive the data transmission within a predetermined period of time, and/or if the intended recipient user does not interact with the data transmission according to the predetermined level and/or type of interaction, then preferably the intended recipient user receives a data transmission through a different communication medium, such as voice mail if the original medium was e-mail, for example. More preferably, the sender user and/or another designated user is notified if such a period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A method of creating an email usage record is provided. An input signal is received. An email usage record is created in response to the received input signal. An event jacket is created. The event jacket is associated with the email usage record. A command to send an email message is received. A confirmation signal is received after the email message has been sent. Finally, an email leg jacket is created. The email leg jacket includes at least one record. The at least one record includes information relating to the email message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for configuring a product using a server and a client connected by a computer network, wherein the product has multiple possible configurations, and wherein each configuration is defined by a set of standard attributes and a set of optional attributes. The process comprises receiving from the client a request for a base configuration comprising the set of standard attributes, transmitting to the client the standard attribute set for the base configuration, and transmitting to the client a plurality of Web pages containing an option data set including all possible optional attributes and a set of commands, the set of commands being executed on the client and allowing a user to select the set of optional attributes using the client.

Abstract: A network enhanced, removable storage medium includes content information stored in a format that enables a content player to retrieve and present the content information, a first universal resource locator that identifies a first network resource, first code stored in such a manner that enables a first computing device to automatically invoke execution of the first code in response to the removable medium being received by the first computing device, a second universal resource locator that identifies the location of a second network resource, and second code stored in such a manner that enables a second computing device to automatically invoke execution of the second code in response to the removable storage medium being received by the second computing device.

Abstract: A search engine for searching a corpus improves the relevancy of the results by refining a standard relevancy score based on the interconnectivity of the initially returned set of documents. The search engine obtains an initial set of relevant documents by matching a user's search terms to an index of a corpus. A re-ranking component in the search engine then refines the initially returned document rankings so that documents that are frequently cited in the initial set of relevant documents are preferred over documents that are less frequently cited within the initial set.

Abstract: An architecture for automatically configuring equipment. A piece of equipment connected externally to a user PC has one or more machine-resolvable codes (MRCs) associated therewith. The piece of equipment receives configuration information from a remote location disposed on the network in response to reading a select one of the one or more MRCs with a reader. Configuration information associated with the select one of the one or more MRCs is transmitted from the remote location to the piece of equipment via the user PC, and the piece of equipment is then configured according to the configuration information.

Abstract: Various components are provided to manage a clustered environment. These components include a System Registry that provides a global data storage; a Configuration manager that stores data locally on nodes of the clustered environment and globally within the System Registry; a Liveness component to provide status of communications paths of the cluster; a Group Services component that provides services to one or more other components of the clustered environment; and a Resource Management component that communicates with one or more resource controllers of the clustered environment. Each of the components of the clustered environment has one or more data and/or functional dependencies on one or more other components of the environment. However, relationships between the components are created such that the data and functional dependencies form an acyclic graph (i.e., a cycle of dependency relationships is avoided).

Abstract: Methods and systems for synchronizing a configuration of resources across multiple computing devices are described. Associated with the master computing device is a configuration of resources that are desired to be synchronized across the additional computing devices. The master computing device is configured to develop a list that describes aspects of its configuration of resources. Additional computing devices are configured to receive the list that is developed by the master computing device and evaluate the list to determine whether its particular configuration of resources is synchronized with those of the master computing device. If a particular additional computing device's configuration of resources is not synchronized with those of the master computing device, the additional computing device prepares a second list that describes its resource configuration needs and sends the second list to the master computing device.

Abstract: A method for analyzing traffic in a system (100) having a plurality of nodes (110, 120, 130) is provided. The method includes forecasting a total amount of traffic transmitted to and from each of the plurality of nodes (110, 120, 130) based on observed traffic statistics and an estimated growth. The method also includes generating a traffic matrix using the observed traffic statistics and the forecasted traffic associated with each of the plurality of nodes (110, 120, 130). The method may also include using the traffic matrix to determine projected traffic between each of the plurality of nodes (110, 120, 130).

Abstract: A method manages a cluster of network devices each having an intra-cluster identifier. The method includes (a) selecting a plurality of network devices to form a cluster, (b) selecting a first network device to be a commander network device having a public IP address, each of the remaining network devices being a cluster member network device and having a non-public network address, (c) receiving at the commander network device a network management request message from a management console, the message including a source address field containing an IP address of the management console, a destination address field containing the IP address of the commander network device, a request identification field containing an original request identifier uniquely identifying the message, and an intra-cluster identifier, and (d) forwarding the message to the-cluster member network device identified by the intra-cluster identifier using the non-pubic network address of the cluster member network device.

Abstract: A method for providing customized information in a computer processing system includes the step of defining at least one rule for one of creating and retrieving at least one customized block of data. At least one customizable template is created which includes at least one reference to the at least one rule and at least one offset that specifies at least one position at which the at least one customized block is inserted into the at least one customizable template. The at least one customized block is inserted into the at least one customizable template at the at least one position specified by the at least one offset. The customized block, the customizable template, and/or the rule may be pre-stored in a cache of the computer processing system. The customized block may also be dynamically created.

Abstract: A system for changing the status of at least one system service, which includes at least one external data manager object for indicating the status of the at least one system service available to request sources, at least one internal data manager object for indicating the status of the at least one system service that is available to connected sources, and a configuration task for maintaining the at least one external data manager object and the at least one internal data manager object.

Abstract: A method for sending data to a client to provide data-on-demand services comprises the steps of: receiving a data file, specifying a time interval, parsing the data file into a plurality of data blocks based on the time interval such that each data block is displayable during a time interval, determining a required number of time slots to send the data file, allocating to each time slot at least a first of the plurality of data blocks and optionally one or more additional data blocks, such that starting from any of the time slots, (i) the data file can be displayed by accessing the first of the plurality of data blocks; (ii) at a consecutive time slot, a next data block sequential to a prior displayed data block is available for displaying; and (iii) repeating step (ii) until all of the plurality of data blocks for the data file has been displayed, and sending the plurality of data blocks based on the allocating step.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for providing and displaying information collected from a variety of information providers such as an electronic mail server or an information content server. Each of the variety of information providers provides information updates which are captured and rendered in a variety of status images which are provided to a user via a Web page or similar facility. The display of information on the Web page is robust against displays from one or more of the information providers since each of the status images and the remainder of the Web page content are rendered independently.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that allows a single user to maintain on the user's personal machine multiple identities for browsing on the Internet and establish multiple reputations corresponding to the multiple identities. The system includes a multiple identity browser that allows a user to create and select from amongst a plurality of identities. The multiple identity browser includes a list of free e-mail web sites for establishing e-mail addresses corresponding to the plurality of identities. The user can also create and store user names and passwords that the user utilizes at various web sites. An automatic cookie management module is provided that manipulates and stores cookie data sets corresponding to each of a plurality of identities in a multiple identity database module. The cookie management module sets the current cookie data set corresponding to the current identity set by the user in the multiple identity browser.

Abstract: A network switch having switch ports for communication of data packets with respective computer network nodes according to CSMA/CD protocol that resets a retry counter for counting data packet transmission attempts within any one of the respective switch ports if backpressure is asserted by that port. A retry limit value for the retry counter is selectively modified according to programmed information to ensure that the total number of retrys does not exceed a maximum total number of allowable retrys. Resetting the retry counter within a port after assertion of backpressure affords the port a greater probability of transmitting earlier under the CSMA/CD protocol, thus more quickly relieving congestion which may occur in the network switch. Selective modification of the retry limit value according to programmed information adds flexibility to vary the maximum total number of allowable retrys based upon current network switch conditions or the priority of a particular data packet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-application processing process for a locatable active terminal (11), in which at least one link (A) is established with an identifiable program (10) dedicated to the execution of an application, said program imposing its operation conditions so that functions are made available. If necessary, the terminal has a punctual dialogue, via a (B) link, with the management center (12) for the implementation of capacity inputs and outputs of this latter, the management center then becoming slaved or not at the application level vis à vis the incoming program. The invention also relates to the program and terminal identification program during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product for guaranteeing network client-server response time while providing a way of putting the client on-hold when the response time temporarily prohibits, access to the requested server. The apparatus is implemented within an interface unit connecting a plurality of servers and an on-hold server to the Internet, which is connected to a plurality of clients.

Abstract: A single protocol is used by sending systems to inform receiving systems what kind of data is arriving after the notification by this prefix protocol. The payload protocol follows, and is the real protocol that is used to exchange the data after the prefix protocol session. Although the PPP protocol allowed a negotiation of the used network protocol in the NCP, the PPP enforced that payload protocol data would always be carried inside HDLC framing. The payload protocol can be any protocol, and is only notified by prefix protocol HDLC frames, and therefore payload protocol data can be transferred inside any kind of protocol that is supported by a handler within the receiving system.

Abstract: A distribution network architecture resistant to component failure is provided for distributing streaming media which supports partial mesh and ring-based topologies. Data streams are provided to and transmitted from distribution router clusters employing a shared broadcast medium having one-to-many relationship between respective input distribution routers and output distribution routers. The shared broadcast medium can be a plurality of hubs configured to transmit packets and signaling on opposite, unidirectional paths.

Abstract: A playback system is provided to locate and playback streaming media from network resources. The playback system includes a search module that signals a query to a network site, and receives in return a search result. The search result identifies one or more links that are selectable to open media files. A media player couples to the search module to automatically play back streaming media contained in media files located by the search result.

Abstract: A border network device for transmitting messages between a first multicast domain and a second multicast domain includes a first interface that receives a first domain message from the first domain for delivery to the second domain, a first message converter that converts the received first domain message into a first intermediate message, and an output that forwards the first intermediate message to a receiving second network device in the second domain. The first multicast domain and second multicast domain each respectively have first network devices and second network devices. In preferred embodiments, the first domain message has first domain origin data. Messages with first domain origin data originate from at least one of the first network devices. In a similar manner, the intermediate message includes intermediate data indicating that the intermediate message originated from the border network device.

Abstract: Communications apparatus, such as a multibeam satellite communications system on-board a satellite, or terrestrial communications system, and methods that use a data routing technique that is based on the assignment of one or more codes corresponding to a destination beam. In particular, data routing is performed based on a CDMA code. The communications apparatus and methods allow simplified processing of the data address and routing of the data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing synchronization of a time clock maintained by a computer system based on the network connection modes of the computer system. The technique allows the time clock of the computer system to be synchronized at the earliest opportunity that will not result in a disruption or inconvenience to the user. When synchronization of the time clock is required, and the computer system does not already have an active network connection, the computer system queries a configuration database to determine its default network connection mode. If the default connection mode is potentially user disruptive (e.g., use of a dial out modem is required), synchronization of the time clock is not performed until an active network connection has been established. If the default connection mode is not likely to be user-disruptive (e.g., doesn't require a modem connection), then a network connection is immediately established to synchronize the time clock.

Abstract: A multimedia processing system architecture performs a plurality of multimedia tasks on multimedia data using a plurality of multimedia processing blocks, at least one communication bus to carry the flow of multimedia data between the multimedia processing blocks. An application interface manages the multimedia processing blocks. For each multimedia task, the application interface creates a subset of multimedia processing blocks to be assembled in order to run the multimedia task. In this architecture, each multimedia processing block comprises at least one input interface to connect it in receive mode to a communication bus and/or at least one output interface to connect it in send mode to a communication bus.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for constructing dispatch tables which enable transitive method override. A dispatch table for a class C (wherein C is within a package P and is a subclass of superclass S) is constructed as follows. First, the S dispatch table is copied and is used as the starting point for the C dispatch table. Then, for each locally declared method m in C, the method m is checked to determine whether it has been marked public/protected. If so, then the S dispatch table is checked for a public/protected entry corresponding to a method having the same name as method m. If such an entry is found, then the corresponding entry in the C dispatch table is overridden. Otherwise, a new entry is allocated in the C dispatch table and is marked public/protected. In addition, the S dispatch table is checked for a package private (private to package P) entry corresponding to a method having the same name as method m.

Abstract: Controlled devices according to a device control model maintain a state table representative of their operational state. Devices providing a user control point interface for the controlled device obtain the state table of the controlled device, and may also obtain presentation data defining a remoted user interface of the controlled device and device control protocol data defining commands and data messaging protocol to effect control of the controlled device. These user control devices also subscribe to notifications of state table changes, which are distributed from the controlled device according to an eventing model. Accordingly, upon any change to the controlled device's operational state, the eventing model synchronizes the device's state as represented in the state table across all user control devices.