Abstract: A system and method for determining a social network. A metrics database stores virtual object indicia including document attributes, activities, and associated persons. A query engine responsive to a user request and the metrics database infers individual connections to the virtual object by individuals executing the activities. A visualization engine visualizes membership in the social network as including these individuals and the activities connecting them. The query engine further collects a plurality of documents having non-unique values on a first shared attribute into an aggregate, and the visualization engine further filters the social network to include only individuals having membership in the aggregate.

Abstract: A photo book system and method with associated multimedia is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention provides a photo book including an image and an electronically readable code associated with the image. The electronically readable code is used for retrieving a multimedia file that corresponds to the image.

Abstract: A sentence generating method and apparatus for generating a joke sentence set having a dual meaning. A predetermined word in a selected first idiom is stored in a W list. A word of analogous sound having the pronunciation same as or analogous with the word in the W list and also being of the same word class as the word in the W list is stored in a RW list. It is then checked whether or not the subject word stored in the P list has a semantic relationship with the word of the analogous sound in the RW list. If the result of check is affirmative, a first joke sentence having the subject word in the P list and composed of the subject word of the P list and the first idiom is generated. A second idiom, corresponding to the first idiom, in which the word in the W list is replaced by the word of the analogous sound in the RW list, is generated, and a second joke sentence composed of the subject word of the P list and the second idiom is generated.

Abstract: A method and system are described for providing a streamlined method for using, for example, streaming media samples to promote and sell music, videos and related merchandise on the Internet in response to searches for entertainment related information. When a consumer enters an Internet search query that includes a Media Keyword, a corresponding media sample or sample set is identified for the consumer to select to receive as a stream or download onto the Consumer Device, along with search results pertaining to the requested information and purchasing options. The media sample or sample set is provided as a link in a web page containing search results generated for the consumer. The media sample link may be indicated on the web page as a preferred, personalized or sponsored search result.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide for performing a facility inspection. A mobile data collection device or client receives scheduling information corresponding to an inspection to be performed at a facility. The mobile data collection device or client collects inspection data corresponding to the inspection to be performed at the facility and causes the inspection data to be stored in a database. Thereafter, the mobile data collection device or client may modify the stored inspection data using a web interface. Scheduling information is updated based on the stored inspection data.

Abstract: A method and system of tracing an agricultural product relates to recording of at least one of planting information, growing information, harvesting information, chemical information, and weather information (e.g., electronically recorded) concerning a crop to form a data profile for a corresponding crop. Once harvested, the crop is segregated from intermixing with other harvested crops by placing the crop in one or more containers, each having a corresponding identifier. The data profile is associated with the container profile for later referencing of the data profile.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide primary magnetic disk data storage capacity to clients while at the same time making sure that client data is replicated locally and at an offsite location to protect from all forms of data loss.

Abstract: A computer-enabled system, method, and medium is provided to support analyzing intellectual property documents by linking and annotating patents, copyrights, trademarks, license agreements, and other types of intellectual property documents. The invention is suitable for use by intellectual property professionals in memorializing their thought processes, work products, and reasoning, whether in preliminary or final form, and is flexible to support development and use of a rich linked set representing complex relationships in an intellectual property portfolio. Optionally, marked up, linked documents are divided into data streams, one of the data streams containing the original document for mark-up, and one other data stream containing the annotation data. The marked-up document may be further revised and/or annotated, even by multiple users. The system provides that the same document such as a patent may be centrally stored but independently marked-up by different users (or groups of users).

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to track information access over a communications network. The present disclosure teaches how to associate access credentials with content accesser in a global and persistent manner. Both content and people are registered with a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) handle system (1603). Furthermore, security and other information such as certificates, personal records, encryption keys, and all other objects involved in such transactions may also be registered with a DOI in the handle system and/or may be associated with another DOI as one of the multiple-resolution pointers contained in a DOI record. A right clearinghouse (1604) then maintains a rights database associated content rights with content accessers by DOIs. The association of people, i.e., content accessers, with digital object identifiers further ensures that content and accessers may be mapped in a manner allowing for the secure tracking of content access.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently storing multiple versions of a data object in a database and generating a report to display a single version of a data object corresponding to any given time are provided. The data object is represented by a versioned data structure that includes a belief time field for storing a belief time corresponding to a version of the data object. A single version of the data object is retrieved by generating SQL code including a select clause for specifying the fields that are required for retrieving the data object and a where clause for specifying the version of the data object to be retrieved. A single foreign key is used to access multiple versions of the same data object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are directed to maintaining fidelity of a data property during data synchronization. A data property may include virtually any attribute that characterizes an aspect of an application's data. An application may include an email application, contact, calendar, scheduling application, and the like. Data properties may also characterize aspects of a non-application, such as a client's hardware device. Data fidelity is maintained through a concept called herein as property ghosting. Property ghosting leaves selected data properties unchanged on a server when the client device does not send the data property back to the server during data synchronization.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates delayed block allocation in a distributed file system. During operation, the system receives a write command at a client, wherein the write command includes a buffer containing data to be written and a file identifier. In response to receiving the write command, the system reserves a set of disk blocks for the file from a virtual pool of disk blocks allocated to the client. The system also transfers the data to be written to the kernel of the client where the data waits to be transferred to the disk.

Abstract: A garbage collector that divides a dynamically allocated heap into car sections grouped into trains in accordance with the train algorithm subdivides large trains into subtrains. When an object that is reachable from the train-algorithm-managed generation of the heap is evacuated from a car being collected during a collection increment, it is placed into the last car in the subtrain in which the reference to it resides, even if that car is not the last car in the train to which the reference's subtrain belongs. The train-algorithm test for dead trains is performed not only on top-level trains but also on sub-trains.

Abstract: A garbage collector for reclaiming computer-memory space occupied by unreachable data objects operates incrementally in accordance with the train algorithm. Although most objects share car sections with other objects, objects found to be referred to by a large number of references are placed in their own individual car sections so that the “popular” object's train membership can be changed without relocating the object and thus requiring the numerous references to it to be updated. The collector keeps track of different object classes to have instances that are popular. If a class exhibits a strong tendency to have popular instances, the collector initially places instances of that class into respective single-object cars even if those objects have not yet been identified as popular.

Abstract: A garbage collector employs the train algorithm, in which a generation of a heap is divided into so-called car sections that are grouped into “trains.” Remembered sets associated with respective car sections contain entries that list locations where references to objects in the respective car sections have been found as a result of scanning locations identified by write barriers. In each collection increment, the entries in the remembered sets associated with the car sections to be collected during that increment are processed to find which of the locations thus listed still contain references into the cars to be collected. The resultant locations are stored in scratch-pad lists, and each entry in that list includes a mode indicator that specifies whether the entry represents a single reference's location or the locations of more than one reference.

Abstract: Techniques for supporting access controls on application-specific operations performed by an application include receiving first data at a server distinct from the application. The first data describes a first set of privileges for performing a first set of application-specific operations. Second data is also received at the server. The second data associates a first user of the application with a privilege in the first set of privileges. In response to receiving a request at the server from the application, it is determined whether a particular user may have the application perform a particular application-specific operation based on the first data and the second data. The request indicates the particular user and the particular application-specific operation. A response is sent to the application. The response indicates whether the particular user may have the application perform the particular application-specific operation.

Abstract: A method for converting an n-dimensional vector to a two-dimensional vector to enable visualization of the n-dimensional vector. The method includes obtaining an n-dimensional reference vector and determining a difference in length and angle between the n-dimensional vector and the reference vector; and determining two-dimensional coordinates of the two-dimensional vector based on the difference in length and angle.

Abstract: A filtering technique which makes it possible to easily and appropriately eliminate a noise without increasing a scale of a circuit necessary for a filtering process even if a noise frequency is liable to be changed is provided. A filter coefficient calculator (6) of a weight measurement apparatus calculates filter coefficients using a predetermined arithmetic expression and outputs them to a signal processor (5). The signal processor (5) carries out a filtering process on a weighing signal (Ds) using the filter coefficients. The arithmetic expression includes a parameter specifying a band position of an attenuation band where attenuation must be locally enhanced. A user can input a value of the parameter via a data entry part (7). In this manner, the filter coefficients can be changed by using a parameter specifying the band position of the attenuation band which is physical and thus easy to grasp.

Abstract: A digital decimation filter having FIR decimation stages provides improved performance over a Hogenauer decimating filter. The filter comprises multiple integrator stages followed by multiple FIR decimating stages. The zeros of the filter are tunable by adjusting the integer coefficients of the FIR stages providing tunability of the cut-off response, as opposed to the fixed sinc response of the Hogenauer filter. As a result, the number of required stages for a particular steepness is reduced, dramatically reducing the amount of digital circuitry required to implement a particular filter design. The improved filter is especially suitable for use in digital IF stages in receivers, and for code-based applications where selectable decimation rate is desired and a fast multiply is not available.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for efficiently calculating an intermediate value between a first end value and a second end value such that the area and time required to implement this operation is minimized. The present invention is also used to efficiently multiply a value by a fraction. A fraction is involved in calculating an intermediate value and also for multiplying by a fraction. When the denominator of the fraction is odd, the binary representation of the blending function, which is used to calculate an intermediate value, exhibits special characteristics. The special characteristics allow the present invention to, among others, avoid the use of multipliers, Which require a large number of gates to implement. This invention exploits this and other special characteristics in order to efficiently implement in hardware the blending function and to efficiently multiply a value by a fraction.

Abstract: A method for reporting a user's emergency condition by sending an emergency help request message in a TCP/IP format to an emergency service center (ESC). The help request message may be sent over the Internet to advantageously harness the data transmission resources provided by the Internet. A support service provider may commercially provide such an emergency reporting service to a group of subscribers. The service provider may receive emergency requests from the subscribers and may send those requests over the Internet to the emergency service center. The service provider may also convert any non-TCP/IP message received from the subscriber into a TCP/IP message prior to sending the message to the ESC. A per-usage fee or a flat subscription fee may be charged by the service provider to allow users to report emergency conditions over the Internet. The support service provider thus coordinates the emergency help on behalf of the user.

Abstract: A method obtains output geographic information from at least one of plural geo-servers having different communication formats. The method includes formatting input geographic information so that a format of the input geographic information is compatible with a communication format of a selected geo-server, transmitting the input geographic information to the selected geo-server, and receiving, from the selected geo-server, output geographic information that is based on the input geographic information.

Abstract: Embodiments of a mechanism for implementing mobile agents in peer-to-peer networks. An initiating peer may generate a mobile agent to perform one or more tasks on or gather information from other peers in the peer-to-peer network. The mobile agent may include an itinerary of peers that the mobile agent may visit. The mobile agent may be transmitted on communications channels in the peer-to-peer network to each peer on the itinerary in turn, and return to the initiating peer after visiting or attempting to visit each peer on the itinerary. In one embodiment, the mobile agent may traverse its itinerary via virtual communication channels (pipes) implemented according to a peer-to-peer platform. A mobile agent may include information identifying input pipes for each peer on its itinerary. Peers may generate and advertise input pipes for use by mobile agents.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for using mobile agents for managing distribution of content in peer-to-peer networks. An initiating peer node may launch a mobile agent including an itinerary of a group of peer nodes configured to receive and share content from a distributor. The mobile agent may visit the peer nodes on the itinerary to search for and collect information on distributor content stored on the visited peer nodes. The mobile agent may return the payload to the initiating peer node after completing the itinerary. In one embodiment, the mobile agent may include authentication information, and each visited peer node may access the authentication information to verify the mobile agent as authorized by the distributor. The initiating peer node may examine the information provided by the mobile agent to detect unauthorized copies of the distributor content.

Abstract: An Internet Service Provider (ISP) intercepts HTTP requests from an end-user's browser, which are addressed to a Web server with which the ISP has an arrangement. If the request does not already include one, the request is modified to include a temporary user ID token that is identifiable with the end-user only by the ISP and not by the Web server. In response to receiving a request from the end-user that includes a token, the Web server generates a responsive message to the ISP that includes that same temporary user ID token, and which requests the ISP to perform a user-specific action. In response to that message, the ISP identifies the user from the token, performs the requested user-specific action and provides the Web server with information relating to the result of the requested action. The Web server then generates a response to the end-user's original request utilizing the provided information.

Abstract: Method, system and program product are provided for facilitating access to instrumentation data, such as nuclear magnetic resonance data, within a distributed system having one or more clients and one or more instrumentation servers. The facility includes receiving at an instrumentation server a request for instrumentation data from a client of the distributed system. The request is interpreted at the instrumentation server and instrumentation data in a local data structure is retrieved responsive thereto. The retrieved instrumentation data is then automatically converted from the local data structure of the instrumentation server to a predefined, common data structure for return to the requesting client. The distributed system may include multiple instrumentation servers and multiple clients, at least some of which could comprise heterogeneous environments.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for appending server-side glossary definitions to transient Web content in a networked computing environment. A glossary database stores a glossary, which includes a plurality of structured records. Each structured record is keyed by a unique identifier derived from a key word and contains a definition associated with the key word. A parser receives Web content, which includes text in transit to a Web client, and parses the text into one or more tokens corresponding to one such key word. A comparator module matches the tokens against each unique identifier in the glossary and retrieves each structured record containing a matching unique identifier. A constructor inserts a hyperlink in place of the text corresponding to each matched token and references the definition contained in the retrieved structured record for the matching unique identifier.

Abstract: A web services broker system is provided which provides security to existing web services. The system can be easily and transparently deployed on each side of the Internet.

Abstract: A system providing at least one management service, wherein the service can be accessed by a user using one of a plurality of user-interfaces, wherein a service management function provides a generic definition of the service, and a user-interface modality independent user interaction layer provides an interaction layer between the service management function and the user-interface used by the user.

Abstract: A system comprising an actual contracting terminal 13, a contracting network 1, a DNS server 11, a service contractor system 2, and a service provider system 3, connected via a communication network 4 so as to enable transmission/reception of data, the service being provided by the service provider system 2 to the contracting network 1, wherein the service provider system 3 starts providing service after the service contractor system 2 confirms that the domain name input from the actual contracting terminal 13 corresponds with the domain name of the contracting network 1 obtained by the service contractor system 2 when the actual contracting terminal 13 concludes the contract for having the service provided to the contracting network 1.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a method of customizing the browsing experience of a user of a Web site comprised of a plurality of Web pages is provided. Each Web page is indexed using at least one coding system. A user record for each user is maintained on the Web site, which contains personal information of the user coded in accordance with said coding system. The user's browsing experience on the site may thus be readily customized using the user's personal information via code comparison. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a method of ensuring the privacy of the user's personal information is provided through use of a unique Universal Anonymous Identifier (UAI) assigned to each user by a third party registration authority.

Abstract: A device for positioning in the workplace of a worker, the device being operable, in the worker's absence from said workplace, to provide a visitor to the workplace with information specifying the remote location of the worker and to enable the visitor to communicate with the absent worker; the device comprising processing means, memory, a digital display and a user interface; the processing means being coupled to a database, the database comprising data representative of a remote location and corresponding data representative of at least one possible mode of communication between the device and the remote worker at the said remote location; the processing means being electrically coupled to the digital display and the user interface; the memory being operable to store data specifying the remote location of the worker; the digital display being operable to display information specifying the remote location of the worker; the processing means being operable to interrogate the database to obtain the possible mo

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that applies personalized rules for handling e-mail messages to e-mail messages within an e-mail server. During operation, the system connects to the e-mail server from a remote computer system on behalf of a user. Next, the system applies the personalized rules to e-mail messages received for the user at the e-mail server. This involves applying actions specified in the personalized rules to the e-mail messages. Next, the system disconnects from the e-mail server so that the connection does not have to be maintained.

Abstract: A method and system for setting up a notification for the user of a mobile communication device using simple, well-known mechanisms such as e-mail and natural language expressions. The method comprises the steps of: receiving a notification configuration, and generating one or more notification criteria con-elated to the notification configuration, such that the user is notified of communication meeting the notification criteria. The system includes a storage device for storing notification received from the user and the correlated notification criteria, and a processor in communication with the storage device that correlates the notification configuration to the notification criteria and provides notification to the user when a received communication meets the notification criteria.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for filtering incoming electronic messages based on user objectives is disclosed. For example, automated assistance can be provided in realizing a user objective of filtering electronic mail (e-mail) messages associated with a “conversation” thread. The electronic message filtering system can receive an e-mail message, examine attributes or characteristics of the e-mail message, determine if a rule has been established for messages with the characteristics of the incoming message, and if there has been a rule set up, automatically implement an action in accordance with the rule. For example, when electronic messages with particular information in the header (e.g., a particular subject) are received, the messages are automatically moved to a designated trash folder. Additionally, finer granularity of message management can be achieved (e.g., an action is automatically implemented to display a message from a particular sender at the top of a list).

Abstract: A system and a method for managing electronic contact database are disclosed. A method according to an embodiment comprises the steps of providing a recipient electronic address; providing an electronic mail message; encoding a network address including an indication of a file name and a network file server within the provided electronic mail message, the encoded network address indicative of a unique recipient and indicative of the network file server and a file name from which to retrieve data from the network file server; and, transmitting the electronic mail message to the provided recipient electronic address. A mail server supports the methods for managing electronic contact database.

Abstract: A computer-based method and system for distributing information from a source to a service that is to process the information. The distribution system provides a node hierarchy of distribution nodes and service nodes. The node hierarchy has a root node, which is a distribution node, that receives information that is to be distributed to a service node. The root node passes the received information to its child nodes, which may be either distribution nodes or service nodes. Each child node may determine whether or not to accept the information for further distribution or for servicing. If a distribution node accepts the passed information, then it passes the information to each of its child nodes. The information is thus passed down the node hierarchy through distribution nodes to service nodes that will accept and process the information.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for filtering electronic invitations based on inherent characteristics of the electronic invitation. In embodiments of the present invention, an electronic calendar invitation filtering system receives an invitation, examines the header information such as a sender's name or subject, determines if a rule has been established for invitations with the characteristics of the incoming invitation, and if there has been a rule set up, implements an action. In another embodiment, when electronic invitation with a particular subject or sender is received, the invitation will be automatically accepted or rejected. Additionally, in another embodiment, when an electronic invitation is received from a particular sender, the invitation will be delegated to another user. Furthermore, in another embodiment, when an electronic invitation from a particular sender is received, the system will schedule the meeting in a calendar.

Abstract: A method for limiting the delivery of content, particularly advertisements intended to be displayed in a communications network environment, to individual recipients based on frequency considerations, including a method for storing statistical data relevant to making a determination about the limiting of content delivery and a method for providing alternate content in case it is decided that the original content should not be delivered to a recipient.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls first and second electronic devices. The control apparatus includes a unit which assigns first and second electronic mail addresses to the first and second electronic devices, respectively, a receiving unit which receives an electronic mail via a network, the electronic mail including one of the first and second electronic mail addresses as a destination address, a unit which selects an electronic device to be controlled from the first and second electronic devices in accordance with the destination address of the received electronic mail, and a unit which controls an operation of the selected electronic device in response to an instruction described in the received electronic mail.

Abstract: A method of manipulation of data information trees, and software and systems therefore, allow the mapping of information models for support of markup-oriented registry services. For example, a first business entity may provide a service. Service information regarding the service is stored in a hierarchical directory information tree at a node corresponding to the business entity. Another business entity may desire to provide the service of the first business entity. Service projection information regarding the service offered by the first entity is stored in a hierarchical directory information tree at a node corresponding to the second business entity.

Abstract: A computerized method for determining whether a storage device detected in a SAN is associated with a storage array detected in the SAN, where the storage array has one or more storage devices associated therewith. The computerized method includes obtaining identifying information for the detected storage device, obtaining identifying information for the one or more storage devices associated with the detected storage array, and processing the obtained information to determine whether the detected storage device is one of the one or more storage devices associated with the detected storage array.

Abstract: Method for remotely imaging a computer. In one embodiment the method includes establishing a connection between two or more computers, extracting information from a storage device, and executing commands to create and format partitions on the storage device. The method may also include changing a bootsector of a partition, transferring data including utility data and an image file to a partition, and activating a boot indicator associated with the partition so as to re-image the storage device upon rebooting. Embodiments of the invention also include methods for removing a computer name from an associated network or domain, and augmenting security and identity parameters to allow the computer to be re-associated with a network or domain. Embodiments of the invention may be implemented using an imaging tool that, in one embodiment, includes an initialization module having one or more interfaces with input fields, a format module, and a naming module.

Abstract: Methods and systems utilize one or more scripts to enable interaction with an electronic information page of a remote device. The electronic information page contains operating data for the remote device, and the operating data may be a measured parameter or a control setting. The remote device may provide a web server application through which the electronic information page, such as a static web page, may be accessed. The at least one script provides location information for the electronic information page and operating data within the page. The at least one script may provide an alias name or group for the remote device(s) that specifies a uniform resource locator address where the electronic information page(s) may be found. The at least one script may also provide commands that include the path(s) to the electronic information page and the variable name(s) for the operating data to be obtained and/or set.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for using mobile agents to gather trust information for evaluating trust in peer-to-peer networks. A peer node may launch a mobile agent on a network including an itinerary of peer nodes to be visited by the mobile agent and an indication of an area of interest. The mobile agent may determine if a visited peer node stores trust evaluations for other peer nodes as providers of codats relevant to the area of interest and, if so, the trust evaluations may be stored as payload data in the mobile agent. After completing the itinerary, the mobile agent may return the payload to the initiating peer node. The initiating peer node may use the trust evaluations collected by the mobile agent in determining or adjusting trust evaluations for peer nodes as providers of codats relevant to the area of interest.

Abstract: A software architecture that provides applications with uniform access to data that is available from heterogeneous data sources. Applications access Liquid Data through a set of unified XML views that have been derived from the schemas of the underlying data sources. Liquid Data provides data independence in that applications can write components that do not have to change if an underlying data source changes.

Abstract: Mobile communication terminal 1, when requesting a download service of motion picture data, transmits model data showing its modes to contents server 5. Contents server 5 provides the download service in accordance with the capability of each mobile communication terminal by determining functions such as data reception capability (the maximum volume of motion picture data which can be received all at once) of mobile communication terminal 1 on the basis of contents of model data transmitted along with the request for a download service.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating a request for information about a data store. The request codes a data store descriptor which is used to characterize or identify a matching data store from a plurality of data stores. The re-transmitted information comprises retrieved information necessary for the requesting device or the applications executed thereon to access the identified data store, respectively. The present invention provides a method for generating a response in consequence on receiving a request for information a about data store. The data store descriptor coded in the request is used to characterize or identify a matching data store from a plurality of data stores and information about the data store is retrieved. This retrieved information coded in a response is transmitted to the previously requesting device enabling the requesting device or the applications executed thereon to access the identified data store, respectively.

Abstract: A method for information processing and an information-processing client are disclosed. The information-processing client is configured to access a server and to display first information returned by the server and containing a link to second information. The client is also configured to check automatically a specific property of the second information by making an enquiry concerning the second information and by displaying third information on the specific property of the second information.

Abstract: Techniques are described for acquisition of physiological data from a medical device, and manipulation and storage of the physiological data in a format that can allows the data to easily be shared between systems and viewed using different applications. Moreover, the techniques provide for the aggregation of the physiological data acquired from a medical device over multiple telemetry sessions. A system, for example, includes a plurality of medical device programmers to collect physiology data via telemetry sessions with medical devices, and a programmer gateway to receive the session data from the medical device programmers and to process the session data for aggregation in one or more data stores. The session data may include metadata that conforms to a data description language, such as XML, and the programmer gateway may execute a translation engine to store portions of the session data within respective data stores based on the metadata.