Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product for stopping processors in a multiprocessor system without using non-maskable interrupts are provided. With the apparatus, method and computer program product, at system initialization time, a copy of the operating system (OS) kernel is copied to a new physical location in memory. When a processor enters the debugger due to the occurrence of an event, the debugger switches its virtual-to-physical address mapping to point to the new copy of the OS kernel. The original copy of the OS kernel is then modified by inserting breakpoints, e.g., interrupts, in a repeating pattern in the text of the original copy of the OS kernel, with the exception of the breakpoint handler text in the original copy of the OS kernel. A cache flush of the remaining processors is then instigated thereby forcing the remaining processors to refetch instructions from the OS kernel.

Abstract: A method is described for reprogramming a meter, including configuring the meter to accept user code reprogramming at meter power-up and, at power-up, providing user code reprogramming to the meter control program. The meter is configured to accept user code at power-up by executing processor boot loader code providing for optional loading of user code into the processor memory upon processor boot-up. The meter user thus can change metering functions and options without disassembling the meter or removing it from service.

Abstract: A system and technique for correcting data errors in a memory device. More specifically, data errors in a memory device are corrected by scrubbing the corrupted memory device. Generally, a host controller delivers a READ command to a memory controller. The memory controller receives the request and retrieves the data from a memory sub-system. The data is delivered to the host controller. If an error is detected, a scrub command is induced through the memory controller to rewrite the corrected data through the memory sub-system. Once a scrub command is induced, an arbiter schedules the scrub in the queue. Because a significant amount of time can occur before initial read in the scrub write back to the memory, an additional controller may be used to compare all subsequent READ and WRITE commands to those scrubs scheduled in the queue.

Abstract: A method for monitoring faults within a computer network. In a preferred embodiment, an event, a host, and a fault monitoring point triplet are received from a monitored network device. A database of valid fault monitoring points is consulted to determine the validity of the event, host, and fault monitoring point triplet received. Responsive to a determination that the event, host, and fault monitoring point triplet received are valid, the appropriate party to notify and the appropriate message to send are determined. The appropriate party is then sent a message alerting them to the network problem. Different parties may be notified depending on the nature of the event or on the location of the event. Furthermore, a new network device may be added without taking down the fault monitoring system by merely adding to the database of valid fault monitoring points a new fault monitoring point corresponding to the added network device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for processing an error in a multiprocessor data processing system. An error is detected within the data processing system. A chip, causing the error, is identified within a plurality of chips to form an identified chip. Data is collected from the identified chip and hardware associated with the identified chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling safety-critical processes. The apparatus includes at least one safe control unit for controlling the safety-critical processes and at least two safe signal units which are connected via I/O channels to the safety-critical processes. The safe control unit and the safe signal units are connected to a common fieldbus. The safe signal units communicate with the safe control unit, but not with one another, when the apparatus is in the control mode. The safe signal units have an evaluator for evaluating a fault message which is broadcasted across the fieldbus, as well as a switching device which autonomously change the safety-critical process to a safe state when a fault message which is evaluated as being relevant occurs.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a sound signal to report an event represented by the sound signal is disclosed. The method includes steps of receiving at least one signal in response to the event, recording the at least one signal in a first recorder in sequence, and accessing the at least one signal in sequence and reporting the event by transmitting the sound signal according to sound data corresponding to the at least one signal pre-recorded in a second recorder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for implementing coexistence and cooperation between system firmware and debug code. A service processor is coupled to a machine under test for sending system firmware test functions to the machine under test and receiving test data from the machine under test. A host computer is coupled to the service processor for sending bring-up tool debug test functions to the machine under test and receiving test data from the machine under test. The system firmware starts without user intervention on initial power-on routine of the machine under test. When the host computer receives a user request, the host computer notifies the service processor. The bring-up tool debug test functions are started responsive to the user request. The system firmware can be used for certain operations to a certain point in an operational test sequence of the machine under test and then the debug tool debug test functions are used for other functions that are not implemented in the system firmware.

Abstract: System and method for managing and communicating state changes of a complex system. The system includes a plurality of configuration items, wherein each configuration item is a functional component of the system and has an associated state value that is one of a set of state values describing operational characteristics of the configuration item. A data structure that represents transitions between the state values is constructed in each of the configuration items. Each of the configuration items receives notification requests that include a first set of state values, a second set of state values, a requester identifier, and a message value. The requester identifier and message value of each notification request are associated with a transition of the configuration item for a transition from a state in the first set of state values to a state value in the second set of state values.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a telecommunications device includes a synchronization bus and a controller coupled to the bus that generates a system clock signal according to a primary reference clock signal and communicates the system clock signal using the bus. The controller detects a loss of the primary reference clock signal and, in response, continues generating the system clock signal, determines acceptability of a secondary reference clock signal, switches from the primary reference clock signal to the secondary reference clock signal if the secondary reference clock signal is acceptable, and in response to the switch generates the system clock signal according to the secondary reference clock signal.

Abstract: An I/O cell (101) becomes an output state according to a burn-in test mode signal M in a burn-in test and the output of a port output signal setting register (106) is selected in an output signal selecting circuit (105). An instruction for periodically alternately setting “H” and “L” in the port output signal setting register (106) is written in test ROM (103). According to this circuit configuration, in burn-in, “H” and “L” are alternately output from the I/O cell (101) and appropriate stress can be applied to the I/O cell (101).

Abstract: A method and system for remotely activating document features in locally created electronic documents. Documents having certain document features, are created in a design application at a local computer. Codes correlating to the imparted document features are generated and embedded in the document file. Documents are delivered to a remote computer having a viewer application for opening and viewing the document. The viewer application reads the generated codes and unlocks functionality in the application for implementation of document features. The document features may provide enhanced functionality as value-added items such as digital signature capability, the ability to view a document in high fidelity, and local saving of the document with associated document data.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product, and method utilize a “bookmark affinity” to facilitate organizing by mutual affinity stored storage location addresses, or “bookmarks,” each for a given hypertext document. This affinity is found by comparing specific criteria of the addressed hypertext document, such as relatedness of address path, keywords in the document description, word count of non-trivial words, and shared out-bound storage location addresses, or “links.” These affinities allow presenting related bookmarks to aid in finding the desired hypertext document.

Abstract: A method and system for previewing and printing customized pages, such as business forms including invoices and billing statements. An author-created template has HTML and OLE components (controls) placed on a page to define a visual representation of a class of object that is part of a database. The controls merge data from a selected current object of the database into the template, producing a visual representation of the object that is both viewable and printable. An extension to the present invention involves the use of multiple-page HTML to dynamically provide subsequent pages based on retrieved data. For example, if the data retrieved by the controls for an invoice is too large to display on a single invoice page, another HTML page, that is different from the first page of the invoice, would be automatically loaded as a template and the overflow data properly merged therewith.

Abstract: A method of converting a document from a first page size to a second page size includes the step of determining a first line length from the document formatted for the first page size. Another step of the method includes determining a first page length from the document formatted for the first page size. The method also includes the steps of defining a second line length for the second page size that is equal to the first line length, and defining a second page length for the second page size that is equal to the first page length. Yet another step of the method includes formatting the document to utilize the second page size, the second line length, and the second page length.

Abstract: A method and system for browsing and navigating web pages on a small screen device using a keypad are disclosed. A web page is divided into logical sections. In one embodiment, each section is mapped to at least one key on a keypad, such that when a user presses a key, the corresponding section of the web page is displayed on the device's display panel. In another embodiment, each section is mapped to a symbol which can be remembered by the user. The user then selects the symbol corresponding to the section of the web page that he or she desires to view. As each section of the web page is being viewed, an icon may be included on the screen to indicate that portion of the web page that is being viewed.

Abstract: A computer system requiring input of a password on startup has an on-screen keyboard generation division for displaying an on-screen keyboard having a predetermined key layout on a touch panel, a keyboard type determination division for determining the key layout of the on-screen keyboard displayed on this touch panel, and a password checking division for processing a password inputted by pointing to the on-screen keyboard displayed on this touch panel. The key layout displayed on the touch panel is determined by a user pressing a particular key on a mechanical keyboard, which identifies which layout is to be displayed on the touch panel.

Abstract: A display system displays web pages from web sites located on data communications networks such as the Internet network. The display system has display controls and a plurality of non-overlapping display areas. Each display area has independent display area controls and independently displays a web page. The display controls include a sizing control operable by a user to alter a size of all display areas simultaneously with one control action. The display system in an embodiment includes a browser software program to provide communications and display support. The browser software program is executed in only one instance to provide the support for the plurality of display areas. The display controls also include a designator control operable by a user to designate the number of the non-overlapping display areas to be displayed. The display controls also include a drag and drop control for universal reference locators.

Abstract: A power module includes a power semiconductor device having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The second terminal is a control terminal to regulate flow of electricity between the first and third terminals. A gate driver has an output node coupled to the second terminal of the power device. The gate driver is configured to output a first conductive state, a second conductive state, and a third conductive state. A pull-down resistor has a first end and a second end. The first end of the pull-down resistor is coupled to the output of the gate driver.

Abstract: A Huffman algorithm is applied to revise the topology of a data flow graph. The result of the application of the algorithm is an increase in the sizes of at least some clusters (i.e., enhanced mergeability). The Huffman rebalancing of the topology may also result in the benefit of allowing further pruning of the bitwidths of data flow paths, which may further enhance mergeability. Thus, the algorithm may be applied with a maximum information content analysis.

Abstract: A system and method which allows for burst licensing, particularly for use in a circuit design and analysis system in which designers use tools to assist in characterizing and verifying the circuit. Burst licensing is used to provide licenses on an ‘as and when required’ basis to allow system users or customers to carry out massive parallelism of the simulation tasks when run from selected tools. When the system receives a request to start a task, the system checks-out a burst license for use in processing the task, and assigns the license to a particular CPU. The task is then performed at that CPU, and once completed the burst license is returned to the license pool.

Abstract: A simulation coverage calculating apparatus is provided for calculating a simulation coverage for a complete verification. The apparatus includes a first input unit, a second input unit, an effective test pattern calculating unit, a coverage ratio calculating unit, and an output unit. The first input unit reads a property that represents effective test patterns to a logic circuit to be verified. The effective test pattern calculating unit calculates the effective test patterns based on the property. The second input unit reads the test patterns entered and executed by a verifier. The coverage ratio calculating unit calculates a coverage ratio from a ratio of the number of the test patterns matched to the effective test patterns to the number of all of the effective test patterns. The output unit outputs the calculated coverage ratio.

Abstract: In a multi-wide object class design layout, an automatic extraction of pure fill via areas (PFVA) among multi wide class objects treats the virtual boundaries of the wide objects differently than non-virtual boundaries to allow an extracted pure fill via area to extend across a virtual edge of a wide class object. An exemplary method is provided for deriving one or more pure fill via areas for geometries on a first layer in a design layout having multi-wide object classes on the first layer. The exemplary method includes forming a Current PFVA, initially as a PFVA for the geometries of the layer, and successively adjusting the Current PFVA for each higher wide object class corresponding to the geometries, to accommodate the respective enclosure rules for each higher wide object class.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing power distribution in an integrated circuit chip includes dividing a clock cycle of the integrated circuit chip into a plurality of time periods, dividing the integrated circuit chip into a plurality of cells, performing a static timing analysis for the plurality of cells to obtain current waveform data for each cell and each time period, and performing a power distribution analysis using the current waveform data.

Abstract: A method of generating an IC design comprises the steps of generating an intermediate routing result to define interconnects between functional blocks on an IC. The next step is defining one or more repeater ranches in an interstice of the IC and generating a repeater placement plan for placement of repeater elements according to the repeater ranch boundary constraints. The process continues with the step of generating a final routing result to define interconnects between functional blocks that interconnect the repeater elements according to the repeater placement plan.

Abstract: A high-level synthesis apparatus for synthesizing a register transfer level logic circuit from a behavioral description describing a processing operation of the circuit, comprises a low power consumption circuit generation section for generating a low power consumption circuit which stops or inhibits circuit operations of partial circuits constituting the logic circuit only when the partial circuits are in a wait state, so to achieve low power consumption. The low power consumption circuit generation section is synthesized along with the logic circuit.

Abstract: A method and computer system is described for designing a conflict-free altPSM layout by first constructing a planar interlock graph without predefining phase shift shapes. Feature nodes of the graph represent critical elements, while connection nodes of the graph represent phase shape interactions. A pattern analysis of the interlock graph is performed to identify layout violations. Solutions for resolving layout conflicts are applied to the layout resulting in at least one conflict-free altPSM layout. Phase shapes are then applied to the conflict-free altPSM layout. Selection of an optimal solution can be made based on cost analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method that models computer programming language concepts in a plurality of objects and enables a computer programmer to interact with multiple programming languages through one code model interface. This allows the computer programmer to identify objects or functionality available in an application without having to know or specify an underlying language that implements that object or functionality. The computer programmer can employ the code model to locate an object that implements a specific functionality and return a code model object that implements that functionality. The computer programmer may then interact with that code model object rather than having to interact with the computer programming language.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for the creation and use of custom-configured, database-backed, remotely accessible applications. Users of client devices (60) access an application generator server (30) via a network (50), providing configuration for a requested application. Through direct communication with the server (30), off-line use of an application or script, or by following a server-generated link, remote users execute the application subject to data type, formatting, and display characteristics and/or constraints provided in the application configuration information. Other applications hosted on the client device, server, or on another server (in communication with the application generator server) can exchange data with the generated application.

Abstract: A method for recording and replaying execution of distributed programs on a computer system in a distributed environment, includes identifying an execution order of critical events of a program, generating groups of critical events of the program, wherein for each group, critical events belonging to the group belong to a common execution thread, and generating for each execution thread a logical thread schedule that identifies a sequence of the groups so as to allow deterministically replaying a non-deterministic arrival of stream socket connection requests, a non-deterministic number of bytes received during message reads, and a non-deterministic binding of stream sockets to local ports.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for caching a pre-processed version of an interpreted application at the time the interpreted application is first interpreted and executed by a computer, thereby improving response time for subsequent executions of the interpreted application. The pre-processed version of the interpreted application captures all execution paths through the interpreted application, despite the fact that the first execution of the interpreted application may only exercise a subset of the possible execution paths therein. Modifications to the interpreted application are dynamically detected, so that the pre-processed version can be replaced in the cache as needed.

Abstract: A compiler for object-oriented programming code in a language which employs run-time static initialization semantics analyzes the static initialization code to find a subset of initialization statements which must execute under all conditions, creates an pre-initialized image of the static storage using the subset, and removes statements which were pre-initialized from the final compiled code. Preferably, the compiler is a back-end compiler for the Java language, which converts Java bytecode into machine executable instructions. A static initializer method for each class is decomposed to construct a control flow graph for the method, which is then analyzed to identify statements in the source which must necessarily execute whenever the initialization method is called. The compile-time static storage image is pre-initialized to zero, except where affected by these identified statements, which are set at compile time as if the identified statements had executed.

Abstract: Optimizing compiler performance by applying data speculation within modulo scheduled loops to achieve a higher degree of instruction-level parallelism. The compiler locates a schedule for specifying an order of execution of the instructions and allocates rotating registers for the instruction execution. Based upon the schedule and the register allocation, the compiler determines an initiation interval specifying a number of instruction issue cycles between initiation of successive iterations related to the scheduling of the instructions.

Abstract: In a computer system, a method for automatically registering resources required for an application program module to execute. After the application program module is booted, a registration cache is examined to determine its status. The registration cache is stored in association with the application program module and it indicates whether a registry on the computer system needs to be updated, such as after the user has moved files or renamed files such that registry keys in the registry may no longer be valid. If the registration cache indicates that the registry needs to be updated, then a search is made through a predetermined directory, such as the application program module folder. The search is looking for an application file or a dynamic link library file. Upon detecting an application file or a dynamic link library file, then a resource fork in association with the file is opened and it is determined whether there is a self-registration resource in the resource fork.

Abstract: A computer system having central processing unit, a ROM, and an NVRAM. A table is stored in the ROM. The information relates to configuration data for boards installed in the computer. Each entry in the ROM table includes a board identifier and corresponding text describing the board and/or board configuration data. An extension table is stored in the NVRAM which provides storage capacity for the same type of information in the ROM-based table. The NVRAM-based extension table also includes storage for board identifiers and corresponding configuration information. A utility checks the ROM-based board table to determine whether a matching entry is found for each board in the system. If a match is found, the corresponding configuration information is used to configure the system for the board. If no match is found, the program checks the extension table for a matching entry and uses a default setting.

Abstract: The present invention discloses efficient devices, systems, and methods for updating digital information sequences that are comprised by software (110a), devices (104c), and data (110c). In addition, these digital information sequences may be stored and used in various forms, including but not limited to files, memory locations, and/or embedded storage locations. The disclosed invention is thus suitable for updating many types of digital information sequences and in the context of updating software comprised of multiple files. Furthermore, the devices, systems, and methods described herein provide a developer skilled in the art with an improved ability to generate update information as needed and, additionally, allow users to proceed through a simplified update path, which is not error-prone, and may be performed more quickly than through the use of existing technologies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for updating an executing executable file. Client executes a first executable file in a first location and makes a request. Server receives the request and transfers a configuration file to client. The configuration file comprises an executable file name, and a file address corresponding to a storage apparatus. Second executable file corresponds to the executable file name, stored in storage apparatus. First executable file receives the configuration file and links to storage apparatus corresponding to the file address, downloads second executable file and stores second executable file in a second location. First executable file activates second executable file and terminates first executable file. Second executable file duplicates itself to the first location. Second executable file in the second location activates second executable file in the first location and terminates second executable file in the second location.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus is constructed by an input device for inputting an instruction for causing a job processor to perform a job, an analyzing unit for analyzing the instruction inputted by the input device, a discriminating unit for discriminating a processing ability of the job processor which performs the job based on the instruction inputted by the input device, and a controller for controlling a supply of the instruction inputted by the input device to the job processor in accordance with a result of the analysis by the analyzing unit and a result of the discrimination by the discriminating unit. The job processor performs a job to transmit input data to another apparatus, and the input device inputs an instruction including a designation of destinations to transmit data by the job processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reusing a thread for different programmed operations are provided in various embodiments. In one embodiment, different application operations are defined as subclasses of a thread operation class, and a thread is implemented with a thread class. In one embodiment, the application operations can be queued to the thread for scheduled execution using the thread. In another embodiment, a first application operation can start a thread and be executed therewith, while a second application operation can attach to the thread for execution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a business process feature for providing universal registration in an information appliance network. The business process feature includes providing user registration information to a universal registration resource, the user registration information accessible by providers of resources via the information appliance network. The business process feature further includes requesting use of a provider resource requiring the user registration information wherein the provider resource automatically retrieves the user registration information from the universal registration resource to enable the user to access the resources. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for providing universal registration, including accessing a resource, passing a registration interface dynamic base object to the resource, and interrogating the registration interface dynamic base object for registration information.

Abstract: A computer memory structure for parallel computing has a first level of hierarchy comprising a plane. The plane contains a thread which represents an independent flow of control managed by a program structure, a heap portion for data structure, a stack portion for function arguments, and local variables and global data accessible by any part of the program structure. The memory structure further has a second level of hierarchy comprising a space. The space contains two or more of the planes, with the planes in the space containing the program structure. The space further contains common data accessible by the program structure between each of the planes. A third level of hierarchy in the memory structure comprises two or more of the spaces. The spaces contain the same or different program structures, and common data accessible by the program structure between each of the spaces.

Abstract: A computer storage architecture utilizing layered device drivers enables a user to create and install a device driver into a computer. The device driver is installed into the storage unit through a registration process. In order to permit the user to specify a device driver stack for the device driver and specify the relative position of the device driver within the device driver stack, a novel layered device driver registration system that is separate from a operating system device driver registration system is utilized. The layered device driver registration system enables the user to install one or more device drivers and to specify the placement of each device driver by relative to the other device drivers in various device driver stacks. The layered device driver registration system allows a device driver to be dynamically inserted into or removed from a particular device driver stack.

Abstract: Client-server software partitions Windows applications into multi-media and other less-observable instructions such that client may run audio/visual-related commands remotely, thereby appearing to client-user as when application were run solely by central server. Clients may access application through web-sites or remote access servers. Client requests may be atomized such that instruction set sub-sets are partitioned correspondingly. Operating system parameters on which application is run may be accessed selectably. Server may centralize client administration and provide metering of application usage.

Abstract: A set of Application Program Interfaces (APIs) for a resource-limited environment are disclosed. The APIs provide a mechanism for a computer application to interface with various components and modules of an operating system for a resource-limited environment. The APIs further provide a mechanism to interface with input/output devices commonly found in embedded systems running in a resource-limited environment.

Abstract: A disk device includes a stock unit with multiple disk holders. When one of the disk holders is selected, the disk holder is moved so as to allow transport of the selected disk to a rotational driving unit. After the selected disk holder has stopped moving, a guide member and a transporting unit are brought closer together to nip a disk held in the disk holder, thereby restricting the disk. A driving unit 50 is then moved to a driving position overlapping the disk which is held in the disk holder, thereby preventing interference between the disk and driving unit. The disk is then transported to the driving unit. Thus, interference between the disk and the rotational driving unit or other structures due to vibrations of the disk within the stock unit can be prevented.

Abstract: A data storage drive, a method of manufacturing the same, and a drive array that includes multiple such disk storage drives. In one embodiment, the disk storage drive includes: (1) a substrate, (2) a motor located on the substrate, (3) a data storage medium coupled to the motor for movement thereby and (4) a MEMS read arm located on the substrate, having a read head and capable of responding to control signals by moving to cause the read head to traverse portions of the data storage medium thereby to read data therefrom.

Abstract: A turntable assembly not requiring use of plastic centering hooks, enabling simplification of the mold structure, and enabling attachment of the leaf springs imparting elastic spring force in the disk centering mechanism even after fitting the center hole of the turntable over the motor shaft, wherein the turntable assembly has a motor having a projecting motor shaft and a turntable having a center hole into which the projecting portion of the motor shaft is inserted and a magnet holding groove formed at a disk hole mating hub around the center hole and holding a permanent magnet for clamping an information storage disk placed on the turntable in the magnet holding groove, the disk centering mechanism having a plurality of spring seats at spring flexing spaces formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the disk hole mating hub 21, each of the spring seats being provided with a centering leaf spring having a vertically descending piece protruding slightly outward in the radial direction from the o

Abstract: An electronic program guide displays televsion program listings in a time and channel guide format on a monitor screen. A cursor is provided for display on the monitor screen to selectively highlight one of the television program listings in the guide. Various guide functions are activated in response to movement of the cursor in the guide. For example, program note corresponding to the highlighted television program listing is displayed simultaneously with the television program listings, such that the program note changes as the cursor moves in the guide.

Abstract: A method and system that allows a user to, with a single button press on a remote control, quickly navigate within a program guide to an established reference point, such as the program information associated with the last viewed channel and the current time. The establishment of a reference point provides a subscriber with a known position within program information that may cover weeks of time, thousands of channels, and a variety of categories or sorting methods. The subscriber that has advanced through many hours and channels of program information is provided with a method of easily navigating to a known reference within the program information.

Abstract: Convergence systems, or PC-TV systems, provide the combined benefits of a computer system and a television. These systems typically include audio/video recorders, such as VCRs, for recording programs, as well as an electronic program guide (EPG) for presenting program information. The present invention provides methods and devices for detecting specific signals or markers associated with a program or channel signal, and then enabling a recording device or an EPG to perform an act, such as recording a program, based upon the detected signals or markers. In a preferred embodiment, the system receives a channel signal, detects a program start or stop marker within the signal, and controls the EPG or the recording device to perform acts corresponding to the detection of a start or stop instruction.