Abstract: Information representing the RPC servers on which each RPC service is currently being provided, is maintained on a directory server. A client may query the directory server and determine a specific one of the RPC servers on which to cause execution of a desired RPC service. Each RPC server may also register the service interface using which the corresponding RPC services can be accessed. As a result, the same RPC service may potentially be accessed with a different service interface on different RPC servers. Another aspect of the present invention provides a schema using which procedure interface definition (i.e., the name of the procedure, the parameters and their attributes) can be represented. Such a feature is used to store the procedure definitions on the directory server, thereby enabling a client system to determine the procedure definition prior to sending an RPC request to execute the procedure.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for extracting a valid, self-contained fragment for a node in a XML document stored in a database management system. An XML index is used to identify a location in which XML fragment data corresponding to the node is located. Ancestors of the node are identified and examined for any information needed for the proper interpretation of the fragment. If an ancestor node contains such needed information, this information is patched into the XML fragment to ensure that the fragment is a valid, self-contained XML fragment.

Abstract: A method and system to provide visualization of high resolution terrain for use in real-time simulation for digital image displays that is derived directly from source data including imagery, classification, elevation and vector data at run-time with little or no off-line manipulation of the source data. The fidelity of the visualization is scalable based on the graphic system's capability. Readily available worldwide data exists for imagery, classification, elevation, vector and airport runway data.

Abstract: A storage component interconnected via a network includes a recording unit for recording various contents, a first management table, a second management table and a control unit. The first management table manages for each user storage capacity in use by users in each recording unit of the storage components on the network. The second management table manages for each user total storage capacity that each user is allowed to use in all the recording units of the storage components on the network. The control unit restricts the storage capacity in use by the users so that the storage capacity used by the user does not exceed the total storage capacity that the user is allowed to use, on the basis of the first management table and the second management table.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for providing object change information through a network. The local object persistence system distributes the information regarding the change to the object by the synchronization executor through a communication link. The remote object persistence system that has established the communication link with the local object persistence system obtains the distributed object change information. The object change information is used to update the database and update an object cache for storing the object.

Abstract: A data storage system is disclosed having a plurality of terminal apparatuses of users connected with a data storage unit of a service provider via a computer network, the data storage unit storing data from inside the terminal apparatuses so that the stored data are subsequently used by the users. The data storage unit includes a connecting element, a file storing element, a file managing element, and a data format converting element. In response to a use request from any one of the users, the data format converting element converts stored data in the file storing element into a format compatible with the type of the terminal apparatus used by the requesting user for connection to the system. The converted data is used by the terminal apparatus through which the requesting user has sent the use request.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a logical consistency checker (LCC) working alone or in conjunction with a physical consistency checker (PCC) and/or a data reliability system (DRS) for a database files system of a hardware/software interface system. Logical data correction pertains to logical data corruptions for entities (e.g., items, extensions, and/or relationships in an item-based operating system, where an item-based operating system is one example of an item-based hardware/software interface system). In this regard, a LCC analyses and corrects logical damage to entities representatively stored in the data store in order to ensure that all such entities in said data store are both consistent and conform to the data model rules.

Abstract: Techniques for redefining a group of related objects in a relational database system by redefining a table belonging to the group of related objects and then redefining the other related objects in the group so that they are in conformity with the redefined table. The techniques permit DDL to be used to redefine a view and are also useful in a versioned relational database system for redefining the table from which the versions are generated. In the versioned relational database system which employs the technique, the versions are generated from a view. To redefine the view, the technique is employed as follows: the view's definition in the relational database system is used to make a base table that has a form which is substantially similar to that of the view. DDL is then applied to the base table to redefine it.

Abstract: A system for distributed discovery and management of frozen images includes a first and a second computer host, a first and a second frozen image agent and a frozen image server. Each of the first and second frozen image agents may be configured to identify one or more storage hierarchies hosted at a respective computer host, and to provide an encoding representing the identified storage hierarchies to the frozen image server. The frozen image server may be configured to aggregate the encodings provided by the frozen image agents into a system-level storage hierarchy catalog.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing databases between multiple users in a peer-to-peer network is disclosed. The method comprises extracting changes from a source database of one of the users. Next, the changes are compressed and sent to the other users in the peer-to-peer network in parallel. Finally, the changes are decompressed and replicated on the database of each of the other users. In this respect, the databases of the other users will contain all changes from the source database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data recording/reproducing apparatus (1), which includes a reader (3) for reading content data recorded in a minidisc (2), and a controller (4) for generating one file by gathering a plurality of content units not continued with each other to the read contents data and executing a process for generating relative position information of each content unit when the file is generated. The controller further divides the content unit into parts at a discontinuous point if each content unit for constituting the generated file includes a discontinuous area on a recording medium in case of reading the relative position information by the reader, and generates absolute position information on the recording media of each part. The relative position information of the content unit for constituting the read file and the absolute position information of the parts are stored in a table memory (6).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are presented for determining coefficients for a polynomial-based approximation of a function, by iteratively estimating a first coefficient, reducing the first coefficient to a lower precision to obtain a first limited-precision coefficient, analytically calculating a second coefficient by taking into account the first limited-precision coefficient, reducing the second coefficient to a lower precision to obtain a second limited-precision coefficient, iteratively estimating a third coefficient by taking into account at least one of the first limited-precision coefficient and the second limited-precision coefficient, and reducing the third coefficient to a lower precision to obtain a third limited-precision coefficient.

Abstract: Finite response filters (FIRs) are divided into partial filters that filter a same portion of image data to generate partial filtered results. The partial filtered results may be saved and later retrieved to generate complete filter outputs.

Abstract: A digital filter circuit is capable of processing multi-channel data having different sampling frequencies. RAMs (random access memories) are provided which store data inputted thereto respectively, and the data outputted from the RAMs are alternately processed.

Abstract: There is disclosed method, software and apparatus for evaluating a function f in a computing device using a reduction, core approximation and final reconstruction stage. According to one embodiment of the invention, an argument reduction stage uses an approximate reciprocal table in the computing device. According to another embodiment, an approximate reciprocal instruction I is operative on the computing device to use the approximate reciprocal table such that the argument reduction stage provides that—C:=I(X) and R:=X×C?1, the core approximation stage provides that p(R) is computed so that it approximates f(1+R), and the final reconstruction stage provides that T=f(1/C) is fetched and calculated if necessary, and f(X) is reconstructed based on f(X)=f([1/C]×[X×C])=g(f(1/C), f(1+R)).

Abstract: A system for providing a floating point sum includes an analyzer circuit configured to determine a first status of a first floating point operand and a second status of a second floating point operand based upon data within the first floating point operand and data with the second floating point operand respectively. In addition, the system includes a results circuit coupled to the analyzer circuit. The results circuit is configured to assert a resulting floating point operand containing the sum of the first floating point operand and the second floating point operand and a resulting status embedded within the resulting floating point operand.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a deposit accepting apparatus (44) which is capable of accepting and authenticating instruments, as well as accepting envelopes deposited into the machine by a user. A transport section (46) is operative to engage and transport deposited items selectively from an inlet (48) to an outlet (50). A deposit holding module (90) includes compartments (98, 106) which are operative to hold different types of deposits. The machine operates to selectively move a compartment into communication with the outlet based on the particular type of item being deposited. The depository apparatus is further operative to acquire image and magnetic profile data from deposited instruments, to manipulate the image and profile data and to analyze and resolve characters in selected areas thereof. The data from deposited instruments is used for determining if a user is authorized to conduct certain requested transactions at the machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a framework system improved such that flow of complex business logic for processing a variety of messages may be easily defined and changed without need for programming. Messaging service(s) 15 may relay message(s) between client(s) 11, 13 and framework service(s) 16. Among request message(s) relayed from client(s) 11, 13 to framework service(s) 16 there may be message(s) comprising subject ID(s) associated with subject(s) of such message(s). Framework service(s) 16 may possess a plurality of sets of business logic 22 and flow definition file(s) 23. Flow definition file(s) 23 may comprise a plurality of definition sentences respectively corresponding to various subject IDs, and each such definition sentence may indicate schedule(s) for execution of business logic.

Abstract: A communication system on an IP network between an automation equipment and one or more remote devices. The communication system is based on the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) for the. purpose of providing the remote device with automation equipment supervision, display, control, configuration or programming functions. The automation equipment comprises at least one WEB service and/or one WEB client able to interact with a program of the automation equipment, capable of decoding messages received from the IP network encoded according to the SOAP protocol and capable of encoding messages to be sent according to the SOAP protocol. A service description document, accessible to a remote device describes the capacities of one or more WEB services implanted in an automation equipment. This document may be stored or constructed dynamically by a generator.

Abstract: In online shopping or the like via the Internet, a user transmits information indicating a credit card number or the like from a client computer of the user to a server of a mail-order dealer. Before such information is actually transmitted, the client computer displays an object selected depending on the importance level of the information which is going to be transmitted and moves the object from a location close to an information providing agent representative of an agent for the user to a location close to a shop agent representative of an agent for the mail-order dealer. Displaying the object in such a manner makes it possible for the user to recognize that the information is going to be transmitted and recognize the importance level of the information. After completion of moving the object, the client computer actually transmits the information to the server.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus using a system level clocking scheme to remove jitter from multi-media packets distributed over an asynchronous network, in particular an Ethernet network. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with jitter introduced in an Ethernet network by using various time stamps to synchronize a client device clock to a headend clock and to control the data flow in the client device to match the rate that the data is received by a broadband receiver coupled to the headend. A first time stamp is prepended to the transport packets when the packets are received from the headend. A second time stamp is placed in the data frame when the data frame is placed on the network. A third time stamp is placed in the data frame when the data frame is received from the network. The second and third time stamps are used for clock synchronization and the first time stamp is used for data flow control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus route hypertext protocol requests to one of a plurality of application servers, which share a database through a backend database management system. The application servers store session data in the database. Hence, if a subsequent request is routed to a different application server, the session data is available through the backend database management system. One or more web servers perform routing of requests to the application server. When a request is received that is accompanied by a session ID, routing is performed by utilizing a hash function on the session ID. The resulting hash value is mapped to an application server. A hash function on a session ID will always result in the same hash value; therefore, the request will always be routed to the same application server. However, if an application server is non-functional, a new hash based on the previous hash is computed until a functional application server is selected.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing privacy to a client accessing a chat application on a chat server via the Internet wherein a request is transmitted for a chat application from a client to a first proxy server. The request is forwarded from the first proxy server to a second proxy server. In response to the receipt of the request at the second proxy server, a unique ID is forwarded back to the first proxy server and the request along with the unique ID are forwarded on to the chat server. A response to the request is transmitted from the chat server back to the second proxy server along with the originally provided unique ID. The response and unique ID are stored within the second proxy server and may be accessed form the first proxy server by providing the unique ID.

Abstract: Image data communication equivalent to facsimile communication using a public network is realized on e-mail communication. When a communication apparatus for transmitting/receiving e-mail data by connecting to the Internet is to communicate e-mail data having facsimile-format image data attached, communication concerning functional information is performed in addition to the communication of the e-mail data. The functional information can be exchanged by an optimum method matching the form of connection to the Internet. This allows maximum utilization of the capability of each apparatus function in facsimile image communication using e-mail.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a communication unit which receives email through a communication line, the email having been sent by a user and including a first identifier and data. The apparatus further includes an accumulation unit which stores therein the data, a printout unit, an input unit which receives a second identifier entered by the user through direct operation thereof, and a control unit which controls the printout unit to print the data corresponding to the first identifier by reading the data from the accumulation unit if the second identifier matches the first identifier.

Abstract: Relationships among members of a social network are automatically characterized by determining the pattern and purposes of electronic messages communicated between such members. By leveraging an organization's existing messaging infrastructure, the present invention can inexpensively and unobtrusively provide management with insights into interpersonal interactions that are either helpful or harmful to the performance of high-impact teams. Such insights are useful in mitigating human interactional problem areas, improving individual and group performance, and in team building and self-assessment or research activities.

Abstract: A system and method for improved client and server communications, more particularly, an improved protocol that may be used for communication between a client and a server, such as in an email environment. Many features are provided for improved communications. An email server may provide the best message body available for an email message, may transfer an entire data object if requested property or properties are not well defined within the data object, may provide progress data for use in tracking download progress, and may send error information for a data object having an error. Email changes may be optimized at an email server component, even if the email changes occurred at another email server component. An email server may maintain a table of changes that occur to folders at an associated data store, and may notify a subscribed email client component of changes that occur in the table.

Abstract: A method of creating a whitelist for processing received e-mail messages. A whitelist is created by software running at an e-mail recipient's computer. The whitelist is constructed using e-mail addresses stored by the recipient (for instance, in an “address book”) as well as using the To:, Cc:, and Bcc: information of e-mails sent by the recipient. The subject line of a received message is also checked to see if it matches the subject line of a message recently sent by the user. If so, the sender is added to the whitelist.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for tracking and reporting e-mail campaigns. An instruction set is placed in a tagged e-mail to form a modified e-mail, wherein the data type of the instruction set is set to hypertext markup language. The modified e-mail is sent to a distribution list, wherein the instruction set is executed when the modified e-mail is opened. The instruction set captures and records attributes about a reader of the modified e-mail, requests a web page at a website, passes information about the e-mail and the reader, causes a local server to request the website image from an original version of the website located on an original server in response to the non existence of the web page, causes the original server to capture relevant information about the e-mail and the reader as tracking information, and transmits the captured tracking information to a collection device.

Abstract: A notification service that efficiently scales to the number and variety of notifications and users being serviced. The notification service is separated into three general functional components. A listener component receives a notification in a network format suitable for transmitting the notification over a network. The listener component translates the notification into an internal processing format used by the notification service. The notification is then forwarded to a routing component that determines a category associated with the notification, and performs a set of one or more operations on the notification based on its category. Finally, the notification service is forwarded to a delivery service for delivery of the notification to the notification sink. The listener component, the routing component, and the delivery component may each be scaled in order to adjust for current processing loads using load balancing functionality.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for the identification and management of mass unsolicited e-mail, commonly known by the term “SPAM.” The system and method function by assembling a group of users, identifying portions of all of the e-mail sent to those users, and then counting, among all of the users, the number of instances of receipt of identical pieces of e-mail. If the number of instances attains a certain value, it can be identified as Spam and managed according to user preferences.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of implementing a cluster lock processing system using highly scalable, off-the-shelf commodity processors. The cluster lock processing system is the central component of a clustered computer system, providing locking and coordination between multiple host systems. The host systems are coupled to the cluster lock processing system using off-the-shelf, low latency interconnects. The cluster lock processing system is composed of multiple commodity platforms that are also coupled to each other using low latency interconnects. Failure of one of the commodity platforms that comprise the cluster lock processing system results in no loss of functionality or interruption of service. This is made possible through the use of specialized software that runs on the commodity platforms. Through the use of custom software and inexpensive hardware the overall system cost is dramatically reduced when compared to typical solutions that use custom built hardware.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for creating and implementing transactional speech applications (SAs) using Web technologies, without reliance on server-side standard or custom services. A transactional speech application may be any application that requires interpretation of speech in conjunction with a speech recognition (SR) system, such as, for example, consumer survey systems. A speech application in accordance with the present invention is represented within a Web page, as an application script that interprets semantic objects according to a context. Any commonly known scripting language can be used to write the application script, such as Jscript, PerlScript, and VBscript. The present invention is “Web-based” to the extent that it implements Web technologies, but it need not include or access the World Wide Web.

Abstract: A dictation system is formed of two personal computers connected by an e-mail system. A hand microphone with control switches is provided at one personal computer and a foot pedal is provided at the other personal computer. The hand microphone is used to generate a dictation file at the first personal computer. In response to actuation of a control switch on the hand microphone, the dictation file is transmitted via the electronic mail system to the second personal computer. The foot pedal at the second personal computer is used to control audible reproduction of the dictation file for the purpose of transcription at the second personal computer. The resulting text file is sent via the electronic mail system from the second personal computer to the first personal computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deploying and activating services in a communications network. In the context of a communications network that deploys service functionality by distributing managed software objects to service processing nodes, the present invention relates to selectively dispensing managed objects from a central repository and coordinating the instantaneous activation or deactivation of services throughout the network. Furthermore, where a managed object service creation environment is coupled to such a network, the method and apparatus of the present invention provides security, hack-up, and version control of managed objects and other network data stored in the repository.

Abstract: In one embodiment a system for managing communication on a network includes a host connected to a LAN. In a particular embodiment, the host is in a mobile data acquisition unit for a well-logging operation. The host acquires data from a data acquisition device such as a down-hole transmitter is also connected to the LAN. There is also a router connected to the LAN for connecting to the WAN. The system provides for easily configuring and re-configuring the router, to accommodate the variations in parameters for changing from one network interface device to another. In one aspect the router has a configuration file for performing an initial, automatic configuration when the router is booted. The host has a processor and a storage unit with a software program stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A logistics node receives a purchase order from a customer. The logistics node selects an appropriate carrier to transport products specified in the purchase order and conveys shipping instructions to the selected carrier. The logistics node also coordinates the shipment by interacting with a source node (associated with a supplier of the products) and a destination node (associated with the recipient of the products). According to one exemplary feature, the logistics node provides an interface that permits users involved in the distribution chain to track the status of the shipments without having to enter tracking codes that are unique to individual carriers. According to another exemplary feature, the interface allows a user to access multiple “levels” of information regarding a shipment, including information pertaining to an individual product within a shipment containing multiple products.

Abstract: A method of automatically configuring media connections when operating in forced speed and duplex mode, includes: connecting a first pair of connectors to a first pair of conductors and a second pair of connectors to a second pair of conductors during a first state, and connecting the first pair of connectors to the second pair of conductors and the second pair of connectors to the first pair of conductors during a second state; and holding the first state or the second state if operating in forced speed and duplex mode, a defined time has not expired and another end of a link can receive a signal. An apparatus for automatically configuring media connections when operating in forced speed and duplex mode, includes: a media switch.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and system for creating and exposing order status within a supply chain of trading partners having disparate systems. A trading partner exchange (TPE) interfaces with each of the disparate systems and gathers information pertaining to a particular transaction. The information can be made available to an access platform through an access platform interface. Initially, a transaction is reported to the TPE where it is assigned a unique identifier. Subsequent activities pertaining to the transaction which are reported to the TPE by the trading partners can be linked to the unique identifier. By using the access platform, a customer or any trading partner can acquire the status of a particular order from the TPE.

Abstract: Extensions to the concept of using a power line carrier to convey a data record from the secondary side of a first transformer to a receiver in a power distribution substation include receiving the data record over a secondary data path in the event that the primary path is not available. The data record received over the secondary path through a second transformer rather than the first transformer must not interfere with other data transmissions from other transmitters and needs to identify the source of the transmission. An alternative to using a secondary data path through second transformer rather than the first transformer is to provide a data bridge around an opening in the primary path. This abstract is drafted to aid those searching for relevant patents and does not represent a legal limit on the scope of claims arising from patents claiming priority to this application.

Abstract: A high reliability network provides for measurements of network delays through pairs of transmissions of local clock values used in a first message to deduce clock value offsets and in a second message to reveal network delays.

Abstract: An on-line multi-player virtual reality game is provided. The multi-player game system is capable of handling many simultaneous players connected to a computer system using personal computers or other gaming consoles via the Internet or other telecommunications network. A unique retransmission transport protocol is used for transmitting and retransmitting data of the multi-player game. A visual display is also provided having a network transmission status display bar.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reestablishing communication periods in a rendezvous scheduled communication system. The method comprises: establishing a plurality of time points (TPs); initiating a new communication period at a TP; terminating the new communication period and, then, resuming a previously established communication period. The new communication period may be terminated because a link cannot be established or alternately, the new communication period ends before the occurrence of the next TP because there is no further information to exchange. The system and method effectively extends the duration of communication periods for communication links where information exchange is required. It does this by allowing unused portions of communication periods for other communication links to be used on links where information exchanged is desired.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving a request that includes an action parameter and identifying a procedure that is associated with the value of the action parameter. If a procedure is identified, the identified procedure is executed. If a procedure is not identified, a script associated with the value of the action parameter is dispatched.

Abstract: A multimedia call center is formed by providing agent group handlers and generic queue handlers, which communicate over a LAN. The generic features of the queue handlers are an input, and a ranked set of outputs, each having a store for a designer-defined destination address. In this way, media input queue handlers can be commanded to route directly to an agent group handler, via a primary output, or to a following queue handler in dependence upon a selection parameter of a call record, e.g. a user dialed digit in response to a menu announcement from an IVR apparatus, and in this case the menu digits will have a corresponding ranking so that the ranked outputs can be used directly for routing to the appropriate next handler. The designer can specify destinations for secondary and other outputs, which could be overflow agent group handlers, further queue handlers, or, in the case of a second stage queue handler, the network input of the first stage queue handler.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for transferring a file from a first client associated with a first subscriber to a communications system to a second client associated with a second subscriber to the communications system by connecting from the first client to a communications system host; sending, through the communications system host, a request to the second client to establish a direct connection to the second client; when the second client accepts the request, establishing a direct connection to the second client that bypasses the communications system host; and transferring a file over the direct connection.

Abstract: In a communications system having a plurality of endpoints (240,242,246) each including a logical entity and its physical counterpart, a system for controlling and managing session between at least two endpoints. The system including a registration manager (202), an application layer router (204), a session controller (206), a group database manager (208), and at least one group entity (210).

Abstract: A network apparatus is provided between a network and a plurality of processing nodes or servers. The network apparatus includes a content based message director (e.g., XML director) to route or direct messages received from the network to one of the processing nodes based upon the application data, including business transaction information.

Abstract: Systems for graceful termination of support for session initiation protocol communications on a server are described. Systems include techniques for setting a time period for gracefully terminating such support, for sending a service unavailable message to a client, for causing the server to maintain support, until no later than the expiration of the time period for terminating support, for uncompleted session initiation protocol invites accepted by the server before sending the service unavailable message to the client, and for terminating support for session initiation protocol communications on the server no later than upon expiration of the time period for terminating support. Methods for graceful termination of such support and computer-readable storage media whose contents cause a computer system to perform a graceful termination of such support are also described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adaptively coupling processing components in a distributed system. In one aspect, a second component requests an interaction with a first component by sending a service access request to access a first service of the first component. The service access request specifies parameters relating to a proposed level of coupling between the first component and the second component. The second component receives a service response from the first component; the service response specifies counter-proposed parameters relating to a proposed level of coupling between the first component and the second component. The second component determines whether the service response indicates that the first service may be provided. If so, then an agreed-upon level of coupling is established between the first component and second component, and the components interact to receive the service. The level of coupling among the components may be re-negotiated at any time by exchanging values in a coupling context.