Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for selecting amongst a plurality of processes to send a message (e.g. a message for updating an endpoint system, etc.). These mechanisms and methods for selecting amongst a plurality of processes to send a message can enable embodiments to utilize more than one queue for sending such message. The ability of embodiments to provide such multi-process feature can, in turn, prevent latency that typically accompanies a mounting number of messages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for image matching. The method includes receiving a query image at a query-server. Further, the method includes, sending a request to one or more image-matching servers of a set of distributed image-matching servers to conduct an image-search corresponding to the query image. Furthermore, the method includes receiving at the query-server, a list of identified matches from the image-matching servers corresponding to the query image, wherein the list of matches is identified based on the image-search at the image-matching servers. Moreover, the method includes selecting one or more matches from the list of identified matches based on a score corresponding to the identified matches.

Abstract: Representative embodiments of a distributed processing method of facilitating interactive analytics of streaming data records by receiving the data records at a plurality of distributed computational nodes, establishing and storing dimensions corresponding to attributes of the data records, parsing the streaming data records to identify matches to at least one of the dimensions and based thereon, reducing the number of data records to create a targeted subset of the data, re-distributing the targeted subsets of the streaming data records among the distributed computational nodes in accordance with the dimensions stored on the nodes, updating a database storing measures of the dimensions in accordance with the targeted subsets of the streaming data records, and using the database to respond to a query based on measures associated with one or more of the dimensions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to deliver business information to users through users' online address books. Data aggregation servers associate individual businesses with one or more unique identifiers. The data aggregation servers collect, store and periodically update business information relating to individual businesses from a variety of sources, such as the businesses themselves and third party sources, such as online publications and message boards. The data aggregation servers store the information in association with the unique identifier. Electronic address book applications hosted on user devices store address book entries for individual businesses in local address book databases. The entries for each business include the unique identifier, and the online address book applications use the unique identifier to retrieve business information relating to individual businesses from the data aggregation servers.

Abstract: An exemplary information-processing device includes: a first accessing unit configured to access a first database storing data sets, each of the data sets relating to values of attribute items; a second accessing unit configured to access a second database storing a group of keywords including at least one keyword, an attribute item corresponding to the group of keywords, and a value of the attribute item corresponding to the group of keywords; and an extracting unit configured, when a keyword input for a search is included in the second database, to extract from the first database, as a result of the search, at least one data set relating to the value corresponding to the input keyword of the attribute item corresponding to the input keyword.

Abstract: A journaling subsystem on a mobile device stores event data related to applications or other subsystems running on the mobile device. The event data can be stored and indexed in a journal database so that a timeline of past events can be reconstructed in response to search queries. In some implementations, a timeline can be reconstructed with markers on a map display based on search results. When the user interacts with a marker on the map display, the event data collected by the mobile device is made available to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement of an object includes a placement site search unit. The placement site search unit searches a placement site of the object based on a first vector element that has organized first identifiers for first placement sites existing in a system and on a second vector element that has organized second identifiers for second placement sites not existing in the system.

Abstract: A lease system is described herein that allows clients to request a lease to a remote file, wherein the lease permits access to the file across multiple applications using multiple handles without extra round trips to a server. When multiple applications on the same client (or multiple components of the same application) request access to the same file, the client specifies the same lease identifier to the server for each open request or may handle the request from the cache based on the existing lease. Because the server identifies the client's cache at the client level rather than the individual file request level, the client receives fewer break notifications and is able to cache remote files in more circumstances. Thus, by providing the ability to cache data in more circumstances common with modern applications, the lease system reduces bandwidth, improves server scalability, and provides faster access to data.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for one-stop shopping for health-care services and related needs. The one-stop shopping system and method provide objective information for the system enrollee to assess and decide on health-care insurance and services. The system and method provide this objective information in a way that is easily accessible by system enrollees in an economical and rapid manner.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for server management are provided. An exemplary system comprises a plurality of servers, with each server having the ability to access a database or, in some embodiments, be configured to perform a calculation, computation or make a determination of a particular value, values or other information. A communications network delivers queries to each server whereby a look-up table directs query processing by the servers. Further embodiments of the system feature a program logic controller for rebalancing the workload of the network servers. Exemplary methods of processing queries on the system comprise submitting a query to the network, communicating the query to each server in the network and each server looking-up on a look-up table the processing responsibilities of the servers in the network. The query is processed by the server having primary responsibility for processing the query while other the servers monitor query processing.

Abstract: Methods and systems of defining product attributes may involve receiving a search query and extracting a user expectation from the search query. In addition, an attribute may be defined for a product based on the user expectation. In one example, consumer generated content such as forum content, review content, blog content and social networking content, is used to define the attribute.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for computer-based evaluation of a test-taker's performance with respect to a reward threshold. A performance assessment of the test taker can be standardized or customized, as well as relative or absolute. The system allows a parentally-controlled reward system such that children who reach specified objectives can claim an award that parents are confident was fairly and honestly earned without the parent being required to proctor the testing.

Abstract: A data retrieval system comprising a first computing device communicatively coupled to a second computing device; the first computing device having a processor that supports operation of at least one software application that is used for retrieving data; the second computing device communicatively coupled to one or more storage media; the software application having a retrieval module for retrieving data from the one or more storage media; a storage and backup map that maps to the second computing device; and a data index stored on the second computing device that indicates to the retrieval module a particular location of the data that is to be retrieved by the retrieval module.

Abstract: A method of updating a link count in a partitioned directory shared by a plurality of computers within a cluster. The partitioned directory is traversed once by a first computer to obtain a link count. The link count is stored in the first computer and broadcast to a cluster of computers. A total number of allocated links is less than a maximum limit on link count minus the link count. A respective number of links is allocated to each computer within the cluster. Delta values of each computer are updated in real-time as subdirectories are created/erased. A delta value associated with each of the plurality of computers is received. A delta value represents a net number of links created or removed by each computer. The link count is updated based on the previous link count and further based on each of the delta values and further based a delta value associated with the first computer. The updated link count is stored by the first computer and broadcast to the plurality of computers.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system and a method to implement a hierarchical registry federation have been presented. For instance, a registry federation can be stored in a set of one or more storage devices, the registry federation including multiple registries, each registry having one or more records. The registries can be organized in an oriented graph such that each registry is logically connected to another registry in the registry federation as a parent registry or a child registry.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for knowledge generation and deployment in a distributed network. In one embodiment, a method for processing messages in a social network includes receiving a new message from a first node in the network, the new message including a query, providing the first node with an answer to the query, if the answer is located in a repository, and initiating generation of the answer, if the answer is not located in the repository.

Abstract: Methods and or systems relating to inferential networks. This invention is further directed to methods and systems for making and using inferential networks. Still further, this invention is generally directed to making one or more inferential networks by using data generated from directed searches of collections of linked databases.

Abstract: A source system receives listing identification data for delivery of an enhanced listing to a plurality of provider systems. For each provider system of the plurality of provider systems the source system transmits to the provider system identification data. The source system receives corresponding identification data. When the corresponding identification data is valid identification data, the source system delivers the enhanced listing to the provider system with a provider-supplied external identifier as an indication to the provider system to update a listing with enhanced content. When the corresponding identification data is not valid identification data, the source system delivers the enhanced listing to the provider system without the provider-supplied external identifier as an indication to the provider system to create a listing using the enhanced content. The enhanced content may comprise one or more structured lists.

Abstract: An information processing device for obtaining contents distributed from a server, includes an answer generating section configured to generate user side answer information as information indicating an answer of a user to a question about a preference of the user so as to correspond to question information as information indicating the question, the question information being transmitted from the server. The device further includes a matching section configured to obtain the contents distributed from the server by performing matching between the user side answer information and provider side answer information as information indicating an answer set to the question by a provider providing the contents, the provider side answer information being transmitted from the server. The matching section is provided as a Web application, and performs the matching between the user side answer information and the provider side answer information by calling a plurality of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automatically tagging locations using collected traveler information. Traveler information, including a time/date stamp and a unique identification associated with the traveler are collected and stored in a database with locations corresponding to transportation stops. A location query, which includes a location type, an analysis period, optionally, an analysis approach, and a user selected threshold are received and a number of time/location stamps for each location is determined based upon an interval associated with the selected type. The maximum number of time/location stamps for that location is determined, and using the selected threshold, a minimum number of stamps required to designate a location as the selected type is determined. When the number of time/location stamps within the time interval for the selected type is greater than or equal to the minimum number calculated, the location is tagged as the selected location type.

Abstract: A system and method for providing definitions is described. A phrase to be defined is received. One or more documents, which each contain at least one definition, are determined. The phrase is matched to at least one of the definitions. One or more definitions for the phrase are presented.

Abstract: System, method, computer program product embodiments and combinations and sub-combinations thereof for snapshot isolation support for distributed query processing in a shared disk database cluster are provided. The embodiments include the forming of object identification data in a leader node of query execution in the shared disk database cluster. At least one fragment of the query execution is distributed to at least one worker node in the shared disk database cluster, and the object identification data is utilized for multiversion concurrency control during query execution by the leader node and at least one worker node.

Abstract: A method of processing a query in a distributed database implemented across a set of nodes includes receiving a query. The query is divided into split characterization queries. The split characterization queries are distributed to worker nodes. Each worker node stores a partition of the distributed database with encoded textual objects and pre-defined indices characterizing encoded textual object fragments. The split characterization queries are executed at the worker nodes to obtain preliminary information about query results. Executing the split characterization queries includes matching query fragments associated with the split characterization queries with encoded textual object fragments of the pre-defined indices to produce fragment matches representative of the size of the query results. For each split characterization query the preliminary information about query results includes a fragment count, a database partition identification, and a database host name.

Abstract: A client device comprising a search module configured to receive a search instruction from a federated search server, query one or more search services based on the search instruction, receive a first search result that comprises one or more search results from one or more search services, send the first search result to the federated search server, and receive a second search result from the federated search server. Also disclosed is a federated search server comprising a search instruction generator configured to send a search instruction to a client device, and a search result consolidator configured to receive a first search result from the client device, wherein the first search result comprises one or more search results and is obtained by the client device from one or more search services.

Abstract: Client devices periodically capture ambient audio waveforms, generate waveform fingerprints, and upload the fingerprints to a server for analysis. The server compares the waveforms to a database of stored waveform fingerprints, and upon finding a match, pushes content or other information to the client device. The fingerprints in the database may be uploaded by other users, and compared to the received client waveform fingerprint based on common location or other social factors. Thus a client's location may be enhanced if the location of users whose fingerprints match the client's is known. In particular embodiments, the server may instruct clients whose fingerprints partially match to capture waveform data at a particular time and duration for further analysis and increased match confidence.

Abstract: A distributed file system enables the intelligent storing and retrieval of files among a plurality of storage units. The distributed file system utilizes a metadata data structure to track and manage detailed information about each file, including, for example, the device and block locations of the file's data blocks, to permit different levels of replication and/or redundancy. The distributed file system includes a switch to receive a read request for a file and to send the read request to one of the storage units. Each of the plurality of storage units is operable to monitor access to the file, such that a block cache module is operable to perform a scalable number of packet read aheads, wherein the scalable number is based on at least a current read rate and a current latency of a link to access the at least one file.

Abstract: In a method in a computer system for displaying on a display device a personal catalog of media content, a plurality of media content listings is received from a plurality of network enabled media devices. The plurality of network enabled media devices has common ownership with the computer system, which comprises a network enabled media device. The plurality of media content listings and a media content listing of the computer system are used to compile a personal catalog of media content. The personal catalog of media content is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for high-speed database searching with concurrent updating, without the use of database locks or access controls, for large database systems. Specifically, a plurality of search queries may be received over a network, the database may be searched, and a plurality of search replies may be sent over the network. While searching the database, new information received over the network may be incorporated into the database by creating a new element based on the new information and writing a pointer to the new element to the database using a single uninterruptible operation.

Abstract: A system and method can support one or more named operations in a distributed data grid. The distributed data grid includes one or more cluster nodes that can provide the one or more named operations associated with one or more resources in the distributed data grid. The distributed data grid can publish the one or more named operations to a client. Furthermore, the distributed data grid can perform the one or more named operations in the distributed data grid upon receiving a request from a client.

Abstract: An application search apparatus is provided, the apparatus including an input unit to receive a search word from a user, and generate a query word based on the received search word, a controller to provide an integrated result of searching a plurality of app stores for an application corresponding to the query word, and a storage unit to categorize an application provided by the plurality of app stores, and download and store the application provided by the plurality of app stores.

Abstract: A method of facilitating customization of a software-implemented business process includes storing, within a mobile computing device, a subscription list of entities. The subscription list being defined by subscription metadata. Customized data is received. The customized data corresponds to the entities identified in the subscription list. The received customized metadata is stored on the mobile computing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a migration of a file from a path denotative NAS server to an ID denotative NAS server. In a file management device a migration-use path denotative NAS access section obtains a file deposit location from the path denotative NAS server, selects a migration target file based on the deposit location, and sends a read request with the deposit location of the migration target file to the path denotative NAS server, so as to obtain the migration target file. A migration-use denotative NAS access section generates a write request with the migration target file, sends it to the ID denotative NAS servers, and writes the file therein. In addition, the migration-use ID denotative NAS access section registers a GUID received from the ID denotative NAS servers in a file name/GUID management table, together with the file name of the migration target file.

Abstract: A system and method is provided of determining geographic positions. In one aspect, a user points the device at first and second positions on the surface of a geographic object. Based on the position of the device, the orientation of the device, and information identifying the geographic position of the surface of the object, a processor determines and displays the distance between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a method, identifier and a computer program product for identifying influential users among a group of users associated with a communication network. The disclosed method includes selecting two or more ranking models from a plurality of ranking models such that each ranking model provides scores to the users in the group based on a usage data of the users, calculating a weighing factor for each of the selected ranking models, generating an aggregate score for each user using the weighing factor and the score provided by each one of the selected model such that based on the aggregate score, the influential users among the group of users are identified.

Abstract: A system includes reception of a first query from a client device at a first database node of a database instance comprising two or more database nodes, the first query specifying a first database table which is partitioned among two or more of the two or more database nodes, determination of first partitioning metadata of the first database table, the first partitioning metadata usable to identify one of the two or more database nodes based on table key values, compilation of the first query at the first database node to generate first compiled code, and transmission of the first compiled code and the first partitioning metadata from the first database node to the client device.

Abstract: A method executed at least in part in a computing device for providing cloud based skip tracing is provided. The method includes providing a cloud based service enabling data interchange with a plurality of vendors providing skip tracing services and receiving at the cloud based service and from a user a file of records for skip tracing. The method further includes applying a waterfall process to the records using the computing device wherein the waterfall process includes at least a subset of the plurality of vendors and returning to the user a results file containing skip tracing results corresponding to the records. The method may further include generating a waterfall score card and sending the waterfall score card to the user, the waterfall score card summarizing performance of the subset of the plurality of vendors.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing and incentivizing user engagement with indications of acknowledgement at a social network is described. An acknowledgement application receives indications of acknowledgement associated with at least one information item from a first user and at least one second user at a social network. The acknowledgement application aggregates and processes the indications of acknowledgement. The acknowledgement application provides at least one result from the processing in response to hovering over an option for the indications of acknowledgement associated with the at least one information item. The acknowledgement application rewards the first user at least one numerical point based on indications of acknowledgement associated with the at least one specific topic and provides at least one badge of achievement to the first user on accumulating at least one threshold of a total number of points.

Abstract: A method for responding to natural language financial performance queries received from a user device is provided herein. The method may include: receiving a first spoken natural language request from the user device; parsing the request into words, using a processor; searching a table of natural language words and keywords to determine whether the request includes any of the words stored in the table; generating instructions for querying a database based on one or more keywords; receiving financial information responding to the query from the database; and transmitting the financial information to the user device for display in a graphic format and/or for playback of an audio.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method and apparatus are provided to receive a request for a REST or OData object at an input field and suggest a file associated with the REST or OData object.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for the retrieval and manipulation of information available via, an information network includes an information retrieval and processing component. The information retrieval and processing component includes: (a) search query means for conducting a search of the information network to obtain references to the information relevant to a search query; (b) information retrieval means for retrieving information available from sources on the information network, and an information store, for storage of retrieved information; and (c) processing means for processing of information retrieved from sources on the information network, and of information stored in the information store, to produce corresponding processed information.

Abstract: A method and system for users to connect, extract, query and transform data from multiple databases, independent of their format, type, and location. The system comprises a setup portion, a meta database, and a user portion. The setup portion establishes datasets for use by the system with the user portion. The meta database stores the datasets. The user portion allows a user to input a query and processes the query to gather information from at least one data source and generate a response.

Abstract: A method is disclosed wherein a capsule is searchable, the capsule of data having data stored in multiple data stores. In use, a portion of the capsule is displayed and the searched data includes data that is not displayed but is retrievable via the search operation.

Abstract: An object set may be redundantly stored by a set of computers, each configured to store a local representation of corresponding objects. When a computer changes the object set (e.g., by adding or altering an object), the updated object may be synchronized across the computers by iteratively forming and using an ad hoc swarm network from the neighbors of a node storing the updated object. This swarm network may operate cooperatively, where each node distributes object chunks to other nodes as quickly as possible, and may disregard concepts of competitive swarm networks such as fairness and cheating avoidance, which may not apply to cooperative swarming and might otherwise slow the propagation of the object. An alternative “ask” technique may be included to identify and recover missed object updates, and a computing environment host may be included as an authoritative object source and/or as an object store of last resort.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for logging write requests to a storage volume in a network data switch is described. In one example, a switch component in a switch receives a write request from a host server. The write request is associated with a destination in the storage volume. A logging element is identified that is associated with the destination of the write request. The logging element may be a switch component in the switch (e.g., a virtualization card), or may be dedicated logging circuitry in the switch. The identified logging element then logs a write intent for the destination in a log.

Abstract: Techniques for managing real-time business event analysis and monitoring are provided. In some examples, a logical request may be received at a business intelligence server configured with a continuous query service. Additionally, the continuous query service may be configured to translate the logical request into a physical request. Further, business intelligence information may be provided based at least in part on querying against an event data stream with a continuous query configured based at least in part on the physical request translated by the continuous query service.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining a digital file similar to one used by a device associated with a member of a social network are provided. Digital file information about the digital file is stored on a web-based social network database. The digital file may be located on the same server as the web-based social network database or a third party server such as a mobile phone carrier. A user of the web-based social network database requesting the digital file may require a different format of the digital file than that used by the device of the member. If a different format is requested by the user, a server finds or converts the digital file to be compatible for use by a device specified by the user.

Abstract: A method for updating floor information for display by an elevator in a remote property includes receiving, from a property server, data indicative of a floor for which the elevator lacks floor information, receiving, from a remotely executing process, new floor information for the floor; storing the new floor information in a floor information database; receiving, from the property server, a request identifying the remote property and requesting updated floor information for the remote property; and retrieving updated floor information from the floor-information database.

Abstract: One or more systems, devices, methods, and/or processes described can apply searches and/or filters to data of social networks with respect to social network communications through a monitor device at a secure location, such as a home, business or entertainment center, for example. The monitor device is coupled to network equipment coupling the secure location to a wide area network (e.g., the Internet), and monitors all social network communications to and from the secure location. The monitor device is queried with search and/or filter parameters, and social network communications over the network to and from computing devices at the secure location can be monitored, intercepted, censored and/or duplicated based on the queries. Alerts can be generated in response to results of the queries and signaled to computing and telecommunications devices, for example.

Abstract: Methods for storing Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) in a default storage location that is specific to the type of a device are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for a device to store a URI, and providing a default storage location for storing the URI. The default storage location is selected based on the type of the device from among a plurality of default storage locations for storing URIs, each of the default storage locations being specific to a different type of device. Two or more associated devices of different types can access the other's default storage location. The default storage location for the corresponding device accessing its own storage location will be displayed as the primary storage location, and the default storage location for a non-corresponding device will be displayed as a secondary storage location. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed are towards the transparent summarization of events. Queries directed towards summarizing and reporting on event records may be received at a search head. Search heads may be associated with one more indexers containing event records. The search head may forward the query to the indexers the can resolve the query for concurrent execution. If a query is a collection query, indexers may generate summarization information based on event records located on the indexers. Event record fields included in the summarization information may be determined based on terms included in the collection query. If a query is a stats query, each indexer may generate a partial result set from previously generated summarization information, returning the partial result sets to the search head. Collection queries may be saved and scheduled to run and periodically update the summarization information.