Abstract: An effective bus arbitration unit is described in which it is possible to reduce, as much as possible, the waiting time until a bus master obtain bus ownership and improve the rate of operating the bus while improving the throughput of data transfer. A bus master issues a size signal (for example, signal “CDSZ”) indicative of the size of data to be read or written. A state machine 155 grants bus ownership to the bus master for the bus cycles corresponding to the size signal in order to enable the bus master to successively read or write data. Arbitration is performed once for every series of bus cycles corresponding to the size requested by the bus master. Since the size signal is issued by the bus master as a size signal indicative of the necessary and sufficient size for data transmission, the state machine 155 can set an optimal number of bus cycles.

Abstract: A scanner system provides real-time remote acquisition of a scanner's audio signals and visual display, and real-time remote control of scanner operations, including settings and functions. The scanner system may be used to gather information in a regional market by listening to geographically distant broadcasts available on radio spectrum frequencies. By synchronizing multi-spectrum monitoring, audio delivery, visual cueing, and control of spectrum reception, geographically independent persons can process scanner information as if they were physically present in the market. Thus, operators can gather information from public agencies and radio broadcasts from a remote market as if they were present in the market. The scanner audio signals may be used to produce traffic reports.

Abstract: A probe attached to a customer's network collects status data and other audit information from monitored components of the network, looking for footprints or evidence of unauthorized intrusions or attacks. The probe filters and analyzes the collected data to identify potentially security-related events happening on the network. Identified events are transmitted to a human analyst for problem resolution. The analyst has access to a variety of databases (including security intelligence databases containing information about known vulnerabilities of particular network products and characteristics of various hacker tools, and problem resolution databases containing information relevant to possible approaches or solutions) to aid in problem resolution. The analyst may follow a predetermined escalation procedure in the event he or she is unable to resolve the problem without assistance from others.

Abstract: Contention in a distributed processor computer system with a replicated message environment is reduced. The system comprises processor consumers intercommunicating via a server interface that receives a message from a producer. The server favors one consumer, marks the message accordingly, communicates the marked message to the system, and delays the processing in another consumer beyond a predetermined time, for example the time normally taken to process a message.

Abstract: A synchronous control method for multi-computer is provided. The multi-computer is connected with each other through a network. The method includes the following steps: maintaining a running information list on each computer in the network, where the identifier information of all computers and the running state information of the corresponding computers are contained in the running information list; receiving a synchronous control instruction inputted by a user at any of the computers in the network; executing the synchronous control operation on the computers recorded in the running information list when the running state information of the computer receiving the instruction accords with a predetermined rule.

Abstract: A server device and a method for remote controlling the server device and the server device are provided. The server device includes a plurality of nodes which are electrically connected to each other. In the method for remote controlling the server device, each of the nodes is first set to a common mode. When a first node among the nodes is logged in by a remote end, the first node enters a master mode from the common mode, and a plurality of second nodes among the rest of the nodes are notified to enter a slave mode from the common mode and can only be controlled by the first node, and then, the first node collects data of all of the nodes.

Abstract: Multiple peer groups for performing computing, communication, and/or storage tasks. A method may be performed for example, in a computing environment including one or more agents networked together. The method includes providing data to the agents using two or more distinct peer groups. The peer groups include members from among the agents. The method further includes performing at each of the peer groups operations on the data. Each peer group is configured to perform a specific operation. The method also includes coordinating the operations at each of the peer groups such that a common computing, communication and/or storage task is accomplished by aggregating the operations at each of the peer groups.

Abstract: A data storage system in which a several processors communicate with each other includes a shared memory that is accessible to each of the processors. The shared memory has a message section having a message list made up of an ordered sequence of message slots in which processors leave message for each other. Each message slot includes a static-information repository for static information specifying all intended recipients of a message carried by the message slot as well as a dynamic-information repository for dynamic information specifying which of the intended recipients have already encountered the message slot.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for managing and setting many network devices, and the method is applied in a network management system. The network management system includes a management server and a plurality of network devices. The management server searches a network device connected to the management server and specifies one of the network devices connected to the management server as a master network device, and then searches all network devices that can be connected to the master network device. The searched network devices are set as candidate network devices and at least one candidate network device is set as a slave network device of the master network device, such that a single IP address of the master network device can be used for managing the slave network devices, and the management server can be used for managing many network devices distributed at different places.

Abstract: A transmission cancellation section is provided on a bus connecting a master and a slave. During a reset of the master, the transmission cancellation section blocks the bus so that an invalid command flowing on the bus does not reach the slave and executes, instead of the master stopped by the reset operation, generation of data which corresponds to an access request command already output to the slave and is to be sent to the slave and receiving of data from the slave.

Abstract: A node (101, FIG. 1), within a networked computer system (100), is capable of supporting communications with other nodes relating to operating multiple application instances in a master-slave configuration. Each node periodically generates and sends (520, 526, FIG. 5) a Heartbeat message (FIG. 8) that indicates the operational status for one or more application instances being managed by the node. When a node receives a Heartbeat message from a remote node, it evaluates (FIG. 10) the Heartbeat information for each application instance reported in the message, and takes any appropriate actions. The node also determines (1206, FIG. 12) whether new configuration information should be obtained for each of the application instances the node is managing, and requests (1210, FIG. 12) that new configuration information, when necessary.

Abstract: Mechanisms for enforcing change control in operations performed by operational management products (OMPs) are provided. The mechanisms automate the checking of a request-for-change (RFC) state by an OMP when the OMP is installed in an environment where a change management database (CMDB) has been installed and certain resources or operations have been placed under strict change control. The OMPs of the illustrative embodiments require an RFC identifier to be specified when a change operation of the OMP is invoked. The RFC identifier is used by the OMP to access a service management system so that the OMP may determine if the RFC identifier is valid, IT resources are in the correct state, and the change is scheduled to be performed at the current time. If these checks are passed, then the change operation associated with the RFC is permitted to occur.

Abstract: A communication method includes: a first transmission step of transmitting first setting information and first network organization information regarding one information processing apparatus of a second network via a first communication path; a first determination step of determining a role of communication with a first master apparatus via a second communication path on the basis of the first network organization information and role adjustment information; a second transmission step of transmitting second setting information and second network organization information to the first master apparatus via the first communication path; a second determination step of determining a role of the communication with a second master apparatus via the second communication path on the basis of the second network organization information and role adjustment information by the first master apparatus; and a first communication start step of starting the communication via the second communication path with another informatio

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate integrated electronic circuit includes a transmitter block and a receiver block connected through a communication network (4). A data signal having a transmission period is generated on a first line that is received by the receiver block. A congestion signal is generated on a second line from the receiver block to the transmitter block when a congestion event of the receiver block occurs in order to interrupt the data signal transmission. A synchro signal is generated on a third line starting from the transmitter block, this synchro signal indicating to the receiver block that the data signal comprises a new datum. The congestion signal also interrupts the synchro signal transmission when a congestion event of the receiver block occurs.

Abstract: This invention concerns a network comprising a master and slaves. In the network, each slave figures out its performance values as performance parameters and transmits the performance parameters to the master. The master performs a process of selecting a backup master as a candidate for the next master, on the basis of the performance parameters transmitted from the slaves. The master supplies BM information containing synchronization information and the address of the backup master selected, to the slaves. When the master is removed from the network, the slaves determine the next master in accordance with the backup-master information. Thus, the slaves can be immediately connected to the next master.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling the sharing of data in a network between a plurality of client units and a corporate server using a secure bridging unit. Each of the plurality of client units, the corporate server and the secure bridging unit are identified using an identifier. A client unit communicates with the corporate server using the secure bridging unit. A central management unit manages the plurality of client units, the corporate server and the secure bridging unit.

Abstract: Automatically configurable master and slave devices in a master/slave multi-drop serial network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the devices and network utilize the Modbus serial communications protocol over a serial multi-drop network, such as an RS-232 or RS-485 (also referred to as EIA-485) based network. Alternatively, the disclosed embodiments may be used with any master/slave serial multi-drop network. In one embodiment, the master and slave devices include pseudo-slave and pseudo-master auto-configuration operating modes, respectively, whereby slave devices which are introduced to the network may send unsolicited identifying messages to the master device which will determine and assign a unique network address thereto, causing the slave device to configure itself to be responsive to messages addressed therewith and then enter its normal slave operating mode to await such messages. The master device, thereafter, maintains a database of the slave devices and their associated network addresses.

Abstract: An Ethernet repeater system has a plurality of identical repeaters which add substantially no delay. Each repeater has at least a first port and a second port connected to a medium, and a third port connected to a slave processor or a master processor. The master processor controls all communications on the medium. A receive multiplexer always applies data on the medium to the processor in the event the data is destined for the processor. A first transmit multiplexer has inputs connected to the second port and the processor, and an output connected to the first port. A second transmit multiplexer has inputs connected to the first port and the processor, and an output connected to the second port. The first and second transmit multiplexers act as a bridge between the first and second ports to pass through data without any variable latency since the data does not have to be buffered.

Abstract: A method and system for routing traffic in a communication network is disclosed that may include assigning each node in a network a first subset of route repository nodes and a second subset of route repository nodes, querying the second subset of route repository nodes in order to obtain route information that is stored in the second subset of route repository nodes, computing route information by applying a route computation algorithm to the first subset of route repository nodes, and routing traffic in the communication network based on the route information obtained from the second subset of route repository nodes and the route information computed using the first subset of route repository nodes.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of dynamically adding a new node includes determining if the new node is included in a list of nodes belonging to a network cluster, notifying the leader node if the new node is not included in the list, adding the new node to the list and notifying the new node that it is a member of the network cluster. In another aspect, a method of dynamically removing a node includes determining if the node is functioning and if not, removing the node from a list of nodes belonging to a network cluster. In a further aspect, a method of dynamically managing a network cluster includes determining if a twin of a node is malfunctioning, removing the twin from a twin state of the node, removing the twin from a leader candidate list and adding a new node to the leader candidate list.

Abstract: A sensing and context management architecture that can detect that a user is interacting with a given device and in an associated context, and in response thereto, manages device processes as the user moves from device to device, location to location, and/or context to context. The invention comprises a system that facilitates management of a user situation or context. A sensing component is provided that senses a context of a user by way of one or more sensors and/or a particular device with which the user is interacting in the context, for example, and a management component that manages the device and/or one or more services in the context according to rules or inferences user preferences, sensed observations, and user input data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application that is configured to be operated in a multi-participant environment on a computer network. The application manages participants in an online session of a multi-user application so that if one of the participants exits the session, the session can continue without interruption. The application initiates an online session of the multi-user application, wherein the online session includes two or more participants comprised of network computers that are communicatively linked to a computer network.

Abstract: A method and system for filtering email spam using email noise reduction are described. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting, in an email message, data indicative of noise added to the email message to avoid spam filtering. The method further includes modifying the content of the email message to reduce the noise, and comparing the modified content of the email message with the content of a spam message.

Abstract: A device communication portion receives operational status data, and an operational status accumulation portion accumulates the operational status data. A link information management portion manages operational status link information containing trigger device information to specify the operational status of a single home appliance among plural home appliances and linked device information to specify another home appliance that activates in association with the operational status of the single home appliance. An operational status read portion extracts operational status data corresponding to the operational status in the trigger device information and extracts operational status data corresponding to the linked device information.

Abstract: A message status synchronization scheme. In one embodiment, a method may comprise: automatically detecting arrival of a message at a messaging server for a user having a mail address thereat, the message being displayable on a computer for the user with a status indicator icon associated therewith; processing at least a portion of an instance of the message for transmission to the user's mobile data communication device over a wireless network; receiving a status signal from the mobile data communication device indicating that the message has been deleted on the mobile data communication device; and altering the status indicator icon associated with the message on the computer responsive to the status signal.

Abstract: A method for providing multiple media access control (MAC) addresses in a device of a master/slave system may include providing a first MAC address in a MAC address storage of the device. The method may also include providing a second MAC address in a multicast table entry of a multicast hash filter of the device.

Abstract: A digital copying machine is connected to at least another one of digital copying machines with which data communications can be performed. The digital copying machine has a link copy function that a document is set in the machine itself or another digital copying machine and at least two units of the digital copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the document, and a printer function of printing according to a print request from the outside. When receiving the print request from the outside during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish, the digital copying machine puts the print request on hold.

Abstract: A remote wireless device is provided that operates a user interface specific to a particular target application or device. The wireless device receives information regarding the status or operation of the target's application, and uses that information to determine what information and controls to present to the remote user. The remote user views information regarding the target application, and makes desired control selections using the available controls. The wireless device generates a message according to the control selections, and transmits the message to the target device. The target device acts responsive to the control message, and updated operational information may be sent to the remote wireless device.

Abstract: A computer unit includes computer components each having a processor and a computer component controller for controlling the operations of the computer components by communicating a control signal with the computer components through a radio transmission path. Another computer unit has a similar configuration. At an instruction from an external control terminal which has recognized the fault of another computer component controller provided for the another computer unit, the computer component controller concurrently controls the operations of computer components provided for the another computer unit by communicating a control signal through a radio transmission path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application that is configured to be operated in a multi-participant environment on a computer network. The application manages participants in an online session of a multi-user application so that if one of the participants exits the session, the session can continue without interruption. The application initiates an online session of the multi-user application, wherein the online session includes two or more participants comprised of network computers that are communicatively linked to a computer network.

Abstract: In the case of detection of failure on a direct link interconnecting Master and Backup upstream switches, a control module of the Master upstream switch sends a partial failure message representing the occurrence of partial failure in the Master upstream switch via any of multiple lines connected to multiple ports of the Master upstream switch to the Backup upstream switch. Upon reception of the partial failure message from the Master upstream switch, a control module of the Backup upstream switch identifies partial failure occurring in the Master upstream switch and keeps the Backup operating status of the Backup upstream switch. Upon no reception of the partial failure message from the Master upstream switch, on the other hand, the control module of the Backup upstream switch identifies total failure occurring in the Master upstream switch and switches over the operating status of the Backup upstream switch from Backup to Master.

Abstract: A method, system and architecture for operating a content distribution overlay network in conjunction with a peer-to-peer network is provided. The method includes receiving a request for content at a content node from a requesting node of the peer-to-peer network. Then, referring to an overlay network to identify the content node as a head node of the overlay network. The head node has capabilities to transcode the content. The method then identifies a lowest level child node of the head node that has capabilities to transcode the content for the requesting node. The lowest level child node is then assigned to transcode the content for presentation to the requesting node, and each parent in the overlay network is assigned to transcode the content for its child. The lowest level child node receives the content transcoded from its parent in a format of the lowest level child node, and the overlay network is independent of the peer-to-peer network.

Abstract: A method and system for a vendor-neutral method of integrating single sign on functionality with the features of a robust identity management application in a cost effective, reliable and timely manner is disclosed. A user accesses the system through a commercially-available single sign on application. When a user requests to be logged in to one or more applications, the request is not sent to a custom business logic layer as known in the art but, instead, is directed to an intermediary application which takes action depending on the nature of the user's login information. The intermediary application serves as the interface between the single sign on application and the identity management system. The intermediary application contains a work flow or business process engine and a method for mapping the business logic. Information flows seamlessly between the single sign on application and the identity management system without regard to either products' platform or vendor.

Abstract: A system and method according to the present invention allow two or more peer-to-peer wireless devices to automatically connect to each other with no knowledge or pre-configuration of client/server roles. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a wireless device performs inquiries at a random interval, and performs an inquiry scan and a page scan when not performing the inquiries. Upon receiving a first device address in response to one of the inquiries, the wireless device performs a first page using the device address to establish a connection. And upon receiving an inquiry during the inquiry scan, the wireless device responds with a second device address, and if a second page is received during the page scan, establishes a connection.

Abstract: A method and system for searching messages is disclosed that includes searching a message repository to identify a plurality of conversations that each include at least one message that is relevant to a search query. Alternatively, conversations as a whole may be relevant to a search query rather than individual messages. Each of the plurality of the identified conversations includes one or more messages sharing a common set of characteristics that meet predefined criteria and a conversation identifier. A list of conversations is created representing at least a subset of the identified conversations and a conversation is selected from that list. In that selected conversation, first messages are differentiated from second messages which may differentiate portions of text or messages that are relevant to the search query from those that are not.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed toward managing cluster membership through a discovery process that enables selection of a master for the cluster. If a node on a network is the first to initiate the discovery process, it assumes the master role. Where two or more nodes enter the discovery process at the same time, or where a cluster is disjointed, views of the potential members to the cluster are shared among the nodes. Each node coalesces and sorts the views. The master may then be determined from the sorted views. In one embodiment, the master is that node in the results having a highest unique identifier. The identified master sends an assertion of its role to the other nodes. If no assertion is received, or multiple assertions are received, updated views are again shared and sorted. In one embodiment, the nodes may be within a peer-to-peer network.

Abstract: Disclosed is provided an apparatus and a method for operating a macro command and inputting a macro command, wherein the apparatus including a storing unit storing control signals received from a control device for selecting of a menu item of a host device, a creating unit creating the macro command combined with the control signals, and an executing unit reading the macro command and executing functions corresponding to the respective menu item of the host device according to a combination sequence of the control signals included in the read macro command.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling a system that operates responsive to a plurality of input control signals are disclosed. During operation the system generates a plurality of output status/control signals. A master controller has at least first and second controllers. The first controller outputs and inputs signals over a first communication path, and the second controller outputs and inputs signals over a second communication path. The first and second controllers output signals based on input signals received over the first and second communication paths, respectively, and also based on stored control data. A plurality of input/output modules are provided. Each of the input/output modules has first and second slave controllers. The first slave controller of each of the input/output modules inputs and outputs signals over the first communication path to the first controller, and the second slave controller outputs and inputs signals over the second communication path.

Abstract: A conjoined portable display monitor and portable keyboard similar to the arrangement of a laptop style portable computer are used to provide user interface for a desktop personal computer or workstation. The portable display monitor is configured to receive video data signals from the desktop computer, while the portable keyboard and associated mouse are configured to deliver their signals to corresponding inputs of the desktop computer. The arrangement retains the space-saving advantages of a portable computer's embodiment with the enhanced performance and available options of a full-sized desktop computer. An example mode of this teaching shows a portable computer adapted to receive video signals from and deliver keyboard signals to conventional data-signal ports inherent with the desktop computer system. The user may return the portable computer's signal ports to a conventional mode and continue usage as a conventional self-contained portable computer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes identifying encoded content to be presented. The method also includes loading the content into a content player. The content player is configured to dynamically identify a local decoder that is operable to decode the content. The method further includes providing the identified content to the local decoder during playback of the content; and presenting the decoded content.

Abstract: An image formation device is disclosed that has service functions corresponding to a configuration of the image formation device. The image formation device includes a service function unit for processing a request for a service function. The service function unit includes a master service function section and plural sub service function sections. One of the sub service function sections assuming an operating state requests the master service function section to register the one of the sub service function sections; the master service function section assigns the service function request to the one of the sub service function sections according to a type of the service function request; and the one of the sub service function sections processes the service function request assigned by the master service function section.

Abstract: Which device in a first home network is a master device is dynamically established based on the device reporting successful communication with a master device in a second home network, to ensure that the networks have master devices that can “se” each other for, e.g., managing bandwidth.

Abstract: Load balancing manager assigns to each cluster member a filter rule so as to divide traffic processing by a predetermined rule. According to the assigned rule, each cluster member obtains a packet multicast by a neighbor node, on a data link with the neighbor node. Each cluster member detects a session of the obtained packet to perform predetermined processing such as recording and updating of a state and application of a firewall packet filter.

Abstract: A CD-ROM that records programs for setting up a general-purpose computer as an IP telephone terminal by using a CPU, a memory, an input, a network card, a sound card, and a CD-ROM drive except an HD drive, the program including parts for: making the computer start to deploy the programs in the CD-ROM over the memory by a CD-ROM boot method without booting from an HD; making the computer obtain user identification data respectively and correspondingly inputted by the users through the input; making the computer send the user identification data to a management server via a network based on a location data recorded onto the CD-ROM; making the computer receive an IP telephone terminal setup data sent from the management server via the network; and making the computer function as an IP telephone terminal by setting up the computer as such.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for specifying ranges using a paper document. Each range is characterized by a start time and an end time. One or more ranges may be specified by a user using the paper document. Portions of recorded information corresponding to the ranges are then determined. One or more actions may be performed on the portions of information determined for the ranges.

Abstract: A method of controlling concurrent users of a distributed resource on a network is disclosed. In one aspect, there are one or more local lock managers executing on corresponding hosts and cooperating as a distributed lock manager. The resource is limited to a maximum number of concurrent users. A user identification for each user is associated with one host. In response to a request associated with a particular user associated with a first host, a lock is requested from a first local lock manager process executing on the first host. A related method of handling a request for a count-limited resource includes receiving a request from a client process for the computer resource. If it is determined that the request exceeds a maximum count for the resource, then it is determined whether a current time is within a retry time period of the client's first request.

Abstract: A method of grouping nodes within a distributed network is provided. The example method includes performing a leader node self determination operation by which each node within the distributed network determines whether to become a leader node or a non-leader node, each leader node being the leader of a group including at least one node. Next, requests are sent, from each leader node, requesting at least one non-leader node to join the group associated with the leader node. First received requests are accepted, at each non-leader node, such that accepting non-leader nodes transition from a non-leader node to a dependent node dependent upon the requesting leader node. A next set of requests are sent, from each remaining non-leader node, requesting to join the group associated with at least one leader node. A determination is made, at each requested leader node, as to whether to accept the non-leader node into the group associated with the requested leader node.

Abstract: A controller which exits between a client apparatus and an image processing apparatus and which controls access from the client apparatus such that the client apparatus can use a network server function of the image processing apparatus, its control method and control program and storage medium. To accomplish this, the controller which exists between a client terminal and an image processing apparatus and which controls data transmitted from the client terminal to the image processing apparatus comprises information providing unit which provides setup information of the controller to the client terminal and transfer unit which transfers setup information of the image processing apparatus to the client terminal.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product are provided that identifies a remote stored procedure stored in a remote database management system, and automatically generates a local stored procedure stored in a local database management system. To automatically generate the local stored procedure, local and remote metadata are gathered corresponding, respectively, to a local database management system and a remote database management system. The remote metadata is used to create a call statement to the remote stored procedure. The created invocation method maps input values, input to the local stored procedure, to input parameters of the remote stored procedure. Results in the local stored procedure are set by mapping the data returned from the remote stored procedure to the corresponding return values (e.g., parameters and result sets) in the local stored procedure values.

Abstract: A digital copying machine is connected to at least another one of digital copying machines with which data communications can be performed. The digital copying machine has a link copy function that a document is set in the machine itself or another digital copying machine and at least two units of the digital copying machines share the job of executing copy operation on the document, and a printer function of printing according to a print request from the outside. When receiving the print request from the outside during the copy operation based on the link copy function from its start to finish, the digital copying machine puts the print request on hold.