Partitioned Shared Memory Patents (Class 709/215)
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Patent number: 6757785Abstract: A method and system for allocating and storing data to a cache memory in each processor in a multiprocessor computer system. Data structures in main memory are partitioned into substructures that are classified as either exclusive substructures or sharing substructures. The exclusive substructures are cached exclusively by a specified processor, and the sharing substructures are cached by specified groups of processors in the multiprocessor computer.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael Brian Brutman, Mahdad Majd
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Patent number: 6757790Abstract: The data storage facility includes a plurality of data storage devices coupled through multi-path connections to cache memory. A plurality of interfaces to host processors communicates with the cache memory and with cache tag controllers that define the cache memory again over multiple paths.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: EMC CorporationInventors: Steven R. Chalmer, Steven T. McClure, Brett D. Niver, Richard G. Wheeler
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Patent number: 6757761Abstract: A quad-processor arrangement having 6 communications paths, one path between each of every possible pair of processors. Each processor is provided with a local memory which can be accessed by the local processor as well as by the other processors via the communications paths. This allows for efficient data movement from one processor's local memory to another processor's local memory, such as commonly done during signal processing corner turning operations. The communications paths are controlled and interfaced to the processors through field programmable logic, which allows the board to be configured both statically and dynamically to optimize the data transfer characteristics of the module to match the requirements of the application software. The programmable logic may be configured so that the module emulates other existing board architectures in order to support legacy applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Tera Force Technology Corp.Inventors: Winthrop W. Smith, James R. Bartlett, Jay T. Labhart
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Patent number: 6757787Abstract: A methodology for designing a distributed shared-memory system, which can incorporate adaptation or selection of cache protocols during operation, guarantees semantically correct processing of memory instructions by the multiple processors. A set of rules includes a first subset of “mandatory” rules and a second subset of “voluntary” rules such that correct operation of the memory system is provided by application of all of the mandatory rules and selective application of the voluntary rules. A policy for enabling voluntary rules specifies a particular coherent cache protocol. The policy can include various types of adaptation and selection of different operating modes for different addresses and at different caches. A particular coherent cache protocol can make use of a limited capacity directory in which some but not necessarily all caches that hold a particular address are identified in the directory.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Xiaowei Shen, Arvind Mithal, Lawrence Rogel
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Patent number: 6754789Abstract: Memory sharing techniques include providing a first device and one or more additional devices. Each device has a memory and is configured to be connected to a network. A portion of the first device memory is allocated, and may be divided into two or more first device memory segments. Each first device memory segment corresponds to a device, and at least one of the first device memory segments corresponds to an additional device. A portion of the additional device memory is allocated, and may be divided into two or more additional device memory segments. Each additional device memory segment corresponds to a device, and at least one additional device memory segment corresponds to the first device. A first device data segment is provided to the additional device, and a first device data validity indication is derived at the additional device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: McGraw-Edison CompanyInventors: Veselin Skendzic, Eric Arden Lee, Timothy Robert Day
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Patent number: 6747984Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting data in a node having a buffer. A first set of data is received in a buffer for transmission to a target node. The first set of data is sent to the target node. Responsive to an indication that the target node is unable to receive data, a second set of data is loaded into the buffer for transmission to another target node, while the first set of data is retained in the buffer.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: LSI Logic CorporationInventors: Timothy E. Hoglund, Stephen M. Johnson, David M. Weber, John M. Adams, Mark A. Reber
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Patent number: 6745281Abstract: Fiber channel connection magnetic disk device and controller which have a plurality of fiber-channel specification supporting port controllers, comprising: a port controller for managing the relationship between an identifier allocated to each host and a logical volume accessible from the host having the identifier; and a local access right management table memory for storing the management state of a logical volume accessible from an indicated host, the port controller being capable of rejecting an access from hosts other than the indicated host.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Takuya Saegusa
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Publication number: 20040088367Abstract: Method for remotely imaging a computer. In one embodiment the method includes establishing a connection between two or more computers, extracting information from a storage device, and executing commands to create and format partitions on the storage device. The method may also include changing a bootsector of a partition, transferring data including utility data and an image file to a partition, and activating a boot indicator associated with the partition so as to re-image the storage device upon rebooting. Embodiments of the invention also include methods for removing a computer name from an associated network or domain, and augmenting security and identity parameters to allow the computer to be re-associated with a network or domain. Embodiments of the invention may be implemented using an imaging tool that, in one embodiment, includes an initialization module having one or more interfaces with input fields, a format module, and a naming module.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Paragon Development Systems, Inc.Inventor: John P. Reinke
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Patent number: 6725284Abstract: The present invention provides a method for sharing I/O facilities among logical partitions. A remote translation control entry table is created on a hosted partition appearing to own a virtual copy of the I/O facilities to be shared. The remote translation control entry table on the hosted partition is loaded with data from a hypervisor in response to requests made by the OS running in the hosted partition. The hypervisor, in response to requests from the OS running in the hosting partition, copies the data from the remote translation control entry into a standard translation control entry table on the hosting partition owning the physical I/O facilities that target the I/O page buffers of the hosted partition to perform the desired I/O operation. The I/O page buffers of the hosted partition are accessed by the hosting partition's I/O facilities using the data stored in the standard translation control entry table.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Richard Louis Arndt
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Patent number: 6721794Abstract: A method of data management for efficiently storing and retrieving data in response to user access requests. The method includes receiving a request from at least one client for a title not resident in a storage server, where the title includes a play track having a plurality of chapters, and then initiating retrieval of play track portions proximate chapter delineation points from a secondary storage device. In a case of a client request to begin presentation of the title at one of the chapters, the retrieved portions of the play track chapter are streamed to the client, while unretrieved portions of the play track chapter and subsequent play track portions are retrieved from the secondary storage device.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Diva Systems Corp.Inventors: Clement G. Taylor, Danny Chin, Jesse S. Lerman, Christopher W. B. Goode
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Patent number: 6721745Abstract: A method is provided for use in retrieving reports from a report warehouse in a data management system by at least one of a plurality of user processors in communication with a Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) server. The DCOM server may also be in communication with the report warehouse. The method comprises establishing a mirror database in communication with the DCOM server and extracting an information subset representing data associated with a report stored in the report warehouse. The extracted information subset is then stored in the mirror database. The method further comprises receiving a search request that may include search criteria for searching the information subsets of the mirror database. The mirror database is then searched for information subsets meeting the search criteria. The method also includes the construction of a report list representing the reports from which information subsets meeting the search criteria were derived.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Charles Joseph Monestere, III
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Publication number: 20040068550Abstract: A method of delivering data to one or more data-handling devices, the method comprising the steps of: storing data that is intended for transmission to the data-handling device according to a predetermined template which provides a plurality of fields each of said fields being capable of containing a portion of the data; providing mappings that map the data within the fields of the predetermined template to fields within alternative templates should it be determined that the data-handling device is not capable of handling data held in the predetermined template; and transmitting the data to the data-handling device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Fabio Giannetti
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Patent number: 6718398Abstract: A communications arrangement is described for facilitating transfer of messages among a plurality of processes in a computer system. The communications arrangement comprises a channel data structure, a status daemon and an exit handler. The channel data structure includes a channel status flag normally having one of a plurality of conditions, and a plurality of storage locations each configured to receive message information. The status daemon is configured to determine the operational status of the processes. The exit handler is configured to, in response to the status daemon determining a predetermined condition in connection with at least one of the processes, condition the channel status flag to another of the conditions, thereby to indicate to the other processes a failure condition in connection with the communications arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Terry D. Dontje, Steven J. Sistare
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Publication number: 20040059822Abstract: The SCSI and iSCSI layers over the TCP/IP layers of the protocol stack in an IP network client and in an IP network-attached storage server are replaced with a thin network block services layer. The network block services layer 71 implements a network block services protocol having a very reduced set of commands transmitted between the client and the storage server. The network block services protocol is used in a configuration process in which logical volumes of the network-attached storage are exported to the client and become local pseudo-disk instances. The client's operating system and application programs access the local pseudo-disk instances with what appears to be a standard device driver for a local disk device. The device driver maintains a TCP connection to each open device, and responds to connection failure by re-connecting with an alternative server IP port.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Xiaoye Jiang, Dinesh Venkatesh, Mark K. Ku, Xiangping Chen
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Patent number: 6711571Abstract: A database or some portion thereof is partitioned into ownership groups. Each ownership group is assigned one or more database servers as owners of the ownership group. The database servers that are assigned as owners of an ownership group are treated as the owners of all data items that belong to the ownership group. That is, they are allowed to directly access the data items within the ownership group, while other database servers are not allowed to directly access those data items. Accordingly, a database system is provided which includes one or more persistent storage devices having a database stored thereon, and a plurality of database servers executing on a plurality of nodes. Each node has direct access to the persistent storage devices. At least a portion of the database is partitioned into a plurality of ownership groups. Each ownership group is assigned an owner set.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventor: Gianfranco Putzolu
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Publication number: 20040046983Abstract: A architecture for a multifunction peripheral to service a plurality of clients simultaneously. A shared memory receives data from the plurality of clients. A channel multiplexer selects data to be routed to a peripheral, a SCSI emulator is used to logically select the peripheral. The data is then forwarded from the multiplexer via the SCSI emulator to a PCI bus, the PCI bus being physically connected with the peripheral's engine. When data needs to be sent from a peripheral to a client, it is forwarded from the PCI bridge to the SCSI emulator and routed via a demultiplexer to the shared memory wherein it is retrieved by the appropriate client. The multifunction peripheral can be interrupted while performing a first task using a first peripheral, switch to a second task needing a second peripheral, and return to the first task when completed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Ajit Sodhi
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Patent number: 6697846Abstract: A shared storage distributed file system is presented that provides users and applications with transparent access to shared data stored on network attached storage devices by utilizing layering techniques to inherit file management functionality from existing file systems. The present invention stores meta-data for the shared data as real-data in a standard, non-modified, client-server distributed file system, such as NFS. In effect, the standard client-server file system acts as a meta-data server. The name space consisting of inode files stored as real-data on the meta-data server acts as the name space for the shared data. Similarly, file attributes of the inode files are utilized as the file attributes of the shared data. By utilizing an existing client-server system as the meta-data server, development time and complexity are greatly reduced, while speed advances in the underlying client-server system may be incorporated without alteration of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1998Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Dataplow, Inc.Inventor: Steven R. Soltis
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Publication number: 20040010563Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention implement a method and system for naming devices and partitions in a storage area network (SAN) that is accessible to end users and system administrators alike, readily maps the name transparently to an actual physical device or disk location, and is globally applicable to the SAN and operable with any volume management utility used thereon. In one embodiment, an enterprise device/partition naming functionality is deployed upon a computer system to constitute an enterprise device/partition naming functionality which effectuates processes for accessing user-named device/partitions and/or assigning a user selected name to one. Such names reduce possible confusion and make accessing a device simpler and less error prone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: John Forte, Randy Ishimaru
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Publication number: 20030236852Abstract: A data processing system comprising a set of logical partitions and at least one hardware resource that is shared by two or more of the partitions is disclosed. The hardware resource is typically a network communication device such as a conventional network adapter. A first logical partition will generally take control or ownership of the resource through resource driver software that is part of the first partition. The other partitions that want to share the resource typically then register themselves with the first partition. In one embodiment, the registration of each subsequent partition is achieved by registering a set of low level network identifiers with the resource driver software. In one embodiment, a Media Access Control (MAC) address is assigned to each logical partition and the logical partition registers this address with the resource driver to identify itself from other logical partitions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2002Publication date: December 25, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lilian Sylvia Fernandes, Vinit Jain, Vasu Vallabhaneni
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Patent number: 6664979Abstract: A computer system having a video display runs an operating system that provides a desktop environment to a user and a file system. The desktop environment has associated systems settings that affect the desktop environment. In this method, a first set of values for at least a portion of the system settings are stored in a storage device in a computer network so that the first set of values is visible in the file system. A second set of values, for the same portion of the system settings for which values are stored in the first set of values, is also stored in the storage device such that the second set of values is visible in the file system. In response to a choice by the user between the first set of values and the second set of values, the system settings are updated to have the values specified by the chosen set of values.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Kevin Schofield, Daniel Plastina, Joyce Alison Grauman, Mark A. Malamud, David A. Barnes, Chris E. Tobey, Roxanne M. Lehmann, Renee Marceau, William T. Flora, Eric L. Van Doren, Virginia E. Howlett, Isaac J. Heizer, David A. Bolnick
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Patent number: 6665708Abstract: A computer system performs a coarse-grained dependency checking between concurrently executed jobs that share a memory. First and second jobs are defined, each having a set of shared individually addressable data items stored in a corresponding set of locations within a memory. The set of locations are partitioned into a set of data areas, wherein at least one of the data areas stores more than one of the data items. The first and second jobs are then run. To determine whether a collision has occurred between the first job and the second job, it is determined whether the first job accessed a same data area as was accessed by the second job, regardless of whether a same data item within the same data area was accessed by both the first job and the second job.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)Inventors: Nikhil Tikekar, Per Anders Holmberg
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Patent number: 6658458Abstract: A system for efficiently organizing data or information into an associative memory device, such as a ternary content addressable memory (TCAM), for subsequent searching divides the TCAM is divided into a plurality of individual stages that are interconnected in a cascading fashion. The data or information that is to be stored into the TCAM for subsequent searching is initially translated into a first Boolean representation, such as a binary decision diagram (BDD), that is partitioned into a plurality of segments. Each segment defines one or more outputs, and the outputs from one segment define the inputs to the next segment. After partitioning the BDD and identifying the resulting outputs, each BDD segment along with its corresponding outputs is mapped into a particular stage of the TCAM.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Silvano Gai, Keith McCloghrie
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Patent number: 6658464Abstract: A method for operating a user station configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated data sources via a non-proprietary network includes steps of receiving a first data object from one of the data sources, and automatically pre-fetching a plurality of additional data objects of arbitrary type referenced by the first data object from respective other ones of the independently-operated data sources identified by information embedded in the first data object. Corresponding software is also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: Richard R. Reisman
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Patent number: 6651136Abstract: The cache keeps regularly accessed disk I/O data within RAM that forms part of a computer systems main memory. The cache operates across a network of computers systems, maintaining cache coherency for the disk I/O devices that are shared by the multiple computer systems within that network. Read access for disk I/O data that is contained within the RAM is returned much faster than would occur if the disk I/O device was accessed directly. The data is held in one of three areas of the RAM for the cache, dependent on the size of the I/O access. The total RAM containing the three areas for the cache does not occupy a fixed amount of a computers main memory. The RAM for the cache grows to contain more disk I/O data on demand and shrinks when more of the main memory is required by the computer system for other uses.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: SuperSpeed Software, Inc.Inventor: James I Percival
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Patent number: 6638313Abstract: A document stream operating system and method is disclosed in which: (1) documents are stored in one or more chronologically ordered streams; (2) the location and nature of file storage is transparent to the user; (3) information is organized as needed instead of at the time the document is created; (4) sophisticated logic is provided for summarizing a large group of related documents at the time a user wants a concise overview; and (5) archiving is automatic. The documents can include text, pictures, animations, software programs or any other type of data.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Mirror Worlds Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric Freeman, David H. Gelernter
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Publication number: 20030195941Abstract: An adaptive data replication and caching system configured for deployment at the network edge. This system can include a data caching system configured to cache application data in a data store and to satisfy queries for application data from the cache. The system also can include a data replication system configured to replicate application data in the data store and to satisfy queries for application data against the replicated application data. Finally, the adaptive data replication and caching system can include a configurator for configuring portions of the data store for exclusive use by the data caching system and the data replication system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Khalil S. Amiri, Ronald P. Doyle, Yongcheng Li, Thomas Francis McElroy, Sanghyun Park, Renu Tewari, Dinesh Chandra Verman
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Publication number: 20030195942Abstract: An architecture provides the ability to create and maintain multiple instances of virtual servers, such as virtual filers (vfilers), within a server, such as a filer. A vfiler is a logical partitioning of network and storage resources of the filer platform to establish an instance of a multi-protocol server. Each vfiler is allocated a subset of dedicated units of storage resources, such as volumes or logical sub-volumes (qtrees), and one or more network address resources. Each vfiler is also allowed shared access to a file system resource of a storage operating system. To ensure controlled access to the allocated and shared resources, each vfiler is further assigned its own security domain for each access protocol. A vfiler boundary check is performed by the file system to verify that a current vfiler is allowed to access certain storage resources for a requested file stored on the filer platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Mark Muhlestein, Gaurav Banga
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Patent number: 6633916Abstract: Multiple instances of operating systems execute cooperatively in a single multiprocessor computer wherein all processors and resources are electrically connected together. The single physical machine with multiple physical processors and resources is subdivided by software into multiple partitions, each with the ability to run a distinct copy, or instance, of an operating system. At different times, different operating system instances may be loaded on a given partition. Resources, such as CPUs and memory, can be dynamically assigned to different partitions and used by instances of operating systems running within the machine by modifying the configuration. The partitions themselves can also be changed without rebooting the system by modifying the configuration tree. Each instance keeps track of the CPUs in the system and their respective operational statuses relative to the instance, such as compatibility with the instance, control by the instance, and availability to the instance for SMP processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: James R. Kauffman
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Publication number: 20030191810Abstract: An architecture provides the ability to create and maintain multiple instances of virtual servers, such as virtual filers (vfilers), within a server, such as a filer. A vfiler is a logical partitioning of network and storage resources of the filer platform to establish an instance of a multi-protocol server. Each vfiler is allocated a subset of dedicated units of storage resources, such as volumes or logical sub-volumes (qtrees), and one or more network address resources. Each vfiler is also allowed shared access to a file system resource of a storage operating system. To ensure controlled access to the allocated and shared resources, each vfiler is further assigned its own security domain for each access protocol. A vfiler boundary check is performed by the file system to verify that a current vfiler is allowed to access certain storage resources for a requested file stored on the filer platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2003Publication date: October 9, 2003Inventors: Mark Muhlestein, Gaurav Banga
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Publication number: 20030187946Abstract: A system and method for automatically partitioning application components of a web application between a web server and an application server. Both the web server computer and the application server computer may implement an application component container. A method for programmatically analyzing the application components to determining an appropriate partitioning of the application components between the web server and application server computers may be employed. A deployment computer system may be connected to the web server and application server computers through a network. After the application components have been analyzed to determine an appropriate partitioning of the application components between the web server and the application server, the deployment computer system may then automatically deploy the application components on the respective computer systems according to this determined partitioning.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Laurence Cable
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Patent number: 6629132Abstract: The invention relates to a directory proxy caching system that is constructed based on a predicate, i.e., a query from a client. Broadly stated, the predicate is formed by the query (request) issued by the client. Once the data is found in the directory, then the data is stored in a cache of a proxy server. The data is indexed in the proxy server by the predicate. The predicate is used to form an index by sorting the predicate into a normal form. Steps in sorting the predicate into the normal form include the following. Each symbol of the predicate is represented by a numerical representation, for example the ASCII value used to represent the symbol in ordinary text files. The predicate is expressed as a plurality of primitive predicates, and individual predicates of the plurality of primitive predicates are joined by logical connectors. The logical connectors, and each term in the primitive predicates are represented by numbers.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Novell, Inc.Inventors: Sukanta Ganguly, Chin-Ming Kuo
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Patent number: 6629208Abstract: A method of operating a cache memory is described in a system in which a processor is capable of executing a plurality of processes, each process including a sequence of instructions. In the method a cache memory is divided into cache partitions, each cache partition having a plurality of addressable storage locations for holding items in the cache memory. A partition indicator is allocated to each process identifying which, if any, of said cache partitions is to be used for holding items for use in the execution of that process. When the processor requests an item from main memory during execution of said current process and that item is not held in the cache memory, the item is fetched from main memory and loaded into one of the plurality of addressable storage locations in the identified cache partition.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics LimitedInventors: Andrew Craig Sturges, David May
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Patent number: 6629227Abstract: A system and method for a communication terminal to manage memory and maintain a current application version for multiple applications are provided. The system and method provide for managing memory in a communication terminal coupled to a server device enabling the communication terminal to provide memory capacity for storing in a memory and executing on the communication terminal a plurality of applications downloaded from the server device. Prior to downloading an application, the communication terminal determines an amount of memory capacity required by an application client to be downloaded from the server device. The communication terminal then attempts to allocate the memory capacity. If memory cannot be allocated from the system heap, the communication terminal purges data contained in the memory according to a dynamic list of priorities to create memory capacity in the memory for the application client.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.Inventors: Dean F. Jerding, Arturo A. Rodriguez, John M. Schlarb, Frank Domina
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Patent number: 6625157Abstract: A network switch in a packet switched network includes a plurality of network switch ports, each configured for sending and receiving data packets between a medium interface and the network switch. The network switch port includes an IEEE 802.3 compliant transmit state machine and receive state machine configured for transmitting and receiving network data to and from a medium interface, such as a reduced medium independent interface, respectively. The network switch port also includes a memory management unit configured for selectively transferring the network data between the transmit and receive state machines and a random access transmit buffer and a random access receive buffer, respectively. The memory management unit transfers the network data between the transmit and receive state machines and the respective buffers based on prescribed interface protocol signals between the memory management unit and the transmit and receive state machines.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1999Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Autumn Jane Niu, Jenny Liu Fischer
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Publication number: 20030167313Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for multicasting or broadcasting a piece of data from one partition of a partitioned computer system to a plurality of partitions of the system are provided. When a partition needs to transfer data to more than one partition of the system, the partition first stores the data into a global memory accessible by all partitions of the system. The memory is then marked “read-only” to ensure that the data is not over-written and the Ids (identifications) of the recipient partitions are passed to a piece of firmware or hardware of the computer system. This firmware or hardware then alerts the recipient partitions that there is a piece of data ready to be read in the memory. Once all the recipient partitions have read the data, the global memory is reverted to a “read” and “write” memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2002Publication date: September 4, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Deanna Lynn Quigg Brown, Vinit Jain, Jeffrey Paul Messing, Satya Prakesh Sharma, Venkat Venkatsubra
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Patent number: 6611862Abstract: A method for operating a user station that is configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated data sources via a non-proprietary network includes steps for creating a send data object that includes user demographics, and automatically sending the send data object to a selected one of the data sources upon establishing the communication link, without any triggering user action. Corresponding software and user stations are also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Inventor: Richard R. Reisman
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Patent number: 6601089Abstract: A communication arrangement facilitates transfer of messages among a plurality of processes in with a computer, the computer having a memory shared by the processes. The communication arrangement comprises, allocated to each process, a plurality of buffers, and a plurality of postboxes each associated with one of the other processes. Each process includes a message size determination module and a message transfer module. The message size determination module is configured to determine whether a message to be transferred to another process can be accommodated by a postbox.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Sistare, Terry D. Dontje
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Publication number: 20030135579Abstract: A method for adaptively partitioning a buffer in a shared buffer switch is provided. The buffer partitioning method for a shared buffer switch which has a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports, and a shared buffer, the method for determining whether or not to store a cell, which is newly received through one of the input ports, in the shared buffer comprises the steps of (a) determining a buffer area of the shared buffer in which the newly received cell is stored; (b) determining a cell discard threshold with respect to the total number of cells stored in the shared buffer and the changing rate, with respect to time, of the total number of the cells; and (c) determining whether or not to store the newly received cell in the shared buffer, by comparing the number of cells stored in the buffer area in which the newly received cell is to be stored, with the cell discard threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Man-Soo Han, Yool Kwon, Hong-Soon Nam, Woo-Seop Rhee
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Publication number: 20030135578Abstract: A technique enables a server, such as a filer, configured with a plurality of virtual servers, such as virtual filers (vfilers), to participate in a plurality of private network address spaces having potentially overlapping network addresses. The technique also enables selection of an appropriate vfiler to service requests within a private address space in a manner that is secure and distinct from other private address spaces supported by the filer. An IPspace refers to each distinct address space in which the filer and its storage operating system participate. An IPspace identifier is applied to translation procedures that enable the selection of a correct vfiler for processing an incoming request and an appropriate routing table for processing an outgoing request.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2001Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Gaurav Banga, Mark Smith, Mark Muhlestein
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Publication number: 20030126226Abstract: A method for remotely communicating with a computer system in a headless environment is provided. The system includes a service processor in communication with a computer through a UART communication channel and in communication with a remote console through a communication connection. The service processor manages communication commands between the computer and the remote console. The service processor transmits data communication received from the remote console to the computer through the UART channel, and the service processor transmits data communication received from the computer to the remote console through the UART channel. In addition, a multiplexer may be employed to direct communication between one of a plurality of computers and the service processor in combination with a multiplexer control to select one of the computers for communication with the service processor. The multiplexer directs the communication through the UART channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Brian C. Ramey
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Publication number: 20030126225Abstract: A method for providing a peripheral device virtual functionality overlay for a data library comprises intercepting commands to a library data transfer element within a bridge disposed between a command initiator and the library, passing through commands that can be carried out by the data transfer element to the data transfer element, and executing, with the bridge, commands addressed to the data transfer element that cannot be carried out by the data transfer element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2001Publication date: July 3, 2003Inventors: Peter Thomas Camble, Stephen Gold, Stan S. Feather
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Publication number: 20030120720Abstract: A dynamic topic partitioning messaging system. The messaging system can include a message server; one or more topics stored in the message server; one or more subtopics associated with at least one of the topics in the message server; and, a dynamic topic partitioning system configured to partition the topics into the subtopics. Notably, the message server can be Java message service (JMS) compliant. In that regard, the message server can reside in a single process address space. For example, the process address space can be a Java virtual machine (JVM).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Gabriel Garcia Montero
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Patent number: 6578071Abstract: A symmetrical multiprocessing system includes a plurality of nodes interconnected by a hierarchical bus. To allow for the transfer of data between nodes and to restrict the global transfer of local transactions, a plurality of address partitions are defined: global space, local space, remote read space, and remote read and write space. Process private and local data is accessed using local space. Global data is accessed using global space. In one embodiment, a kernel of the operating system is resident in the local space of each node. Because the memory space where the kernel resides is designated as local space, no other nodes can write to, or corrupt, the node's kernel.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.Inventors: Erik E. Hagersten, Mark D. Hill
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Patent number: 6571277Abstract: A method and apparatus in a distributed data processing system for scaling servers. Access to a shared memory for a period of time is selectively provided to a server within a plurality of servers, wherein the shared memory is used by the server to process requests. All other servers within the plurality of servers are prevented from accessing the shared memory during the period of time.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Fonda Jonette Daniels-Barnes, Stephen Glen Graham, Ajamu Akinwunmi Wesley
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Publication number: 20030093492Abstract: A system and method of enhanced backplane messaging among a plurality of computer boards communicating over a common bus uses a set of pre-allocated buffers on each computer board to receive messages from other computer boards. Each sending computer board is represented on each remote computer board by a descriptor ring with pointers to pre-allocated buffers on that remote computer board. When a sending computer board has a message to deliver to a remote computer board, the sending computer board uses its DMA controller to transfer the message into the pre-allocated buffers on the remote computer board. The sending computer board also sends a mailbox interrupt to the remote computer board. The remote computer board interrupt handler searches its descriptor rings and manipulates a series of pointers to move messages from the descriptor rings to the intended receiving application(s). Pointer manipulation is also used to replenish the descriptor ring(s) with empty buffer(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Paul R. Bade, Steven A. Kahn, David M. Verven
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Patent number: 6563836Abstract: A method of queuing messages for communications between computer programs by placing a plurality of messages in a main queue, placing one or more property messages in one or more property queues associated with the main queue and, for each property message, specifying at least one property of a respective message in the main queue and a unique identifier for the respective message. A property name may be specified for a message, or a property value, or some combination of property names and values. An application program interface (API) makes the main queue and the one or more property queues appear as a single priority queue. A message is retrieved from the main queue according to a predefined priority list which includes the at least one property, which can again be a property name, a property value, or some combination of property names and values. The priority list can be dynamically modified.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Christopher Louis Capps, Gregory Covert Smith, Jay Douglas Stouffer
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Patent number: 6564252Abstract: A massively scalable architecture for providing a highly reliable storage system that is capable of handling hundreds of millions of users and tens of billions of files. The system includes one or more clusters storing data elements that are received from a plurality of clients. Each cluster comprises a plurality of storage servers. A partition master assigns each client a unique partition within one of the clusters such that each data element is stored in the partition assigned to the client. The storage system can be easily scaled as the number of reads increases by adding individual storage servers to each storage cluster. In addition, the storage system easily scales to handle an increase in the number of writes, or as the number of files per cluster exceeds a predefined limit, by adding new storage clusters to the storage system.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Robert Chris Hickman, Alok K. Sinha, Marco A. DeMello
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Patent number: 6560678Abstract: A mechanism for maintaining information variety in an information receiving system which receives a stream of incoming objects each corresponding to one or more content categories. The information receiving system includes an object store for holding a set of cached objects for access by a consumer of information. The information receiving system includes an object store manager that determines which of the incoming objects are to be added to the object store and which of the cached objects are to be evicted from the object store such that a variety of information according to a set of consumer interests in the content categories is maintained in the object store.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Digeo, Inc.Inventors: Terry Ray Weissman, Jonathan King Tash
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Publication number: 20030065738Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for OTA downloading, configuring and updating application programs stored in a memory of mobile communication device. The apparatus and method include a number of downloadable or “built-in” application-based programs that efficiently perform the following: customizing services from various service providers via internet or call centers; downloading new applications and updating existing applications via short, wireless messages from application servers to the mobile device; notifying service providers through internet protocol between wireless application servers and service providers; uploading and registering new applications to wireless application servers from developers through the internet; and parsing short, wireless messages from messaging centers using application managers to distinguish between command messages for applications and regular text messages.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Applicant: Thumb Logic, Inc.Inventors: Victor Shiang Yang, Merlie Steve Porter, Bor-Jyh Lin
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Patent number: 6542926Abstract: Multiple instances of operating systems execute cooperatively in a single multiprocessor computer wherein all processors and resources are electrically connected together. The single physical machine with multiple physical processors and resources is subdivided by software into multiple partitions, each running a distinct copy, or instance, of an operating system. Each of the partitions has access to its own physical resources plus resources designated as shared. The partitioning is performed by assigning all resources with a configuration tree. None, some, or all, resources may be designated as shared among multiple partitions. Each individual operating instance will generally be assigned the resources it needs to execute independently and these resources will be designated as “private.” Other resources, particularly memory, can be assigned to more than one instance and shared.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Compaq Information Technologies Group, L.P.Inventors: Stephen H. Zalewski, Andrew H. Mason, Gregory H. Jordan, Karen L. Noel