Abstract: A communication methods, including: receiving first information by a first control panel of a plurality of control panels; determining one or more target control panels from the plurality of control panels (S101), where the plurality of control panels are disposed in different rooms, or at least partially at different locations in a same room; for each of the one or more target control panels, detecting whether a room where the target control panel is located is occupied (S102); in response to determining that there is an occupant, sending the first information to the target control panel by the first control panel (S103), and outputting the first information from the target control panel (S104); and in response to determining that there is no occupant, generating first prompt information by the first control panel (S105).

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for migrating mailbox identities. In aspects, a system may receive one or more requests to perform tasks for migrating identities of a plurality of mailboxes included in a security group created at a source tenant to a plurality of mail users created at a target tenant that correspond to the plurality of mailboxes. Based on the one or more requests, the system may copy the identities to a data store associated with the target tenant, upload mapping data to the data store, and use that mapping data to map the identities copied to the data store to the corresponding plurality of mail users in the target tenant. For each of the identities mapped, the system may copy at least one or more attributes of the respective identity from the data store to the respective corresponding mail user in the target tenant.

Abstract: A method that is performed for backing up data. The method includes obtaining an asset backup request; and in response to the asset backup request: obtaining an asset and an asset entry associated with the asset backup request; dividing the asset into pseudo-assets using the asset entry; storing the pseudo-assets across backup storages to generate pseudo-asset backups; initiating the merging of the pseudo-asset backups to generate an asset backup; and updating asset backup metadata based on the asset backup.

Abstract: Processing may be performed in accordance with a policy to assign roles of winner and loser between two nodes. The roles may be used in connection with deadlock resolution processing. A deadlock or potential deadlock may be detected between the two nodes performing processing for two transactions In response to detecting the deadlock or potential deadlock, using a current state may be used to determine whether to perform the deadlock resolution processing to resolve the deadlock or potential deadlock. The current state may indicate whether assignment of the winner and loser roles between the two nodes is in progress. Responsive to the current state indicating that processing is not in progress to assign roles of winner and loser between the two nodes, the current state may be used perform deadlock resolution processing to resolve the deadlock or potential deadlock. The current state may denote which node is the current winner.

Abstract: A control device includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit. One processing unit of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is configured to retain a predetermined variable available in both a calculation by the first processing unit and a calculation by the second processing unit, and the other processing unit of the first processing unit and the second processing unit is configured to access the predetermined variable via the one processing unit.

Abstract: Procedure training apparatus, methods and systems which in one embodiment allow surgical trainees to receive expert clinical guidance during live surgery or to practice surgical skills on anatomical models in a realistic manner with an augmented reality headset which is in audio and visual communication with a remotely located trainer having a similar AR headset. A unique feature of the system includes providing live or static imaging of the surgical site to the AR headsets of the trainee and trainer wherein the imaging is provided from medical or other devices (e.g., ultrasound) through a device(s) media hub. The images are displayed in the field of view of the surgeon so that they may see their hands, the patient (or model) and the imaging simultaneously. Controls allow the imaging on the respective AR headsets to be switched on command typically by the trainer which allows the trainer to deliver the trainer's surgical site image (e.g.

Abstract: Examples for handling ownership of process threads include acquiring ownership of a set of process threads to assign ownership of a subject process thread to an ownership agent. In some examples, acquiring ownership may include acquiring ownership of process threads with a wait event. During acquiring ownership of the set of process threads, one or more process threads that are acquired may be released to attend to an event that has occurred. A thread coordinator that handles ownership during acquiring phase may release and rebid one or more process threads. Upon acquiring all the process threads, the ownership of the subject process thread is assigned to an ownership agent. With a set of ownership conditions, the process threads are acquired efficiently within reduced time and with reduced deadlocks.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing PIM commands and non-PIM commands at a memory controller. A memory controller enqueues PIM commands and non-PIM commands and selects the next command to process based upon various selection criteria. The memory controller maintains and uses a page table to properly configure memory elements, such as banks in a memory module, for the next memory command, whether a PIM command or a non-PIM command. The page table tracks the status of memory elements as of the most recent memory command that was issued. The page table includes an “All Bank” entry that indicates the status of banks after processing the most recent PIM command. For example, the All Banks entry indicates whether all the banks have a row open and if so, specifies the open row for all the banks.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product is provided. The method includes identifying a large statement, writing rows that are changed by the large statement into a set of files outside a database management system recovery log, and writing log records for the set of files to the database management system recovery log, such that the log records provide ordering of row changes made by the large statement. The log records include a log sequence number corresponding to a first row changed and a format and encoding used for the row changes. The method further includes streaming, by the one or more processors of the computer system, the set of files out-of-band by a replication capture process to a target database management system.

Abstract: A storage device and an operating method thereof are provided. Provided is a storage device including, a memory cell, and a storage controller which includes a flash controller that performs a data operation on the memory cell, and a processor that executes an RTOS (Real Time Operating System) for controlling the flash controller, wherein the RTOS communicates with the storage controller and operates in a normal operation mode, the RTOS generates a snapshot data in a debug mode when a defect occurs, the RTOS switches to the debug mode through context switching in the normal operation mode, and the RTOS operates in the normal operation mode, when an urgent work occurs, while performing an operation of generating the snapshot data in the debug mode.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for implementing register compaction with early release are disclosed. A processor includes at least a command processor, a plurality of compute units, a plurality of registers, and a control unit. Registers are statically allocated to wavefronts by the control unit when wavefronts are launched by the command processor on the compute units. In response to determining that a first set of registers, previously allocated to a first wavefront, are no longer needed, the first wavefront executes an instruction to release the first set of registers. The control unit detects the executed instruction and releases the first set of registers to the available pool of registers to potentially be used by other wavefronts. Then, the control unit can allocate the first set of registers to a second wavefront for use by threads of the second wavefront while the first wavefront is still active.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a processing system that analyses, without user intervention, content of a first message directed from equipment of a sending user to equipment of a receiving user, to identify a task. The processing system determines that the receiving user is unable to perform the task according to biometric data of the receiving user. The biometric data is selected from one of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and combinations thereof. According to the content of the first message and the biometric data obtained from the receiving user, the processing system determines that the task should be delegated to another user, and responsive thereto, provides a second message associated with the task to equipment of the other user. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an IO request pipeline processing device. The device mainly includes: an IO state buffer and a pipeline controller, wherein the IO state buffer includes multiple elements, for storing context information including a module calling sequence generated by a CPU; and the pipeline controller is configured to perform pipeline control on an IO request according to the context information. The device performs pipeline management on an IO processing state by arranging hardware modules, which shares the huge workload during an original CPU software control process, and also reduces the requirements for CPU design. At the same time, processing logic of the pipeline controller is triggered by the module calling sequence recorded in the IO state buffer, which may reduce the implementation power consumption and improve the implementation efficiency.

Abstract: This specification describes a programmatic multicast technique enabling one thread (for example, in a cooperative group array (CGA) on a GPU) to request data on behalf of one or more other threads (for example, executing on respective processor cores of the GPU). The multicast is supported by tracking circuitry that interfaces between multicast requests received from processor cores and the available memory. The multicast is designed to reduce cache (for example, layer 2 cache) bandwidth utilization enabling strong scaling and smaller tile sizes.

Abstract: An electrical grid system including a phase conductor, a neutral conductor, and a neutral-to-ground conductor configured to conduct current flow between the neutral conductor and a ground. The electrical grid system further includes a fault detection sensor including a current sensor configured to sense current flowing along the neutral-to-ground conductor. The fault detection sensor further includes a controller having an electronic processor that is configured to receive signals indicative of the current flowing through the neutral-to-ground conductor from the current sensor, monitor the received signals for an occurrence of an event associated with the current flowing along the neutral-to-ground conductor; and output an occurrence of a fault in the electrical grid system based on detecting occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A method of managing resources in a graphics processing pipeline includes, in response to selecting a task for execution within a texture/shading unit, allocating to the task both a static allocation of temporary registers for the entire task and a dynamic allocation of temporary registers. The dynamic allocation comprises temporary registers used by a first phase of the task only and the static allocation of temporary registers comprises any temporary registers that are used by the program and are live at a boundary between two phases. When the task subsequently reaches a boundary between two phases, the dynamic allocation of temporary registers are freed and a new dynamic allocation of temporary registers for a next phase of the task is allocated to the task.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method are disclosed. The method includes performing distributed deep learning training on multiple batches of training data using corresponding learners. Additionally, the method includes determining training times wherein the learners perform the distributed deep learning training on the batches of training data. The method also includes modifying a processing aspect of the straggler to reduce a future training time of the straggler for performing the distributed deep learning training on a new batch of training data in response to identifying a straggler of the learners by a centralized control.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a data computing system. The data computing system comprises: a memory, a processor and an accelerator, wherein the memory is communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to store data to be computed and a computed result, the data being written by the processor; the processor is communicatively coupled to the accelerator and configured to control the accelerator; and the accelerator is communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to access the memory according to pre-configured control information, implement a computing process to produce the computed result and write the computed result back to the memory. The present disclosure also provides an accelerator and a method performed by an accelerator of a data computing system. The present disclosure can improve the execution efficiency of the processor and reduce the computing overhead of the processor.

Abstract: An example method comprises determining, by an edge services controller, based on a respective predicted resource utilization value for each of a plurality of servers, a corresponding server weight for each of the plurality of servers; the plurality of servers comprising respective network interface cards (NICs), wherein each NIC of the plurality of NICs comprises an embedded switch and a processing unit coupled to the embedded switch; determining, by the edge services controller, based on a respective predicted resource utilization value for each of a plurality of services, a corresponding application weight for each of the plurality of services; and scheduling, by the edge services controller, based on the respective server weight for a server of the plurality of servers and the respective application weight for the service, a service of the plurality of services on the server.

Abstract: A processor having kernel space and user space and a method is provided. The method includes receiving in the user space at least one interface statistic about each hardware interface of one or more hardware interfaces receiving packets, wherein the at least one interface statistic is provided from the hardware interface. The method further includes dynamically adjusting, from within the user space, a priority at which each of the one or more hardware interfaces is polled as a function of the at least one interface statistic.

Abstract: A weighted average execution time associated with each execution stage of a plurality of execution stages used to process a plurality of frames in parallel is obtained. The processing of each of the plurality of frames is performed at each of the plurality of execution stages in a sequential order, starting with an initial execution stage and continuing with each subsequent execution stage. A first largest weighted average execution time associated with one of the plurality of execution stages is determined. A delay to the initial execution stage prior to processing a first next frame is applied. The delay is determined based on the first largest weighted average execution time.

Abstract: A video processing method and device, electronic equipment and a storage medium, which are applied to the technical field of computers. The method comprises: acquiring video data to be processed; generating video enhancement tasks corresponding to each video frame in the video data to be processed, the video enhancement task comprising a plurality of video enhancement subtasks; and simultaneously executing at least two different video enhancement subtasks of the plurality of video frames in a multi-thread concurrent manner, a single thread correspondingly executing one video enhancement subtask.

Abstract: Techniques and solutions are described for implementing virtual domains. Computing resources in a computing environment are determined and assigned to one or more virtual domains. One or more data structures can be located in a given virtual domain. The computing resources assigned to a virtual domain can be dynamically reconfigured without affecting processes that submit tasks to be performed on data structures in the virtual domains. Tasks can be submitted to a dispatcher, which can determine the appropriate virtual domain for the task and forward the task to the determined virtual domain. Tasks are received by virtual domains and assigned to worker threads, which can access a data structure specified for a given task.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring based on a memory layout of an application are disclosed. A memory layout may be received, obtained, and/or generated from an application executing on a computer. Based on one or more attributes of a plurality of memory regions of the memory layout a memory layout fingerprint is generated. Additionally, memory region fingerprints are generated based on the one or more attributes for respective memory regions. The memory layout fingerprint and the memory region fingerprints are compared to respective previous memory layout fingerprints and the memory region fingerprints in order to determine whether malicious code and/or application drifting has occurred.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for solving Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) problems, such as Security Constrained Unit Commitment (SCUC) problems used by power grid authorities to perform day-ahead market clearing. In certain examples, a plurality of threads of a software tool implementing a concurrent optimizer can be executed concurrently and sequentially to generate new solutions to a SCUC problem for an upcoming planning horizon. Data can be shared among the concurrently executing threads, such as intermediate/incumbent solutions and hints regarding the fixing of variables and constraints to reduce the size of the SCUC problem. In some examples, the threads are seeded with historical solutions from prior planning horizons. The software tool can select a best solution from the solutions generated by the threads, and determine dispatch instructions for a device coupled to the power grid for the upcoming planning horizon based at least in part on the selected solution.

Abstract: An information processing device of one embodiment includes a first memory being volatile, a second memory being non-rewritable and nonvolatile, and a processor. A first program, a second program, and a digital signature for the second program are loaded into the first memory. A third program and a public key are stored in the second memory. Upon satisfaction of a certain condition during execution of the first program, the processor verifies the second program on the basis of the digital signature and the public key, in accordance with the third program. After finding a result of the verification as a pass, the processor analyzes the first program in accordance with the second program. The processor refrains from analyzing the first program after finding the result of the verification as a fail.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for automated message processing. Information associated with a failure message generated in response to process integration failure between two computer-implemented applications is received. The two computer-implemented applications include a sender application and a receiver application. The information includes a sender application/receiver application interface and details that caused the failure. Using the received information, multiple failure message similar to the failure message are identified. The identified messages were generated in response to the same process integration failure between the two computer-implemented applications. For either the sender or the receiver application, a resolution class operation executable to rectify the process integration failure is identified. The resolution class operation is simultaneously executed for all of the multiple failure messages.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a memory configured to store predetermined points in time at which each of a plurality of tasks is to be performed, the plurality of tasks including a first task and a second task, and a detector configured to determine a malfunction of at least one processor of a plurality of processors performing the plurality of tasks, wherein the detector is configured to control the at least one processor to output trigger signals for the first task and the second task based on whether one of the first and second tasks is completed at its respective predetermined point in time.

Abstract: Examples of computing systems that include input/output (I/O) devices that respect an existing hardware resource partitioning in a modern computing platform are provided.

Abstract: A system and method to create at least one step for providing digital guidance to an underlying application is disclosed. The system comprising one or more user devices in communication with a server, the user device comprising a processor configured to: scan the underlying application for identifying one or more elements; select at least one target element; determine neighbouring element in proximity of the target element; analyse elements to determine attributes including unique attributes; classify as a pillar element depending upon presence of unique attributes; determine an intersection element between the target element and the pillar element; and determine path of the intersection element, store path of the intersection element, the path of the intersection element enables identification of the intersection element and based on the intersection element, the pillar element and the target element associated with the intersection element can be identified.

Abstract: Candidate brands are identified for an ad clip of a query video advertisement using two different techniques. Optical character recognition (OCR) is performed on a thumbnail of a plurality of different video ads in a curated database that includes brand-identifying metadata. In one technique, text vectorization is performed for each brand using all of the text that is extracted from each of the thumbnails for each brand, thereby providing a numerical brand embedding for each brand, a similar text vectorization is performed on the query video ad, and then a comparison is made between the embeddings to identify highest-ranking candidate brands based on brand-level identification. In another technique, a transformer-based model generates numerical embeddings for each ad clip in the curated database, and a comparison is made to these clip-based numerical embeddings to identify highest-ranking candidate brands based on clip-level identification.

Abstract: An exemplary multi-threaded memory management system comprises a memory management unit (MMU) configured with a plurality of physical address (PA) output ports individually dedicated to a respective plurality of threads, wherein the MMU is configured to adjust scheduling of the plurality of threads based on the status of an item requested from a cache. The MMU may be configured to translate a virtual address (VA) input from an individual thread to a PA output on the respective PA output port. The cache may be a translation look-aside buffer. The item requested from the cache may be in transient status when a response is expected or valid status when the response is received. The MMU may signal a thread scheduler to run a thread when a requested item's status becomes valid, permitting stalling individual threads without blocking other threads that continue running using the PA output port dedicated to each thread.

Abstract: A system includes an interface circuit configured to provide an interface with a link, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive one or more bandwidth requests from one or more clients, and determine at least one of a link speed and a link width for the link based on the one or more bandwidth requests.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for storing incomplete dialog sessions between a user and an automated assistant in order that the dialog sessions can be completed in furtherance of certain actions. While interacting with an automated assistant, a user can become distracted and not complete the interaction to the point of the automated assistant performing some action. In response, the automated assistant can store the interaction as a dialog session. Subsequently, the user may express interest, directly or indirectly, in completing the dialog session, and the automated assistant can provide the user with a selectable element that, when selected, causes the dialog session to be reopened. The user can then continue the dialog session with the automated assistant in order that the originally intended action can be performed by the automated assistant.

Abstract: A memory data migration method, apparatus, and system are provided. During memory migration, data is classified into two parts based on a hot and cold degree of the data. Hot data is directly migrated, and cold data is written into a shared storage device shared by memories. When needing to be used in a destination-end memory, the cold data may be read from the shared storage device. This reduces an amount of data that needs to be migrated to the destination-end memory, thereby improving memory migration efficiency.

Abstract: An online concierge system maintains a graph of items available for purchase. The graph maintains edges between items, where an edge between an item and an additional item indicates that one or more customers have previously replaced the item with the additional item. The edge between the item and the additional item also identifies a number of times customers have replaced the item with the additional item. When a customer orders an item, the online concierge system traverses the graph of items to identify candidate replacement items for the ordered item and identifies one or more of the candidate replacement items to the customer. When identifying the candidate replacement items, the online concierge system accounts for distance between the ordered item and different candidate replacement items in the item graph.

Abstract: Provided is a method for auditing an abnormality of a block device in a cloud platform. By automatically auditing abnormal data of a path layer and a multipath layer, the accuracy of multipath and path information on a host and whether a link has a fault may be quickly analyzed, operation and maintenance personnel may discover problems as soon as possible, the problem troubleshooting steps are simplified, the operation and maintenance personnel are liberated from complex work of manual troubleshooting, the troubleshooting capability of a cloud computing platform is improved, the work of the operation and maintenance personnel is simplified, and the problems are rapidly positioned.

Abstract: Methods are provided for synchronizing task execution and/or data collection on multiple network devices. The methods involve obtaining a command to be executed on a plurality of target network devices and splitting the command into a plurality of single device execution tasks. Each single device execution task is for a respective network device of the plurality of target network devices. The methods further involve providing each of the plurality of single device execution tasks, via a command line interface or an application programming interface, to a respective one of the plurality of target network devices. The plurality of single device execution tasks being provided within a bounded time interval.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are playback devices, groups of playback devices, and methods of operating playback devices and groupings thereof, wherein individual playback devices are configured to detect and correct clock rate drift by synchronizing a clock rate and perhaps clock time of a local clock to a remote time source.

Abstract: A memory device may receive, from a thread, a first request to read from a location that stores a first value, and may provide, to the thread, the first value based on receiving the first request. The memory device may receive, from the thread, a second request to cause the first value to be incremented to a second value, and may determine that the first value failed to be incremented. The memory device may provide, to the thread, information indicating that the first value failed to be incremented, and may increment a counter value to generate an incremented counter value. The memory device may receive, from the thread, a third request to cause the first value to be incremented to a third value, and may attempt, when the incremented counter value fails to satisfy a threshold, to cause the first value to be incremented to the third value.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a master processor, and processors operatively coupled to the master processor. The master processor processes a task including subtasks using the processors. Each processor is assigned to at least one subtask of the subtasks to process at least one subtask. The master processor groups the subtasks into groups in consideration of execution dependencies among the subtasks, regardless of which processor of the processors is to process at least one subtask, compare a number of the groups and a number of the processors to generate a comparison result, generate worker threads, wherein a number of the worker threads depends on the comparison result, and process the subtasks using the processors through the worker threads.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, a system for implementing a rule derived basis to display image sets. In various embodiments of the invention, the selection of the images to be displayed, the layout of the images, as well as the rendering parameters and styles can be determined using a rule derived basis. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user is presented with images displayed based on their preferences without having to first manually adjust parameters.

Abstract: A processing unit can include a performance monitor for monitoring the performance of the processing unit and associated sub-units. The performance monitor can include a state machine. The state machine can be implemented via state machine data entries stored in a memory associated with the performance monitor. A state machine data entry includes information indicating a state transition condition and output signals. The state transition condition includes a current state and input signals required to meet the condition. The output signals include a next state, one or more counter actions, and one or more triggers. The performance monitor implements logic circuits that determine, based on input signals and the state machine data entries, the next state to transition and associated output signals. The state machine data entries can be written and re-written by a user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide for establishment and maintenance of edge data network services. A user equipment (UE) may register one or more application clients for edge services at an edge application server. In order to maintain edge application servers that are continuing to be used by the UE, an edge enabler server at the edge data network, an edge enabler client at the UE, or both, may initiate a timer that is used to confirm the edge application server is continuing to be used. Such techniques may help prevent resources from being consumed after the edge services are no longer needed, such as after the UE no longer needs the edge services or the UE has moved outside of an area associated with the edge services.

Abstract: A method for off-loading streams selection to generate organized concurrent streams in a simulation environment is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving at least one stream selection request for a DUT from a DUT input generator; performing a stream selection process in response to receiving the request. In order to perform the stream selection process, the method includes analyzing each of a plurality of stream specification entries of a stream specification entries array; selecting a stream from the plurality of streams based on one or more of the set of stream specification entry fields associated with the stream; and generating a stream selection result object based on the selected stream; sending the stream selection result object associated with the selected stream to a respective DUT input generator; and utilizing, by the respective DUT input generator, the stream selection result object associated with the selected stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing a split view in a portable device. The method of processing a split view in a portable device, includes: displaying a plurality of applications as a split view corresponding to split display regions of a display unit; displaying an input panel on a display region of an application of the plurality of applications that did not call for the input panel when the input panel is called; and processing data input through the input panel by an application calling the input panel.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a processing system that analyses, without user intervention, content of a first message directed from equipment of a sending user to equipment of a receiving user, to identify a task. The processing system determines that that the receiving user is unable to perform the task according to biometric data of the receiving user. The biometric data is selected from one of heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and combinations thereof. According to the content of the first message and the biometric data obtained from the receiving user, the processing system determines that the task should be delegated to another user, and responsive thereto, provides a second message associated with the task to equipment of the another user. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Method, device, and computer program product for managing processes are disclosed. The method may include, in response to detecting a job to be executed in a job processing system, determining attribute information related to execution of a message queue in the job processing system; and determining, based on the attribute information, allocation information for a process to execute the job. The number of processes can be dynamically adjusted according to the current processing capacity of the job processing system, thereby improving the use of the resources of the job processing system and meanwhile avoiding crashing of the job processing system.

Abstract: A processing device determines a scope indicating at least a portion of the processing system and target data from atomic memory operation to be performed. Based on the scope, the processing device determines one or more hardware parameters for at least a portion of the processing system. The processing device then compares the hardware parameters to the scope and target data to determine one or more corrections. The processing device then provides the scope, target data, hardware parameters, and corrections to a plurality of hardware lookup tables. The hardware lookup tables are configured to receive the scope, target data, hardware parameters, and corrections as inputs and output values indicating one or more coherency actions and one or more orderings. The processing device then executes one or more of the indicated coherency actions and the atomic memory operation based on the indicated ordering.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a virtual machine running on a computing system, a public cryptographic key associated with a peripheral device of the computing system. The method further includes, responsive to validating the public cryptographic key, encrypting a cryptographic nonce value with the public cryptographic key. The cryptographic nonce value encrypted with the public cryptographic key is transmitted to the peripheral device. The method further includes using a shared cryptographic key generated from the cryptographic nonce value to access contents of a direct memory access (DMA) buffer utilized by the peripheral device.