Patent US6553369B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6553369B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Approach for performing administrative functions in information systems
Assignee: Oracle International Corp
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Filing: 1999-03-11
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Granted: 2003-04-22
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Expires: 2019-03-11
Abstract
Abstract An intelligent approach for performing administrative functions generally involves performing a set of administrative function steps within a "maintenance window" that is defined by one or more specified time periods. First, a set of administrative function steps to be performed are identified. The set of administrative function steps is prioritized to produce a set of prioritized administrative function steps. Then, the set of prioritized administrative function steps is performed during the maintenance window. Aspects and features of the invention include: identifying and prioritizing administrative function steps; estimated function times and maintenance window; failure prediction; environment recommendations; history information and learning techniques; saving state and context information; and user feedback.
Inventors
- 👤 Todd Guay
- 👤 Jonathan Soule
- 👤 Yong Feng
- 👤 Vipul Shah
- 👤 Geoffrey Wilson
- 👤 Jay Rossiter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:27
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/06; G06Q10/063; G06Q10/0639; G06Q10/06393; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/20; G06F16/24; G06F16/245; G06F16/2458; G06F16/2462; G06Q10/0631; G06F16/21; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S707/00; Y10S707/99931; Y10S707/99933; Y10S707/99941; Y10S707/99943; Y10S707/99944; Y10S707/99945
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 95
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence that is based upon the relative priorities of each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps and the estimated amount of time determined for each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence that is based upon the relative priorities of each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps and the estimated amount of time determined for each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein: the priority criteria specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria that specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the step of determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps is performed based upon history information for the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, wherein the history information indicates an actual amount of time required to previously perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps are performed in decreasing order of priority.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method as recited in claim 4 , further including the step of only performing a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps during the one of the one or more specified time periods if, based upon the estimated amount of time required to perform the particular administrative function, the particular administrative function step can be completed during that specified time periods.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the steps of for a particular administrative function from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of saving data that indicates an actual amount of resources and an actual amount of time that were required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the step of reporting information about the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps that were performed within the one or more specified time periods.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method as recited in claim 1 , further including the steps of determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining an amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step, and only performing the particular administrative function step if the amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step is equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function step.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
174 words
A method for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; determining an amount of resources that is available to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; only performing particular administrative functions from the plurality of administrative function steps for which the determined amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function steps are equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function steps; generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function step in response to an end of one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function step within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
174 words
A method for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; determining an amount of resources that is available to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; only performing particular administrative functions from the plurality of administrative function steps for which the determined amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function steps are equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function steps; generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function step in response to an end of one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function step within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method as recited in claim 11 , wherein the step of determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps is performed based upon history information that indicates an actual amount of resources required to previously perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method as recited in claim 11 , further comprising the steps of for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function step, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function step.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method as recited in claim 11 , further comprising the step of saving data that indicates an actual amount of resources and an actual amount of time that were required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 11 , further comprising the step of reporting status information about performing the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method as recited in claim 11 , wherein: the method further includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, and performing the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps in a sequence that is based upon their relative priorities.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method as recited in claim 16 , wherein: the priority criteria specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria that specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as recited in claim 16 , wherein the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps are performed in decreasing order of priority.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method as recited in claim 18 , further including the step of only performing a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps during the one or more specified time periods if, based upon the estimated amount of time required to perform the particular administrative function step, the particular administrative function step can be completed during the one or more specified time periods.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method as recited in claim 11 , wherein: the method further includes the step of determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the particular administrative function steps are performed within the one or more specified time periods in a sequence that is based upon the relative priorities of each of the plurality of administrative function steps and the estimated amount of times determined for each of the particular administrative function steps.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method as recited in claim 20 , wherein the step of determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps includes the step of determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps based upon an actual amount of time required to previously perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for performing a plurality of administrative function, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; performing one or more of the plurality of administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence based upon the estimated amount of times determined for each of the plurality of administrative function steps; and generating state information for a particular administrative function that is started in a particular time period, the state information specifying sufficient information about the particular administrative function step so that if the particular administrative function cannot be completed during the particular time period, then processing of the particular administrative function step can be halted at or before the end of the particular time period and later continued based upon the state information.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for performing a plurality of administrative function, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; performing one or more of the plurality of administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence based upon the estimated amount of times determined for each of the plurality of administrative function steps; and generating state information for a particular administrative function that is started in a particular time period, the state information specifying sufficient information about the particular administrative function step so that if the particular administrative function cannot be completed during the particular time period, then processing of the particular administrative function step can be halted at or before the end of the particular time period and later continued based upon the state information.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
94 words
The method as recited in claim 22 , further including the steps of determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative steps, determining an amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step, and only performing the particular administrative function step if the amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step is equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function step.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method as recited in claim 23 , wherein the step of determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps is performed based upon history information that indicates an actual amount of resources required to previously perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method as recited in claim 22 , further comprising the steps of for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function step, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function step.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method as recited in claim 22 , further comprising the step of saving data that indicates an actual amount of resources and an actual amount of time that were required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 22 , further comprising the step of reporting status information about performing the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method as recited in claim 22 , wherein: the method further includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, and performing the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps in a sequence that is based upon their relative priorities.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
88 words
The method as recited in claim 28 , wherein: the priority criteria specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, and the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria that specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as recited in claim 28 , wherein the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps are performed in decreasing order of priority.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method as recited in claim 22 , further including the step of only performing a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps during the one or more specified time periods if, based upon the estimated amount of time required to perform the particular administrative function step, the particular administrative function step can be completed during the one or more specified time periods.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method as recited in claim 22 , wherein the step of determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps is performed based upon history information for the plurality of administrative function steps, wherein the history information indicates an actual amount of time required to previously perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for performing a plurality of administrative function steps, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative functions based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods based upon history information that specifies an actual amount of time required to previously perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for performing a plurality of administrative function steps, the method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative functions based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods based upon history information that specifies an actual amount of time required to previously perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method as recited in claim 33 , further comprising the steps of for a particular administrative function from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function step, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function step.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method as recited in claim 33 , further comprising the step of saving data that indicates an actual amount of resources and an actual amount of time that were required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as recited in claim 33 , further comprising the step of reporting status information about performing the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
75 words
The method as recited in claim 33 , further comprising the steps of: generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function step in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function step within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
87 words
The method as recited in claim 33 , wherein: the priority criteria specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria that specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as recited in claim 38 , wherein the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps are performed in decreasing order of priority.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method as recited in claim 33 , further including the steps of: determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, and only performing the particular administrative function step if, based upon the estimated amount of time required to perform the particular administrative function step, the particular administrative function step can be performed within the one or more specified time periods.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
95 words
The method as recited in claim 33 , further including the steps of determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining an amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step, and only performing the particular administrative function step if the amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step are equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function step.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the one or more sequences of one or more instructions including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence that is based upon the relative priorities of each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps and the estimated amount of time determined for each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
158 words
A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the one or more sequences of one or more instructions including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence that is based upon the relative priorities of each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps and the estimated amount of time determined for each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
88 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 42 , wherein: the priority criteria specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria that specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
72 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 42 , further including instructions for performing the step of only performing a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps during the one or more specified time periods if, based upon the estimated amount of time required to perform the particular administrative function step, the particular administrative function step can be completed during the one or more specified time periods.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
65 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 42 , further including instructions for performing the steps of for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the administrative function, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the administrative function.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
50 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 42 , further including instructions for performing the step of saving data that indicates an actual amount of resources and an actual amount of time that were required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
77 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 42 , further including instructions for performing the steps of: generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
167 words
A computer system for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; and a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and containing one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence that is based upon the relative priorities of each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps and the estimated amount of time determined for each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
167 words
A computer system for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; and a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and containing one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence that is based upon the relative priorities of each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps and the estimated amount of time determined for each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
88 words
The computer system as recited in claim 48 , wherein: the priority criteria specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria that specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
90 words
The computer system as recited in claim 48 , wherein the memory further includes instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the step of only performing a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps during the one or more specified time periods if, based upon the estimated amount of time required to perform the particular administrative function step, the particular administrative function step can be completed during the one or more specified time periods.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
83 words
The computer system as recited in claim 48 , wherein the memory further includes instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the administrative function, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the administrative function.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
68 words
The computer system as recited in claim 48 , wherein the memory further includes instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the step of saving data that indicates an actual amount of resources and an actual amount of time that were required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
95 words
The computer system as recited in claim 48 , wherein the memory further includes instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the step of: generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
210 words
A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the one or more sequences of one or more instructions including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; determining an amount of resources that is available to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; only performing particular administrative functions from the plurality of administrative function steps for which the determined amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function steps are equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function steps; generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function step in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function step within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
210 words
A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the one or more sequences of one or more instructions including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; determining an amount of resources that is available to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; only performing particular administrative functions from the plurality of administrative function steps for which the determined amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function steps are equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function steps; generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function step in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function step within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
57 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 54 , wherein the step of determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps is performed based upon history information that indicates an actual amount of resources required to previously perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
89 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 54 , further comprising one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function step, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function step.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
77 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 54 , further comprising one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, and performing the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps in a sequence that is based upon their relative priorities.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
107 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 54 , further comprising one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the particular administrative function steps are performed within the one or more specified time periods in a sequence that is based upon the relative priorities of each of the plurality of administrative function steps and the estimated amount of times determined for each of the particular administrative function steps.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
219 words
A computer system for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; and a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; determining an amount of resources that is available to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; only performing particular administrative functions from the plurality of administrative function steps for which the determined amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function steps are equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function steps; generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function step in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function step within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
219 words
A computer system for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; and a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; determining an amount of resources that is available to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; only performing particular administrative functions from the plurality of administrative function steps for which the determined amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function steps are equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function steps; generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function step in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function step within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
57 words
The computer system as recited in claim 59 , wherein the step of determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps is performed based upon history information that indicates an actual amount of resources required to previously perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
92 words
The computer system as recited in claim 59 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function step, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function step.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
80 words
The computer system as recited in claim 59 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, and performing the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps in a sequence that is based upon their relative priorities.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
110 words
The computer system as recited in claim 59 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the particular administrative function steps are performed within the one or more specified time periods in a sequence that is based upon the relative priorities of each of the plurality of administrative function steps and the estimated amount of times determined for each of the particular administrative function steps.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
191 words
A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the one or more sequences of one or more instructions including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; performing one or more of the plurality of administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence based upon the estimated amount of times determined for each of the plurality of administrative function steps; and generating state information for a particular administrative function that is started in a particular time period, the state information specifying sufficient information about the particular administrative function step so that if the particular administrative function cannot be completed during the particular time period, then processing of the particular administrative function step can be halted at or before the end of the particular time period and later continued based upon the state information.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
191 words
A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the one or more sequences of one or more instructions including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; performing one or more of the plurality of administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence based upon the estimated amount of times determined for each of the plurality of administrative function steps; and generating state information for a particular administrative function that is started in a particular time period, the state information specifying sufficient information about the particular administrative function step so that if the particular administrative function cannot be completed during the particular time period, then processing of the particular administrative function step can be halted at or before the end of the particular time period and later continued based upon the state information.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
119 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 64 , further comprising one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative steps, determining an amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step, and only performing the particular administrative function step if the amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step is equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function step.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
65 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 64 , further comprising the steps of for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function step, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function step.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
77 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 64 , further comprising one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, and performing the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps in a sequence that is based upon their relative priorities.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
93 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 64 , further comprising one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the step of only performing a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps during the one or more specified time periods if, based upon the estimated amount of time required to perform the particular administrative function step, the particular administrative function step can be completed during the one or more specified time periods.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
200 words
A computer system for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; and a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; performing one or more of the plurality of administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence based upon the estimated amount of times determined for each of the plurality of administrative function steps; and generating state information for a particular administrative function that is started in a particular time period, the state information specifying sufficient information about the particular administrative function step so that if the particular administrative function cannot be completed during the particular time period, then processing of the particular administrative function step can be halted at or before the end of the particular time period and later continued based upon the state information.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
200 words
A computer system for performing a plurality of administrative functions, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; and a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; determining an estimated amount of time that is required to perform each of the plurality of administrative function steps; performing one or more of the plurality of administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods in a sequence based upon the estimated amount of times determined for each of the plurality of administrative function steps; and generating state information for a particular administrative function that is started in a particular time period, the state information specifying sufficient information about the particular administrative function step so that if the particular administrative function cannot be completed during the particular time period, then processing of the particular administrative function step can be halted at or before the end of the particular time period and later continued based upon the state information.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
122 words
The computer system as recited in claim 69 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative steps, determining an amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step, and only performing the particular administrative function step if the amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step is equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function step.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
92 words
The computer system as recited in claim 69 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function step, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function step.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
80 words
The computer system as recited in claim 69 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, and performing the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps in a sequence that is based upon their relative priorities.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
96 words
The computer system as recited in claim 69 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the step of only performing a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps during the one or more specified time periods if, based upon the estimated amount of time required to perform the particular administrative function step, the particular administrative function step can be completed during the one or more specified time periods.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
125 words
A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions for performing a plurality of administrative function steps, the one or more sequences of one or more instructions including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative functions based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods based upon history information that specifies an actual amount of time required to previously perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
125 words
A computer-readable medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions for performing a plurality of administrative function steps, the one or more sequences of one or more instructions including instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative functions based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods based upon history information that specifies an actual amount of time required to previously perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
88 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 74 , further comprising one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of for a particular administrative function from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function step, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function step.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
100 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 74 , further comprising one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function step in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function step within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
88 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 74 , wherein: the priority criteria specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria that specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
120 words
The computer-readable medium as recited in claim 74 , further comprising one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform a particular administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining an amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step, and only performing the particular administrative function step if the amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step are equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function step.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
134 words
A computer system for performing a plurality of administrative function steps, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; and a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative functions based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods based upon history information that specifies an actual amount of time required to previously perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
134 words
A computer system for performing a plurality of administrative function steps, the computer system comprising: one or more processors; and a memory communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of determining a plurality of administrative function steps to be performed; prioritizing the plurality of administrative functions based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps; and performing one or more of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps within one or more specified time periods based upon history information that specifies an actual amount of time required to previously perform each of the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
91 words
The computer system as recited in claim 79 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of for a particular administrative function from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining a set of one or more environment conditions to improve the efficiency of performing the particular administrative function step, and establishing the set of one or more environment conditions prior to performing the particular administrative function step.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
103 words
The computer system as recited in claim 79 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of: generating and storing state information for a particular administrative function step from the plurality of prioritized administrative function steps, terminating performing the particular administrative function step in response to an end of the one or more specified time periods, and continuing processing of the particular administrative function step within one or more other specified time periods based upon the stored state information.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
88 words
The computer system as recited in claim 79 , wherein: the priority criteria specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps, and the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps includes the step of prioritizing the plurality of administrative function steps based upon priority criteria that specify a relative importance for each of the plurality of administrative function steps to produce a plurality of prioritized administrative function steps.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
124 words
The computer system as recited in claim 79 , wherein the memory further comprises one or more sequences of additional instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of determining an estimated amount of resources that is required to perform a particular of administrative function step from the plurality of administrative function steps, determining an amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step, and only performing the particular administrative function step if the amount of resources that is available to perform the particular administrative function step are equal to or greater than the estimated amount of resources that is required to perform the particular administrative function step.
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