US6944662B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and methods providing automatic distributed data retrieval, analysis and reporting services
Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co TSMC Ltd
•
Filing: 2001-05-04
•
Granted: 2005-09-13
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Expires: 2021-05-04
Abstract
Abstract A data processing system includes a network containing of a set of connected devices, where individual ones of the connected devices include a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from the network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that form a first sub-set of the connected devices. Individual ones of the publisher connected devices maintain a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that form a second sub-set of connected devices. The publisher connected devices provide a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, which may be a push trigger, a pull trigger, or a combination of push and pull triggers. A given one of the connected devices may be a member of only the first sub-set of connected devices, or may be a member of only the second sub-set of connected devices, or may be a member of both the first sub-set of connected devices and the second sub-set of connected devices. The set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device (TLCD), where the plurality of TLCDs are coupled together in a ring for propagating system administration information between the plurality of clusters. Services remain operative even after the connected device on which they initially reside becomes inoperative. This is accomplished by migrating the publication function to at least one other connected device when a current publisher's connected device becomes inoperative for any reason. A backup of last resort is referred to as a persistent connected device.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L. S. Devine
- 👤 Robert J. Stoner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 02:17
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/90; G06F16/95; G06F16/958
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 90
Claim 1
Independent Claim
249 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein individual ones of said publisher connected devices of said first sub-set of connected devices have at least one back-up connected device to publish the service upon the unavailability of said publisher connected device, said at least one back-up connected device storing data and procedures required to publish the service should the publisher connected device become unavailable.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
249 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein individual ones of said publisher connected devices of said first sub-set of connected devices have at least one back-up connected device to publish the service upon the unavailability of said publisher connected device, said at least one back-up connected device storing data and procedures required to publish the service should the publisher connected device become unavailable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein said triggering event is comprised of an occurrence of a push trigger defined by said publisher connected device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein said triggering event is comprised of an occurrence of a pull trigger defined by said subscriber connected device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein said triggering event is comprised of an occurrence of a push trigger defined by said publisher connected device and by an occurrence of a pull trigger defined by said subscriber connected device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein a content of said first list is changed automatically as connected devices connect to and disconnect from said network.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one of said published services is based on the operation of a spreadsheet engine operated by one of said publisher connected devices.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein said network is comprised of a Local Area Network (LAN), and wherein said connected devices self-register on the LAN when connecting to the LAN using Mailslots.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein said network is comprised of a Wide Area Network (WAN), and wherein said connected devices self-register on the WAN when connecting to the WAN using Named Pipes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
47 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one of said published services retrieves data in response to a database query originated by a subscriber connected device, wherein the data is retrieved from a database where the publisher connected device has access rights.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
58 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one of said published services is offered by a first publisher connected device that subscribes to at least one second publisher connected device, wherein a report generated by said first publisher connected device comprises a portion of a report received from the second publisher connected device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
59 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one of said published services is offered by a first publisher connected device that subscribes to at least one second publisher connected device, wherein a report generated by said first publisher connected device comprises a processed portion of a report received from the second publisher connected device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least, some of the set of connected devices communicate over said network using TCP/IP.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at one of said set of connected devices is coupled to said network through a wireless link.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
63 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one of said connected devices comprises a measuring machine that generates data and publishes the data in a report service to which at least one publisher connected device subscribes, said subscribing publisher connected device offering a service that reports all or a portion of the data generated by said measuring machine.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
266 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein at least one of said connected devices comprises a measuring machine that generates data and publishes the data in a report service comprising a spreadsheet to which at least one publisher connected device subscribes, said subscribing publisher connected device executing a spreadsheet engine that treats at leas some of said data as spreadsheet variables and offers a service that reports a result of a processing of said spreadsheet variables by said spreadsheet engine.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
266 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein at least one of said connected devices comprises a measuring machine that generates data and publishes the data in a report service comprising a spreadsheet to which at least one publisher connected device subscribes, said subscribing publisher connected device executing a spreadsheet engine that treats at leas some of said data as spreadsheet variables and offers a service that reports a result of a processing of said spreadsheet variables by said spreadsheet engine.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A data processing system as in claim 15 , wherein a triggering event comprises a change in state in at least one of said spreadsheet variables.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
47 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein a database is stored in a distributed manner by a plurality of said connected devices, and wherein subscribers to said database issue queries that are responded to in a distributed manner by said plurality of connected devices.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
49 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein a publisher connected device maintains a data warehouse by subscribing to at least one publisher connected device that is coupled to a database, and responds to a query from a connected device for data stored in said data warehouse.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
56 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one database is accessible to a publisher connected device to which a subscriber connected device issues queries, said publisher connected device issuing a database query on behalf of the subscriber connected device and returns a result of the query to the subscriber connected device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
64 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein a database is maintained by at least one publisher connected device, said database storing data related to a project, and wherein a subscriber connected device has access to at least a portion of said project-related data regardless of its storage location, so long as said publisher connected device has access to the project-related data.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
220 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein a service offered by a publisher connected device migrates to at least one backup connected device that forms a part of a hierarchy of backup connected devices.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
220 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein a service offered by a publisher connected device migrates to at least one backup connected device that forms a part of a hierarchy of backup connected devices.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
A data processing system as in claim 21 , wherein one of said connected devices of said hierarchy of backup connected devices is designated as a persistent backup connected device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
51 words
A data processing system as in claim 21 , wherein a connected device's location within the hierarchy of backup connected devices is determined based on a plurality of criteria, including the availability and available processing power of each connected device being considered for placement into the hierarchy of backup connected devices.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
A data processing system as in claim 23 , wherein both long term and short term scores are derived using said criteria.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
A data processing system as in claim 22 , wherein said persistent backup connected device is comprised of a mainframe computer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
66 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein a database is maintained by at least one publisher connected device, said database storing data related to a project, and wherein a subscriber connected device has access to at least a portion of said project-related data, including project-related data stored in private folders, so long as said publisher connected device has access to the project-related data.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein a publisher defines a service through the use of a scripting engine.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
46 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein a reporting of services to subscriber connected devices is conducted through a user interface that comprises a browser in the subscriber connected device that views web pages provided by a server of the publisher connected device.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein said system is COM-compliant.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
27 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one service is provisioned, at least in part, by interoperability with a COM-compliant application program.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein individual ones of said connected devices comprise middleware software and function as middleware servers.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
50 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein said set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device (TLCD), and wherein TLCDs are coupled together in a ring for propagating system administration information between said plurality of clusters.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
A data processing system as in claim 32 , wherein said system administration information is used at least in part for changing a content of said first list as connected devices connect to and disconnect from said network.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
63 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one of said published services is a data retrieval service wherein a connected device having privileges to access a database employs a query tool to compose a query, wherein and said query is placed at the disposal of a subscriber connected device who does not have privileges to access the database.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
72 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one of said published services is a data retrieval service wherein a connected device having privileges to access a database is responsive to a query composed by a subscriber connected device, who does not have privileges to access the database, to access the database using the query and to return the results of the query to the subscriber connected device.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
280 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein a service offered by a publisher connected device migrates to at least one backup connected device that forms a part of a hierarchy of backup connected devices, wherein a determination of the hierarchy of appropriate backup connected devices is based at least in part on a score derived from long term loads, and wherein balancing of the load on backup connected devices is accomplished at least in part by limiting the number of services that may become active based on a score derived from short term loads.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
280 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein a service offered by a publisher connected device migrates to at least one backup connected device that forms a part of a hierarchy of backup connected devices, wherein a determination of the hierarchy of appropriate backup connected devices is based at least in part on a score derived from long term loads, and wherein balancing of the load on backup connected devices is accomplished at least in part by limiting the number of services that may become active based on a score derived from short term loads.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
267 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein said set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a to level connected device (TLCD), and wherein TLCDs are coupled together in a ring for propagating system administration information between said plurality of clusters, wherein a service offered by a publisher connected device migrates to at least one backup connected device, wherein the backup connected device is constrained to reside within the cluster of the publisher connected device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
267 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein said set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a to level connected device (TLCD), and wherein TLCDs are coupled together in a ring for propagating system administration information between said plurality of clusters, wherein a service offered by a publisher connected device migrates to at least one backup connected device, wherein the backup connected device is constrained to reside within the cluster of the publisher connected device.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein a reporting service is implemented by a fanout mechanism so as to reduce the load on a publisher connected device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
61 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein said set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device (TLCD), and wherein a connected device is enabled to locate a service with certain attributes by a drill down procedure through information about a service provided by a publisher connected device.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
94 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein said set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device (TLCD), and wherein a connected device is enabled to locate a service with certain attributes by issuing a query that is passed all TLCDs, and TLCDs pass the query to all cluster member connected devices, and those cluster member connected devices that return an output do so to the connected device that issues the query in a manner that is unmediated by said TLCDs.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
40 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein in response to a connected device applying to a publisher connected device for a subscription, said publisher connected device one of selectively grants the subscription or grants the subscription automatically.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
48 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one publisher connected device provides a service that is responsive to commands native to at least one of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system, or a Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
38 words
A data processing system as in claim 32 , wherein said clusters are constructed in parallel as connected devices request connection to the system so as to add connected devices in turn to individual ones of N clusters.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
267 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected device comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of th connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein said set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device (TLCD), and wherein TLCDs are coupled together in a ring for propagating system administration information between said plurality of clusters, wherein said clusters are constructed sequentially so as to add connected devices to one cluster until the cluster reaches a predetermined size, and to then add the next connected device to a next cluster.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
267 words
A data processing system that comprises a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected device comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of th connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, said publisher connected devices providing a service output to registered service subscriber connected devices upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event, wherein a given one of said connected devices is one of a member of only said first sub-set of connected devices, a member of only said second sub-set of connected devices, or a member of both said first sub-set of connected devices and said second sub-set of connected devices, wherein said set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device (TLCD), and wherein TLCDs are coupled together in a ring for propagating system administration information between said plurality of clusters, wherein said clusters are constructed sequentially so as to add connected devices to one cluster until the cluster reaches a predetermined size, and to then add the next connected device to a next cluster.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
A data processing system as in claim 22 , wherein said persistent backup connected device is comprised of a central server.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
40 words
A data processing system as in claim 1 , wherein a reporting of services to subscriber connected devices is conducted by a web server of the publisher connected device that hosts a report in the form of a web page.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
185 words
A data processing system that includes a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, wherein at least one publisher connected device offers a data retrieval service from at least one database, and wherein at least one service subscriber connected device is registered to receive said data retrieval service, wherein said data retrieval service automatically moves to at least one backup connected device at least upon an occurrence of the publisher connected device becoming unable to provide the data retrieval service.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
185 words
A data processing system that includes a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, wherein at least one publisher connected device offers a data retrieval service from at least one database, and wherein at least one service subscriber connected device is registered to receive said data retrieval service, wherein said data retrieval service automatically moves to at least one backup connected device at least upon an occurrence of the publisher connected device becoming unable to provide the data retrieval service.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
37 words
A data processing system as in claim 47 , wherein said at least one publisher connected device provides retrieved data to a registered service subscriber connected device upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
36 words
A data processing system as in claim 47 , said at least one backup connected device is one of a hierarchy of backup connected devices, one of which is designated as a persistent backup connected device.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
34 words
A data processing system as in claim 47 , wherein said publisher connected device makes a database query on behalf of the subscriber connected device who does not have privileges to access the database.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
53 words
A data processing system as in claim 47 , wherein said set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device (TLCD), and wherein said plurality of TLCDs are coupled together in a ring for propagating system administration information between said plurality of clusters.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
39 words
A data processing system as in claim 47 , wherein said publisher connected device makes a database query on behalf of the subscriber connected device, where the subscriber connected device is coupled to said network through a wireless link.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
53 words
A data processing system as in claim 47 , wherein said database stores data related to a project, and wherein said subscriber connected device has access to at least a portion of said project-related data regardless of its storage location, so long as said publisher connected device has access to the project-related data.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
235 words
A data processing system that includes a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, wherein at least one publisher connected device offers a project data management retrieval service providing access to project management data that comprises project-related files and communications, and wherein at least one service subscriber connected device is registered to use said project management data retrieval service and to have access to at least a portion of said project management data regardless of its storage location, so long as said at least one publisher connected device has access to the project-related data, wherein said project data management retrieval service automatically moves to at least one backup connected device at least upon an occurrence of the publisher connected device becoming unable to provide the project data management retrieval service.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
235 words
A data processing system that includes a network comprised of a set of connected devices, individual ones of said connected devices of said set of connected devices comprising a data processor that executes a program for connecting to and disconnecting from said network and for maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices that are members of a first sub-set of the connected devices, individual ones of said publisher connected devices maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of registered service subscriber connected devices that are members of a second sub-set of connected devices, wherein at least one publisher connected device offers a project data management retrieval service providing access to project management data that comprises project-related files and communications, and wherein at least one service subscriber connected device is registered to use said project management data retrieval service and to have access to at least a portion of said project management data regardless of its storage location, so long as said at least one publisher connected device has access to the project-related data, wherein said project data management retrieval service automatically moves to at least one backup connected device at least upon an occurrence of the publisher connected device becoming unable to provide the project data management retrieval service.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
39 words
A data processing system as in claim 54 , wherein said at least one publisher connected device provides the project management data to a registered service subscriber connected device upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
37 words
A data processing system as in claim 54 , wherein said at least one backup connected device is one of a hierarchy of backup connected devices, one of which is designated as a persistent backup connected device.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
53 words
A data processing system as in claim 54 , wherein said set of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device (TLCD), and wherein said plurality of TLCDs are coupled together in a ring for propagating system administration information between said plurality of clusters.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
39 words
A data processing system as in claim 54 , wherein said publisher connected device retrieves project management data for the subscriber connected device, and sends the retrieved project management data to the subscriber connected device through a wireless link.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for operating a network comprised of a plurality of connected devices, comprising: in each connected device, maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices; in each publisher connected device, maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of service subscriber connected devices that are registered to receive the service published by said publisher connected device upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event; logically organizing the plurality of connected devices into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device, wherein said plurality of top level connected devices are coupled together in a ring structure for propagating system administration information between said plurality of clusters; and automatically moving the service published by said publisher connected device to at least one backup connected device at least upon an occurrence of the publisher connected device becoming unable to provide the service.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for operating a network comprised of a plurality of connected devices, comprising: in each connected device, maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices; in each publisher connected device, maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of service subscriber connected devices that are registered to receive the service published by said publisher connected device upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event; logically organizing the plurality of connected devices into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device, wherein said plurality of top level connected devices are coupled together in a ring structure for propagating system administration information between said plurality of clusters; and automatically moving the service published by said publisher connected device to at least one backup connected device at least upon an occurrence of the publisher connected device becoming unable to provide the service.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method as in claim 59 , wherein said at least one backup connected device is one of a hierarchy of backup connected devices, and further comprising designating one of said hierarchy of backup connected devices to be a persistent backup connected device.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
85 words
A method as in claim 59 , wherein said publisher connected device offers a project data management retrieval service providing access to project management data that comprises project-related files and communications, and wherein at least one service subscriber connected device is registered to use said project management data retrieval service and to have access to at least a portion of said project management data regardless of its storage location, so long as said at least one publisher connected device has access to the project-related data.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as in claim 61 , wherein said publisher connected device retrieves project management data for the subscriber connected device, and further comprising sending the retrieved project management data to the subscriber connected device through a wireless link.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as in claim 59 , wherein said publisher connected device offers a data retrieval service from at least one database, and wherein at least one service subscriber connected device is registered to receive said data retrieval service.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 63 , wherein said publisher connected device makes a database query on behalf of the subscriber connected device who does not have privileges to access the database.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as in claim 63 , wherein said publisher connected device makes a database query on behalf of the subscriber connected device, and further comprising sending a result of query to the subscriber connected device through a wireless link.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as in claim 63 , wherein said database stores data related to a project, and wherein said subscriber connected device has access to at least a portion of said project-related data regardless of its storage location, so long as said publisher connected device has access to the project-related data.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as in claim 59 , wherein said publisher connected device offers a data mining service for data stored in at least one database, and wherein at least one service subscriber connected device is registered to use said data mining service.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as in claim 59 , wherein said publisher connected device offers a data warehouse service for data obtained from at least one database, and wherein at least one service subscriber connected device is registered to use said data warehouse service.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method as in claim 59 , wherein said publisher connected device offers a service based on a spreadsheet engine, and wherein at least one service subscriber connected device receives a report upon an occurrence of a change of state of at least one spreadsheet variable.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method as in claim 59 , wherein said publisher connected device provides a data retrieval service from at least one database, wherein at least one service subscriber connected device is registered for generating queries to said data retrieval service, and wherein said publisher connected device functions as a proxy to make a database query on behalf of the subscriber connected device.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 59 , and further comprising accounting for use of a service provided by said publisher connected device.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computer program embodied on at least computer-readable medium the execution of which in a network comprised of a plurality of connected devices results in computer-implemented actions comprising: in each connected device, maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices; in each publisher connected device, maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of service subscriber connected devices that are registered to receive the service published by said publisher connected device upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event; and automatically moving the service published by said publisher connected device to at least one backup connected device at least upon an occurrence of the publisher connected device becoming unable to provide the service.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
139 words
A computer program embodied on at least computer-readable medium the execution of which in a network comprised of a plurality of connected devices results in computer-implemented actions comprising: in each connected device, maintaining a first list descriptive of other connected devices and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher connected devices; in each publisher connected device, maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of service subscriber connected devices that are registered to receive the service published by said publisher connected device upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event; and automatically moving the service published by said publisher connected device to at least one backup connected device at least upon an occurrence of the publisher connected device becoming unable to provide the service.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
52 words
A computer program as in claim 72 , where the plurality of connected devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device, wherein said plurality of top level connected devices are coupled together for propagating at least system administration information between said plurality of clusters.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
43 words
A computer program as in claim 72 , where said at least one backup connected device is one of a hierarchy of backup connected devices, where at least one member of said hierarchy of backup connected devices is a persistent backup connected device.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
84 words
A computer program as in claim 72 , where said publisher connected device offers a project data management retrieval service providing access to project management data that comprises project-related files and communications, and where at least one service subscriber connected device is registered to use said project management data retrieval service and to have access to at least a portion of said project management data regardless of its storage location, so long as said one publisher connected device has access to the project-related data.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
130 words
A device comprising a data processor and an interface for coupling to a network for communication with other devices coupled to the network, comprising: means for maintaining a first list descriptive of other devices coupled to the network and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher devices; where as a publisher device said device further comprises means for maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of service subscriber at are registered to receive the service published by said publisher device upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event; and means for automatically moving the published service to at least one backup device at least upon an occurrence of becoming unable to provide the service.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
130 words
A device comprising a data processor and an interface for coupling to a network for communication with other devices coupled to the network, comprising: means for maintaining a first list descriptive of other devices coupled to the network and a second list descriptive of at least some user-defined services published by individual ones of publisher devices; where as a publisher device said device further comprises means for maintaining a third list descriptive of an individual one or individual ones of service subscriber at are registered to receive the service published by said publisher device upon an occurrence of at least one predetermined triggering event; and means for automatically moving the published service to at least one backup device at least upon an occurrence of becoming unable to provide the service.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
47 words
A device as in claim 76 , where the plurality of devices are logically organized into a plurality of clusters each having a top level connected device, wherein top level connected devices are coupled together for propagating at least system administration information between said plurality of clusters.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device as in claim 76 , where said at least one backup device is one of a hierarchy of backup devices, where at least one member of said hierarchy of backup devices is a persistent backup device.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
85 words
A device as in claim 76 , where said publisher device comprises means to offer a project data management retrieval service to provide access to project management data that comprises project-related files and communications, and where at least one service subscriber device comprises means to register to use said project management data retrieval service and to have access to at least a portion of said project management data regardless of its storage location, so long as said publisher device has access to the project-related data.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2008-09-12 | 2009-03-14 | 2009-09-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-09-12 | 2013-03-14 | 2013-09-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-09-12 | 2017-03-14 | 2017-09-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |