A method of generating a backup copy of a database system. Modifications made to the database since the generation of a prior backup copy are summarized in a bit map on a page basis. When the next backup copy is made, only modified pages are transmitted and merged with the prior copy. Plural backup passes are made. New modifications are allowed to occur to the database on all but the last pass. Any database modification made at an address that has already been examined during a pass is backed-up...

An office automation system that provides for the incorporation of documents of all types by integrating images into the system. A minicomputer-based system includes applications such as word processing, data base, and mail, each of which can access image documents. Bulk storage of document images is provided using a variety of storage media such as microfilm, microfiche, and optical disks. An image access subsystem provides to each of the office automation applications uniform access to images ...

A file sharing system, comprising a file access processor and a plurality of application support processors; and the file access processor, in turn, includes a central data access system and a storage system is provided to form directories from data in the database, and to change data in that database. Each support processor includes a local cache to acquire and hold directories formed by the data access system; and for each directory acquired by at least one support processor, the data access s...

An identifier generator produces unique identifiers for objects in a distributed computer system by concatenating (i) the identifier of the node associated with the object--a unique space component; (ii) the current time read from an associated clock, adjusted such that no two identifiers created by the same generator have the same current time, regardless of the resolution of the associated clock--a unique time component; and (iii) a random name-sequence; and (iv) a (software/hardware) version ...

An improved method for access to data from a remote computer and an improved method for accessing remote heterogeneous data bases. The method includes a personal computer having an application program for processing data by keyboard input that operates on a local applications data base having files with a first file structure. A remote host computer accesses data in remote files having a second file structure. A preselected keystroke of the first computer modifies the data accession program of t...

A method of performing remote process execution in a computer network. A remote process execution request, including an identification of a process to be executed, is transmitted from a requesting computer to a serving computer. At both the requesting and the serving computers, a file addressing structure is established, so that a file reference by the remote process at the serving computer addresses a file located at the requesting computer. The remote process is activated at the serving comput...

A multitask multiuser system provides for efficient transfer of data from a remote data base to individual subscribers and has particular utility in the distribution of stock market data. A primary provider distributes the incoming data directly to user tasks or to an inquiry provider or a monitor provider. The inquiry provider responds to specific inquiries by users for information in the data base. The monitor provider maintains lists of information which are being monitored by the host comput...

A distributed information retrieval system in which the central computer is connected to a plurality of terminal devices and the management information includes a set of retrieval keys kept on the central computer side where the primary retrieval is achieved. The secondary retrieval thereafter is executed on the terminal side to reduce the load imposed on the central computer and to improve the response time for forwarding an answer to the user of the retrieval system.

A file editing method and a system therefor is used in a file editing system for sequentially connecting the files, which are stored in memory devices of a plurality of distributed devices connected to a common signal transmission line, to an edition data flowing on the common signal transmission line. Each of the devices sends a structuring message having the combination and order of the files to be connected to the common signal transmission line; judges whether or not its own file is containe...

The need for private copies of an interchange document file in a computer system is eliminated by building a common architected index characterized in that (1) it includes selected indexable elements each having sufficient associated pointers for environment and resource specifications to be accessed as stand-alone entities and (2) is structured to be handled by all application programs or processes understanding the interchange protocol. Normal work with a file requires reading the entire docum...