Method and apparatus for portable object handles that use local caches
First Claim
1. In a computer system adapted for using object oriented programming and software caching techniques in a distributed computing environment, a method for a receiving client to use a local cache manager in making reference to a target object, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) receiving an augmented object handle by said receiving client which comprises a reference to said target object and a reference to a first cache manager;
b) fabricating a new augmented object handle by replacing said reference to said first cache manager with a reference to a second cache manager local to said receiving client if said first cache manager is not on a same machine as is said receiving client;
c) fabricating a new augmented object handle by replacing said reference to said first cache manager with a reference to said target object itself if said first cache manager is not on a same machine as is said receiving client and if there is no suitable cache manager available to provide caching services for said target object on said same machine; and
d) using said new augmented object handle to invoke operations on said target object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for client programs adapted for use in an object oriented, distributed computing system, to have the ability to communicate and use references to objects in a way which improves the benefits of software caching are disclosed. A mechanism is described whereby a network object handle (an augmented object handle) can be used to reference both a server and a local cache manager. When the augmented object handle is transmitted it is automatically updated to use a local cache manager in its target environment (i.e. on the same machine on which the receiving client program resides) if possible.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. In a computer system adapted for using object oriented programming and software caching techniques in a distributed computing environment, a method for a receiving client to use a local cache manager in making reference to a target object, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) receiving an augmented object handle by said receiving client which comprises a reference to said target object and a reference to a first cache manager; b) fabricating a new augmented object handle by replacing said reference to said first cache manager with a reference to a second cache manager local to said receiving client if said first cache manager is not on a same machine as is said receiving client; c) fabricating a new augmented object handle by replacing said reference to said first cache manager with a reference to said target object itself if said first cache manager is not on a same machine as is said receiving client and if there is no suitable cache manager available to provide caching services for said target object on said same machine; and d) using said new augmented object handle to invoke operations on said target object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. In a computer system adapted for using object oriented programming and software caching techniques in a distributed computing environment, an apparatus for enabling a receiving client to use a local cache manager in making reference to a target object, said apparatus comprising:
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a) a computer containing said receiving client, said receiving client having the ability to receive an augmented object handle from another client, said augmented object handle having associated with it a reference to a first cache manager and a reference to said target object; b) a first computer logic means coupled to said computer, for altering said augmented object handle to modify said reference to said first cache manager to a reference to a second cache manager local to said receiving client if said first cache manager is not on said computer containing said receiving client; and c) a second computer logic means coupled to said computer for altering said augmented object handle to modify said reference to said first cache manager to a reference to the target object itself if said first cache manager is not on said computer containing said receiving client and if there is no suitable cache manager available to provide caching services for said target object on said computer containing said receiving client; whereby said receiving client can use said new augmented object handle to invoke operations on said target object. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification