In a data processing system, a method for implementing a factor graph having variable nodes and function nodes connected to each other by edges includes implementing a first function node and a on a first computer system, the first computer system being in network communication with a second computer system; establishing a network connection to each of a plurality of processing systems; receiving, at the first function node, soft data from a variable node implemented on one of the processing systems, the soft data including an estimate of a value and information representative of an extent to which the estimate is believed to correspond to a correct value; and transmitting, from the first function node to the one of the processing systems, soft data representing an updated estimate of the value.
Please help me write a proper abstract based on the patent claims. CLAIM: 1. In a data processing system, a method for implementing a factor graph having variable nodes and function nodes connected to each other by edges, said method comprising: implementing a first function node and a on a first computer system, said first computer system being in network communication with a second computer system; establishing a network connection to each of a plurality of processing systems; receiving, at said first function node, soft data from a variable node implemented on one of said processing systems, said soft data including an estimate of a value and information representative of an extent to which said estimate is believed to correspond to a correct value; and transmitting, from said first function node to said one of said processing systems, soft data representing an updated estimate of said value. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving said soft data comprises receiving said information from a soft equals node. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, to said variable node, information for generating a new estimate of said value of said variable associated with said variable node. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said edges are implemented by a network connection. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said variable node comprises an equals gate. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising assigning a unique identifier to said variable node. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving said soft data comprises activating a hyperlink corresponding to said first function node, and transmitting said soft data comprises activating a hyperlink corresponding to said first variable node. 8. A distributed computer system for implementing a factor graph, said system comprising: first computer systems implementing function nodes of said factor graphs; second computer systems implementing variable nodes of said factor graphs; wherein said first and second computer systems are in data communication over a network.