Abstract: A method and system for decompressing a program word that is subsequently delivered to a processor for execution. Program word fields are compressed based on regularities between operations and operands. The resulting microcode, which describes the trajectory of the program, is stored in program memory and fed to dynamic program decompression devices, or dyprodes, which are assembled using registers and multiplexers and are driven by a clock, reset signals, and the microcode. At each cycle, the dyprodes produce an uncompressed field of the program word. The reassembled program word is then passed on to a processor for execution. The use of a dyprode system reduces program memory required to store code and reduces the size of the bus connecting a microprocessor to off-chip program memory.

Abstract: A circuit and method for expanding the pulse width of a signal based on the input signal's pulse width. A circuit generates a delay equal to the pulse width of the input signal for both a SHIFT and OUT signal, which are out of phase with each other. The delay is generated when a capacitor applies voltage to two control transistors in both the SHIFT and OUT blocks, reducing gate control in these transistors and generating a delay in the falling edge of these signals such that the pulse width of the SHIFT signal is reduced and the pulse width of the OUT signal is increased. The capacitor is charged by a transistor activated by the SHIFT signal. The pulse-doubling system is self-converging: when the SHIFT signal's pulse width is zero, the OUT signal's pulse width is doubled, and the capacitor's charging level is fixed since it is no longer charged by the transistor controlled by the SHIFT signal.

Abstract: A system and method for finding available memory space associated with an inactive memory transfer controller and activating the inactive memory transfer controller using indexed addressing. A memory transfer engine includes a plurality of memory transfer controllers, each configured to move data from a source address to a destination address. An active memory transfer controller can execute an instruction to find an inactive memory transfer controller associated with available memory space. The inactive memory transfer controller is activated by writing to its hardware registers, thereby assigning it a task, using indexed addressing.

Abstract: A method of playing an interactive, computerized, multi-player card game in which desired cards are selected by players, some of which may be virtual players generated by the game's software. Each real player uses a computer or similar device that is connected to a network. Virtual player card selection and betting is controlled by computer software. After each player has selected a card in a round, computer software determines what card each player is dealt. Null cards having no value in the scoring are dealt when there is a conflict in card selection or when a player fails to select a card within a time limit. The games follow the rules of poker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for our artificial aquarium featuring artificial creatures, such as fish, behaving in a life-like manner. A tank is equipped with electromagnets which create magnetic fields which act on magnets within the artificial fishes' bodies, causing them to move. The tank's electromagnets are activated by a programmable logic controller (PLC). Input devices placed in the tank may send signals to the PLC, causing the activation or deactivation of certain electromagnets which affects the movements of the fish. Water flow from a water pump may also cause the artificial fishes to move.