Abstract: Peer-to-peer communication is established between two remote computing units over a network channel, even though a permanent network address is not known. An originating computer sends a message over a monitor channel, such as a circuit-switched telephone line, to a receiving computer creating a triggering event. In response to the triggering event, either the originating computer or the receiving computer determines a network address associated with either the originating computer or the receiving computer. Then, using the network address, peer-to-peer communication between the originating computer and receiving computer is established over the network channel.

Abstract: A method and system which is adapted to receive a data stream, and test a series of multiple-bit sequences from this data stream against a plurality of different character forming criteria until both of the following events have occurred. Specifically, a predetermined number of the multiple-bit sequences must be received and tested, and a predetermined mix of multiple-bit sequences satisfying at least two of the character forming criteria must be received and tested. Once both of these events have occurred, then a data word format is determined from the results of this testing, and the computer is configured to interpret and output characters from the data stream in accordance with this data word format setting. The characters interpreted from the data stream are also tested against a plurality of terminal emulation criteria until a character sequence has been detected which is indicative of only one emulation standard.

Abstract: An electronic coin acceptor is described which generally comprises a synthesizer for generating a driving signal having a selectively variable characteristic, a computer for controlling the selectively variable characteristic of the driving signal such that at least one predetermined testing characteristic for each coin denomination to be tested for acceptability is selected for the driving signal in a predetermined sequence, an inductive filter for creating an electromagnetic field in response to the driving signal and for producing an alternating signal which is responsive to an electrically conductive object in the presence of the electromagnetic field, a comparator for detecting when the alternating signal crosses a predetermined threshold level and for producing a level detect signal indicative of the threshold crossing, and the computer including a counter for determining whether a conductive object in the presence of the electromagnetic field is an acceptable coin from the level detect signal.