Abstract: An object oriented processor array includes a library of functional objects which are instantiated by commands through a system object and which communicate via a high level language. According to the invention, instantiated objects communicate directly with a script server which is programmed to react to data events generated by instantiated objects. One script server may serve several object oriented processor arrays, or an object oriented processor array may have a local script server. The object oriented processor array may be embodied in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Each functional object may include a discrete hardware processor or may be embodied as a virtual processor within the operations of a single processor. According to one embodiment, the object oriented processor array is formed on a single chip or on a single processor chip and an associated memory chip.

Abstract: An object oriented processor array includes a library of functional objects which are instantiated by commands through a system object and which communicate via a high level language. The object oriented processor array may be embodied in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. Each functional object may include a discrete hardware processor or may be embodied as a virtual processor within the operations of a single processor. According to one embodiment, the object oriented processor array is formed on a single chip or on a single processor chip and an associated memory chip. When several objects are instantiated on a single chip, pins may be assigned to each object via a high level command language. Methods and apparatus for allocating memory to instantiated objects are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for scheduling when several virtual processors are embodied within the operations of a single microprocessor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-timed high speed data communications system includes an N-bit wide data path and a three-bit wide event path. Six states of the event path are used to indicate when data is on the data path for reading and when the data path is available for transmission of data. In a presently preferred embodiment, the event path has three stable states and three meta-stable states. The initial state of the event path is a first stable state. When a user places data on the data path, the event path assumes a first meta-stable state. After the data is read by all users, the event path assumes a second stable state. Further transmission and reception of data cycles the event path through alternating meta-stable and stable states. The event path is preferably zero dominant (one recessive) and stable states are indicated when only one of the three bits are asserted by all users.

Abstract: Distributed processing systems having a host processor and at least one object oriented processor are disclosed. An object oriented processor according to the invention has a communications interface, an intelligent message handler, and a task-specific functionality. The communications interface is coupled to a host processor via a message based communications link. A high level command language is provided which is easily implemented in a host processor program. The command language includes subsets of commands which are understood by different object oriented processors having different functionality. According to one embodiment, the object oriented processor includes support for a broad array of input and output devices. The command language includes high level commands for initializing, reading from and/or writing to the peripherals supported by the object oriented processor.

Abstract: Distributed processing systems having a host processor and at least one object oriented processor are provided. An object oriented processor according to the invention has a communications interface, an intelligent message handler, and a task-specific functionality. The communications interface is coupled to a host processor via a message based communications link. A high level command language is provided which is easily implemented in a host processor program. The command language includes subsets of commands which are understood by different object oriented processors having different functionality. According to one embodiment, the object oriented processor includes support for a broad array of input and output devices. The command language includes high level commands for initializing, reading from and/or writing to the peripherals supported by the object oriented processor.