Abstract: Multiple functional blocks (agents) in a complex integrated circuit are connected to a physically-distant shared resource (e.g. a memory controller) through packet buses which do not depend on establishing clock-cycle sequenced handshakes. On-chip repeaters including one or more register stages are used to segment the agent-shared resource interconnects into multiple segments, each shorter than a single-clock-cycle pathlength. The interconnects of multiple closely-spaced agents can be routed to the shared resource through an on-chip router having a single routed connection to the shared resource, for reducing the floorplan space taken by interconnects. The packet-based communications protocols do not require redesigning the agents or memory controller to make protocol changes accounting for the clock cycles inserted by repeaters and/or routers.

Abstract: An arrangement to provide personalized services to customers, such as hotel guests or hospital patients, wherein the personalized services are based upon a personal preference profile collected for each individual. The services are displayed to the guest or patient via an in-room monitor. Moreover, the personal preferences are modified during the guest's or patient's present stay, and saved after the stay for later visits. In addition, a personal presence of host personnel, such as personnel at a front desk or an admission desk, may be integrated into the display on the in-room monitor.

Abstract: A canonical programming method for integrating intelligence into a communications service at a switching node. The communications service is implemented with a program stored in a processing unit which receives and transmits messages from and to ports, respectively. Each incoming message, which includes a control part and a payload part, is parsed to determine if a modification is required. If no modification is required, a message corresponding to the incoming message is transmitted to one or more of the ports. If modification is required, then the message is further processed with the stored program to produce program-generated events and subsequent actions which thereby engender the intelligent communications service.

Abstract: A distribution element composed of a crossbar-type switch with four independent ports and direct multicast transfer capability which effects a direct interface to applications with an instruction sets for the distribution element, the sets providing for global memory sharing, synchronization, and lossless flow control.

Abstract: The states of a distributed finite state machine composed of a plurality of devices are coordinated by a sequence of operations to effect a self-timed cycle. Each device is arranged to apply a voltage over one or more leads and measure the current on the corresponding leads. With the methodology, while engendering self-timed cycles, the number of leads interconnecting the devices is also minimized.