Abstract: An MPEG video decompression method and apparatus utilizing a plurality of stages interconnected by a two-wire interface arranged as a pipeline processing machine. Control tokens and DATA Tokens pass over the single two-wire interface for carrying both control and data in token format. A token decode circuit is positioned in certain of the stages for recognizing certain of the tokens as control tokens pertinent to that stage and for passing unrecognized control tokens along the pipeline. Reconfiguration processing circuits are positioned in selected stages and are responsive to a recognized control token for reconfiguring such stage to handle an identified DATA Token. A wide variety of unique supporting subsystem circuitry and processing techniques are disclosed for implementing the system, including memory addressing, transforming data using a common processing block, time synchronization, asynchronous swing buffering, storing of video information, a parallel Huffman decoder, and the like.

Abstract: A multimedia collaboration system that integrates separate real-time and asynchronous networks--the former for real-time audio and video, and the latter for control signals and textual, graphical and other data--in a manner that is interoperable across different computer and network operating system platforms and which closely approximates the experience of face-to-face collaboration, while liberating the participants from the limitations of time and distance. These capabilities are achieved by exploiting a variety of hardware, software and networking technologies in a manner that preserves the quality and integrity of audio/video/data and other multimedia information, even after wide area transmission, and at a significantly reduced networking cost as compared to what would be required by presently known approaches. The system architecture is readily scalable to the largest enterprise network environments.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a scanning head for electro-optically reading bar code symbols and decoding such symbols into digital decoded signals; a host device having a predetermined data exchange format for exchanging data and control signals with peripheral equipment; an interface arrangement for interconnecting the host device and the scanning head, including a first connector for direct connection to the host device, a second connector for direct connection to a head cable connected to the scanning head; and a conversion circuit for converting the digital decoded signals from the scanning head into digital data signals having a format compatible with the predetermined data exchange format of the host device.

Abstract: A splitter cable provides a means for simultaneously connecting a data terminal's communications port to a plurality of peripheral devices. The cable provides for the flow of data between the data terminal and the peripheral devices. A diode connected to each peripheral device's receive data line protects the device from electrical current associated with data being transmitted by the other peripheral devices. The connected peripheral devices each respond to unique data characteristics. The invention uses the data characteristics to control the transmission of data between the data terminal and the peripheral devices. Communication with the desired peripheral device is accomplished under program control without manual intervention by the user.