Abstract: Techniques are provided to enable mid-thread (instruction level) preemption in a graphics processor without requiring software intervention by a graphics driver associated with the graphics processor. Hardware based mid-thread preemption is facilitated using the thread dispatch hardware of the graphics processor to trigger execution of a kernel program by the graphics processor that saves the thread state of preempted processing resources and facilitates the subsequent restoration of that thread state to the same or a different set of processing resources.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to enable mid-thread (instruction level) preemption in a graphics processor without requiring software intervention by a graphics driver associated with the graphics processor. Hardware based mid-thread preemption is facilitated using the thread dispatch hardware of the graphics processor to trigger execution of a kernel program by the graphics processor that saves the thread state of preempted processing resources and facilitates the subsequent restoration of that thread state to the same or a different set of processing resources.

Abstract: Described herein is a graphics processor having processing resources with configurable thread and register configurations. Program code can configure a number of registers and accumulators that will be used by hardware threads during execution of the program code by the graphics processor. Processing resources within the graphics processor can be configured to assign different numbers of registers and accumulators to hardware threads based on the configuration requested by program code to be executed by the processing resource.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate barrier state save and restore for preemption in a graphics environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes processing resources to execute a plurality of execution threads that are comprised in a thread group (TG) and mid-thread preemption barrier save and restore hardware circuitry to: initiate an exception handling routine in response to a mid-thread preemption event, the exception handling routine to cause a barrier signaling event to be issued; receive indication of a valid designated thread status for a thread of a thread group (TG) in response to the barrier signaling event; and in response to receiving the indication of the valid designated thread status for the thread of the TG, cause, by the thread of the TG having the valid designated thread status, a barrier save routine and a barrier restore routine to be initiated for named barriers of the TG.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate barrier state save and restore for preemption in a graphics environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes processing resources to execute a plurality of execution threads that are comprised in a thread group (TG) and mid-thread preemption barrier save and restore hardware circuitry to: initiate an exception handling routine in response to a mid-thread preemption event, the exception handling routine to cause a barrier signaling event to be issued; receive indication of a valid designated thread status for a thread of a thread group (TG) in response to the barrier signaling event; and in response to receiving the indication of the valid designated thread status for the thread of the TG, cause, by the thread of the TG having the valid designated thread status, a barrier save routine and a barrier restore routine to be initiated for named barriers of the TG.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate barrier state save and restore for preemption in a graphics environment is disclosed. The apparatus includes processing resources to execute a plurality of execution threads that are comprised in a thread group (TG) and mid-thread preemption barrier save and restore hardware circuitry to: initiate an exception handling routine in response to a mid-thread preemption event, the exception handling routine to cause a barrier signaling event to be issued; receive indication of a valid designated thread status for a thread of a thread group (TG) in response to the barrier signaling event; and in response to receiving the indication of the valid designated thread status for the thread of the TG, cause, by the thread of the TG having the valid designated thread status, a barrier save routine and a barrier restore routine to be initiated for named barriers of the TG.

Abstract: Broadband messaging gateways, SMS-C's, and associated methods are disclosed that attempt to deliver SMS messages over a broadband data network as opposed to a voice network. When a mobile device sends a Mobile Originated (MO) SMS message, the mobile device sends the MO SMS message to a broadband data network instead of the voice network. The broadband data network then routes the MO SMS message to the appropriate SMS-C. When an SMS-C receives a Mobile Terminated (MT) SMS message destined for a mobile device, the SMS-C forwards the MT SMS message to the broadband data network instead of the voice network. Thus, SMS messages are offloaded from the voice network to the broadband data network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering text messages using both First Delivery Attempt (FDA) processing and store-and-forward processing. A message system in one embodiment includes a message processor that receives a text message intended for a destination, and determines whether a prior text message is pending in a store-and-forward system for the destination. If a prior text message is not pending, then the message processor forwards the received text message to a FDA system for FDA processing. If a prior text message is pending, then the message processor forwards the received text message to the store-and-forward system for store-and-forward processing. The store-and-forward system will deliver the prior text message to the destination before the received text message so that the text messages are delivered in the proper sequence.

Abstract: Broadband messaging gateways, SMS-C's, and associated methods are disclosed that attempt to deliver SMS messages over a broadband data network as opposed to a voice network. When a mobile device sends a Mobile Originated (MO) SMS message, the mobile device sends the MO SMS message to a broadband data network instead of the voice network. The broadband data network then routes the MO SMS message to the appropriate SMS-C. When an SMS-C receives a Mobile Terminated (MT) SMS message destined for a mobile device, the SMS-C forwards the MT SMS message to the broadband data network instead of the voice network. Thus, SMS messages are offloaded from the voice network to the broadband data network.

Abstract: A system for enabling client software applications to interface with peripheral devices over a network. An application connection layer interfaces with a programming language of a client software application. A simple object access protocol (SOAP) client processor communicates with the application connection layer and a client software application using the application connection layer. The SOAP client processor includes an eXtensible mark-up language (XML) processor for converting data provided in XML format to a form usable by the client software application. A transport layer for interfaces with the SOAP processor and peripheral devices connected to the network.

Abstract: A system and method for managing output such as printing, faxing, and e-mail over various types of computer networks. In one aspect, the method provides for printing via a wireless device. The system provides renderable data to the wireless device by which a user-interface (UI) may be rendered. The UI enables users to select source data and an output device on which the source data are to be printed. The source data are then retrieved from a local or remote store and forwarded to a print service, which renders output image data corresponding to the source data and the output device that was selected. The output image data are then submitted to the output device to be physically rendered. The user-interfaces enable wired and wireless devices to access the system. The system enables documents to be printed by reference, and enables access to resources behind firewalls.

Abstract: A system and method for managing output such as printing, faxing, and e-mail over various types of computer networks. In one aspect, the method provides for printing via a wireless device. The system provides renderable data to the wireless device by which a user-interface (UI) may be rendered. The UI enables users to select source data and an output device on which the source data are to be printed. The source data are then retrieved from a local or remote store and forwarded to a print service, which renders output image data corresponding to the source data and the output device that was selected. The output image data are then submitted to the output device to be physically rendered. The user-interfaces enable wired and wireless devices to access the system. The system enables documents to be printed by reference, and enables access to resources behind firewalls.

Abstract: A system and method for managing output such as printing, faxing, and e-mail over various types of computer networks. In one aspect, the system and method provides for accessing print and/or document resources located on private networks behind firewalls. A pass-through communication link is established between system components located on opposing sides of a firewall. A system-served user-interface enables users to select source data and an output device on which the source data are to be printed, either or both of which may reside behind the firewall. The source data are then retrieved and forwarded to a print service, which renders output image data corresponding to the source data and the selected output device. The output image data are then submitted to the output device to be physically rendered. Access to private resources is provided by the pass-through communication link. The system also enables documents to be printed by reference.

Abstract: A system for enabling client software applications to interface with peripheral devices over a network. An application connection layer interfaces with a programming language of a client software application. A simple object access protocol (SOAP) client processor communicates with the application connection layer and a client software application using the application connection layer. The SOAP client processor includes an eXtensible mark-up language (XML) processor for converting data provided in XML format to a form usable by the client software application. A transport layer for interfaces with the SOAP processor and peripheral devices connected to the network.

Abstract: A method of game play, wherein: a game word is selected; a first player forms a clue word or words using allocated letters; and a second player attempts to guess the game word, based on the clue word(s).

Abstract: A dispensing unit (1) for dispensing game playing tokens, including a hopper section (2) for holding tokens, a dispenser section (3) arranged to selectively receive a predetermined number of tokens from the hopper section and a release mechanism (4) for dispensing the tokens from the dispensing section.