Abstract: A solution enabling the practical use of very large amounts of memory, external to a host computer system. With physical locality and confinement removed as an impediment, large quantities of memory, here before impractical to physically implement, now become practical. Memory chips and circuit cards no longer must be installed directly in a host system. Instead, the memory resources may be distributed or located centrally on a network, asconvenient, in much the same manner that mass storage is presently implemented.

Abstract: A system for detecting and controlling collusion in a game with a plurality of participating players includes a gaming server and a number of portals in the form of websites on the World Wide Web in the Internet. Each of the portal websites is an online casino website hosted on a corresponding casino web server (not shown). Each of the casino websites is accessible by one or more would-be poker players. Each player accesses the website using a computer with a display and an associated pointing device. The system further includes an administration facility, which communicates with the gaming server along a communication channel, and a collusion detection server in communication with the gaming server via the communication channel.

Abstract: A hardware/software system and method that collectively enables virtualization of the host computer's native I/O system architecture via the Internet and LANs. The invention includes a solution to the problems of the relatively narrow focus of iSCSI, the direct connect limitation of PCI Express, and the inaccessibility of PCI Express for expansion in blade architectures.

Abstract: A self-contained audio/visual presentation system for ease of use. In networks and methods for providing audio/visual presentation systems to facilitators, such as meeting facilities, and by the facilitators to customers of the facilitator, an owner supplies one or more audio/visual presentation systems to a facilitator without relinquishing at least some of its rights to the audio/visual presentation system. The facilitator rents the audio/visual presentation system to its customers. The facilitator compensates the owner for each use of the audio/visual presentation system. A user may obtain an access validation, use the access validation to actuate (e.g., turn on) an audio/visual presentation system, and operate the audio/visual presentation system.

Abstract: A mechanism for simultaneous multiple host access to shared centralized memory space via a virtualization protocol utilizing a network transport. The invention combines local memory interfacing with the handling of multiple hosts implementing virtualized memory-mapped I/O systems, such that the memory becomes a global resource. The end result is a widely distributed memory-mapped computer cluster, sharing a 2?64 byte memory space.

Abstract: A means for automatic detection and selection of an optimal network storage virtualization protocol. The invention is a solution for the problem of complexity and the resulting lack of optimization in storage virtualization implementations. The invention shields the user from the complexity of network analysis and allows the engaging of multiple storage virtualization protocols—as opposed to a single protocol. The invention enables automatic detection and selection of an optimal network storage virtualization protocol on a per resource basis, which is a unique capability and something that has not been accomplished in the prior art. The net result is a simplified user experience and optimized performance when using virtualized storage.

Abstract: A means for automatic detection and selection of an optimal I/O system resource virtualization protocol. The invention is a solution for the problem of complexity and the resulting lack of optimization in I/O system resource virtualization implementations. The invention shields the user from the complexity of network analysis and allows the engaging of multiple I/O system resource virtualization protocols—as opposed to a single protocol. The invention enables automatic detection and selection of an optimal I/O system resource virtualization protocol on a per resource basis, which is a unique capability and something that has not been accomplished in the prior art. The net result is a simplified user experience and optimized performance when using virtualized I/O system resource.

Abstract: An error detection system and methodology where the undesirable consequence of encapsulation (additional latency or delay) for virtualization applications such as i-PCI or iSCSI is minimized for the vast majority of data transactions. Cyclic Redundancy Checks (CRCs) and checksums are executed simultaneously in parallel, immediately on reception of a data packet regardless of the relative processing order in relation to the OSI model.

Abstract: Virtualization of a PCI Endpoint via the Internet and LANs. The invention is a solution that allows the use of low-complexity, low-cost PCI Express Endpoint Type 0 cores or custom logic for relatively simple virtualization applications. The invention combines two physically separate assemblies in such a way that they appear to the host system as one local multifunctional PCI Express Endpoint device.

Abstract: A mechanism for detecting, associating, establishing, and executing an optimal virtualization protocol between a host and a given virtualized device. An Intelligent Host Bus Adapter (IHBA) is claimed that combines storage virtualization with I/O system resource virtualization and incorporates both Dynamic Storage Configuration Protocol (DSCP) and Dynamic I/O Configuration Protocol (DICP) on a common CPU offload platform. The invention enables a comprehensive virtualization solution that includes automatic detection and selection of optimal storage virtualization as well as memory-mapped I/O virtualization protocols on a per resource basis.

Abstract: A means for extending a PCI System of a host computer via software-centric virtualization. A Root Complex is virtualized at the host computer, and physically separated with a portion located remotely at an Endpoint, such as at a Remote Bus Adapter. One aspect of the invention avoids the need for a Host Bus Adapter. The invention utilizes 1 Gbps-10 Gbps or greater connectivity via the host's existing standard LAN adapter along with unique software to form the virtualization solution. The invention works within a host's PCI Express topology, extending the topology by adding an entire virtual I/O hierarchy via virtualization. The invention enables I/O virtualization in those implementations where a specialized host bus may not be desirable or feasible. Some examples of this may be a laptop computer, an embedded design, a cost-sensitive design, or a blade host where expansion slots are not available or accessible.

Abstract: A hardware/software system and method that collectively enables virtualization of the host computer's native I/O system architecture via the Internet and LANs. The invention includes a solution to the problems of the relatively narrow focus of iSCSI, the direct connect limitation of PCI Express, and the inaccessibility of PCI Express for expansion in blade architectures.

Abstract: A solution for handling Quality of Service (QOS) application compatibility in extended computer systems via a class system. The invention utilizes a framework based on definition of classes for performance categorization and management of application compatibility and user experience.

Abstract: A solution for setup and optimization of a data transfer path in extended computer systems, where the I/O system is virtualized. The solution achieves advantageous results via a mechanism that automates the configuration of multiple data path components. The solution achieves initial optimization and then automates continual optimization of the data path through monitoring of changes and through dynamic adjustment of system resources and data transfer characteristics.

Abstract: An adapter card adapting the ad hoc resource add/removal inherent to a host PCI or PCI Express-based system to a wireless link and wireless endpoint. The adaptation allows mobile PCI Express resources to ingress and be allocated system resources within a host's PCI system and then egress and have the allocated resources freed up for re-use/reassignment, emulating the hot plug insertion and removal of an adapter card. The invention leverages the i-PCI protocol as defined by U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/148,712, filed Apr. 21, 2008, the teachings which are incorporated by reference.

Abstract: A solution for blade server I/O expansion, where the chassis backplane does not route the blade's native I/O standard—typically PCI or PCI Express—to the I/O bays. The invention is a flexible expansion architecture that provides virtualization of the I/O system of the individual bade servers, via Gps or greater Ethernet routing via the backplane high-speed fabric of a blade server chassis. The invention leverages a proprietary i-PCI protocol.

Abstract: A scalable switch, a system of switches and methods, configured to sense a carrier at the output of the respective switch. The invention intelligently, and dynamically, controls the connection of a respective switch input to a respective switch output as a function of a carrier being present, or absent, at a selected output. Alternatively, a control plane is adopted to make request to send and acknowledge clearance to send. These control methods operate on a step-by-step manner allowing fast and parallel connectivity to be established to connect a variety of interfaces, including Ethernet, PCI, SCSI, and FibreChannels. The present invention reduces switch cost, energy cost, and switch volume, while allowing scalability of connection requirements, reduction of delay, and promotion of green IT.

Abstract: A spoofing module that mimics remote computer resources to optimize system responsiveness and avoid expiration of intentional and unintentional timeouts in extended computer systems. The invention is capable of appearing to the host system and selectively responding to the host system as if it were the actual hardware. The invention includes a throttling mechanism to prevent data over-run.

Abstract: A system for detecting collusion in a game having a plurality of participating players comprises means for recording, for each player, an amount wagered on each turn of the game in which the player participates, and a corresponding outcome of said wager, the outcome being a complete or partial forfeit of the wager if the wager is unsuccessful, and a profit made on the wager if the wager is successful; a ranking facility operable to derive a tertiary statistic for each pair of participating players, the tertiary statistic being a function of the cumulative wagers by each player in the pair in all turns of the game in which both players have wagered, and the cumulative outcomes of the wagers made by each player in the same turns of the game; and monitoring means for monitoring the tertiary statistic of each pair of players and generating an output when the tertiary statistic exceeds a predetermined threshold, the output being an indicator of possible collusion by the respective pair of players.

Abstract: A virtualization of the internal interconnection bus, which results in a virtualized switch or virtualized multi-ported bridge. In the case of a PCI Express switch, one embodiment includes virtualization of the undefined interconnection bus. In the case of a Multi-ported bridge, one embodiment includes virtualization of the internal PCI/PCI-X bus. Through virtualization of the internal interconnection bus, the integrated circuit topology (the physical bridges and ports) may advantageously be spatially separated and remotely distributed far a field from the host computer, yet appear to the host system and host system software as single physical device (i.e. a normal PCIe switch or a normal multi-ported bridge).