Abstract: A device for sharing and synchronizing data objects with peer devices. The device has a memory, interface for communication with a peer, and a processor. The memory is configured to store therein least one data object that is deemed either an original or a copy. When in communication with a peer device, the processor transmits a request for the peer device to send an original data object that corresponds to a data object stored in the memory if the stored data object is a copy and it is to be modified. The processor then stores the requested data object in the memory as an original data object or, if the requested data object is not received, marks the data object stored in the memory as an original. Then the processor may modify data in the original data object stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method of learning user characteristics over time and matching them with information on commercial products, advertisements, and services. The learned information resides in a user-controlled device to provide privacy. The device creates keywords based on content or web pages being watched. Keywords locate stored and learned user and commercial information to initiate new Internet searches. New responses are analyzed to learn even more about the user and products. For each user characteristic and commercial information component, structures are created in a database with links and weights to define and refine matching and ranking of the structures. The structures are grouped and the weights are used to rank the search results by user interest. A list corresponding to the grouped structures reflecting highest user interests the device has learned is presented to the user when requested or when the device determines an appropriate time to do so.

Abstract: A method of displaying information of interest to a user as stored in an attribute database. The attribute database is a database of parent and linked child objects that has data about a user's characteristics and interests (content, commercial products, services, etc.) learned over time. A presentation database of parent and child objects is created from the objects in the attribute database using presentation templates to identify which of the attribute objects to use to create the presentation objects. The attribute child objects are sorted based on at least one trait in the attribute child objects and the presentation objects are linked together in the same order as the sorted attribute objects. The ordered presentation child objects are then linked to the corresponding presentation parent object and the selected presentation parent object and linked presentation child objects are displayed on a display.

Abstract: A processing device contains a global free queue, containing a list of pointers linked to memory indicating free space in memory for which to store the data prior to its transmission. A plurality of functional blocks used to process the data in a distributed system, are configured to receive data from a physical interface and store such data in memory once it is received. Each of the plurality of functional blocks allocate a portion of the pointers from said list from which to store the data once the data is received from said physical interface. Each of the plurality of functional blocks are able store data autonomously and directly into memory in a location based on the pointers, immediately after data is received from the physical interface.

Abstract: A high-speed area-efficient cross bar switch architecture is embedded on a chip to provide connections between a plurality of ports such that multiple and concurrent point-to-point connections may be established between any devices connected to the cross bar. The cross bar is especially well adapted for distributed communication systems implemented as a system on chip. A protocol system ensures that high priority data flows through the cross bar ahead of lower priority data in the event that there are two or more devices concurrently attempting to send data to the same port. The protocol system also arbitrates between two or more devices concurrently attempting to send data to the same port, if data from such sending devices have equal priorities. In a distributed system, concurrency of transmitting and sending data can provide significant performance advantages, as semaphores and notifications are accomplished quickly. Data transfers experience minimal blocking and throughput degradation.

Abstract: Dynamically distributing portions of process functionality among plural functional blocks. A plurality of service point functions are interspersed throughout each function block. Each service point function performs a portion of processing. A service point function may correspond to processing associated with a protocol layer. A service point function may be implemented in hardware, software or firmware with any of the multiple function blocks. After completion of each service point function, a sub-path is called to connect the completed service point function with a next service point function to be performed. The sub-path invokes a pointer which provides the next routine (e.g., the service point functionality) to be performed. If any one functional block is becoming overloaded, the system can simply change one sub-path, to route process functionality associated with a particular service point functionality to be performed in another functional block with the same capability programmed or hardwired therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing for non-blocking shared structures. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a plurality of interconnected functional blocks that cooperate to process communications data, (2) a shared structure, coupled to the plurality of functional blocks, that contains a plurality of shared structures for containing the communications data and (3) an intermediate buffer, coupled to the shared structure, that allows the plurality of functional blocks to write the communications data to the plurality of buffers upon demand and considers requests by one of the plurality of functional blocks to read the communications data from one of the plurality of buffers. In one embodiment, data in the form of a message or command is actually deposited in the intermediate buffer. Such message or command is linked to objects entered and removed in shared stucutres.

Abstract: A device, architecture and system that efficiently supports voice, video, and non-real-time data streams between networks and/or devices in one or more multiple protocol environments. Several interconnected functional blocks that are programmably configuable to perform portions of processing appurtenant to one or more of the protocol environments. A function allocator, associated with the plurality of functional blocks, allocates portions or processing among the functional blocks based on an identity of one or more of the protocol environments. The device may be employed in many data communication-processing environments, I/O processors in computers, and is especially well suited as gateway device for processing real-time communication as well as bursty data between networks and customer premise equipment.

Abstract: An IO controller device and method for controlling data flow, the method including determining a desired configuration for the IO controller, reprogramming the IO controller to allow for processing of one or more descriptor lists, modifying the configuration of the IO controller to reflect the addition or deletion of one or more virtual controllers, re-enumerating the IO controller, and processing a descriptor list for each of the IO controller and the one or more virtual controllers. The integrated circuit device for use as an IO controller includes a system bus interface, a programmable list processor and a port router. The integrated circuit device is adapted for reconfiguration to add or delete one or more virtual controllers. The virtual controllers provide substantially the full bandwidth supported by the integrated circuit device.