Bruce W Allen

US Patent:

50601407, Oct 22, 1991

Filed:

Jan 16, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/819884

Inventors:

Alexander S. Brown - Hopkinton MA
James T. Hirni - Hollis NH
Bruce S. Allen - Concord MA

Assignee:

Jupiter Technology Inc. - Waltham MA

International Classification:

G06F 100

US Classification:

364200

Abstract:

A universal programmable data communication connection system which is user programmable to provide a selective data path between one or more data source and one or more data destination. The data connection system allows the user to "patch" signals from source to destination with simple commands. The system then provides the data path and conversion processes through selection among prestored process tasks or "softblocks" which are connected to "sockets" by software "wires". Within a finite capacity, one or more data paths of varying degrees of complexity may be connected or disconnected, at operator command, without interruption of existing or non-altered system connections and functions. If the data source and data destination are of different format and/or protocol, the connection system can also provides the corresponding data processing to maintain an uninterrupted flow of data.

US Patent:

58417630, Nov 24, 1998

Filed:

Jun 13, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/489742

Inventors:

Arthur P. Leondires - Mount Vernon NH
Bruce S. Allen - East Kingston NH
Marshall B. Garrison - Derry NH
Philip J. Baun - Andover MA

Assignee:

MultiLink, Inc. - Andover MA

International Classification:

H04L 1216
H04Q 1100

US Classification:

370260

Abstract:

A processor unit for a multipoint audio-video conferencing system, wherein the processor unit includes a host processor for controlling operation of the audio-video conferencing system. Controlling operation includes controlling the performance of a plurality of functions associated with servicing each of a plurality of communications connections, each of the connections being between a conferee terminal and the audio-video conferencing system. The processor unit also includes a plurality of digital signal processors, in communication with each other over a first bus and in communication with and controlled by the host processor over a second bus. Each digital signal processor includes an associated configuration element for adaptively configuring a selected digital signal processor to perform processing required by a selected one of the functions associated with servicing a selected one of the communications connections. The processing required by the conferencing functions is distributed between the plurality of digital signal processors.