US 8,301,716 B2Granted

Interface for a multi-processor gateway apparatus and method for using the same

AssigneeTime Warner Cable Inc.

InventorJeffrey Paul Markley

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Abstract

An interface for a multi-processor gateway apparatus and method for using the same. A user device communicates with a multi-processor gateway apparatus over a wired or wireless path. A first processor within the multi-processor gateway apparatus provides the user device a user interface. The user interface allows the user to select a function that is managed by one of the multiple processors. If the selected function is assigned to the first processor, the function is performed by the first. However, if the selected function is performed by one of the other processors, the first processor executes calls to an API layer associated with the processor assigned to perform the requested function. The requested function is performed by the processor to which it is assigned and the results reported to the first processor. The first processor then provides the results of the request to the user device via the path.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An interface for a multi-processor gateway apparatus comprising:

a first processor of the multi-processor gateway apparatus;
and
a second processor of the multi-processor gateway apparatus, wherein the second processor comprises an API layer,
wherein the first processor is configured with executable software instructions that cause the first processor to perform operations comprising:
serving a user interface to a user device connected to the multi-processor gateway apparatus via a path, wherein the user interface presents selectable functions to be performed by the multi-processor gateway apparatus;
receiving an instruction from the user device to perform a selected function;
determining whether the selected function is to be performed by the first processor or the second processor;
and
when the selected function is to be performed by the first processor:
executing the instruction;
and
sending a result of the execution of the instruction by the first processor to the user device via the path;
when the selected function is to be performed by the second processor:
issuing an inter process communication call to the API layer of a second processor, wherein the second processor is configured with executable software instructions that cause the second processor to perform operations comprising executing the instruction;
receiving from the API layer of the second processor a result of the execution of the instruction by the second processor;
and
sending the result of the execution of the instruction by the second processor to the first processor,
wherein the first processor sends the results of the execution of the instruction by the second processor to the user device via the path.

15 more elements

A method for interfacing to a multi-processor gateway apparatus comprising:

serving a user interface to a user device from a first processor, wherein the user device is connected to the multi-processor gateway apparatus via a path and wherein the user interface presents selectable functions to be performed by the multi-processor gateway apparatus;
receiving an instruction from the user device to perform a selected function;
determining at the first processor whether the selected function is to be performed by the first processor or by a second processor of the multi-processor gateway apparatus, wherein the second processor comprises an API layer;
and
when the selected function is to be performed by the first processor:
executing the instruction at the first processor;
and
sending a result of the execution of the instruction by the first processor to the user device via the path;
when the selected function is to be performed by the second processor:
issuing an inter process communication call from the first processor to the API layer of the second processor;
executing the instruction at the second processor;
receiving at the first processor a result from the API layer of the second processor;
sending the result of the execution of the instruction by the second processor to the first processor;
and
sending by the first processor the results of the execution of the instruction by the second processor to the user device.

12 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.