Asynchronous computer communication

A method for communicating between a first computer and a second computer connected via a dedicated data path therebetween, said data path including a read line, a write line, and a plurality of data lines, said method comprising:

• causing said first computer to indicate its readiness to communicate with said second computer by asserting a first signal on one of said read line and said write line;
• causing said second computer to indicate its readiness to complete a communication with said first computer by asserting a second signal on the other of said read line and said write line;
• transferring data between said first computer and said second computer via said plurality of data lines when said first computer and said second computer have indicated their readiness to communicate;
• and
• causing one of said first computer and said second computer to generate an acknowledgement to the other of said first computer and said second computer that said data has been transferred by changing the values of said first signal and said second signal.

A computer array, comprising:

• a plurality of computers, each of said computers including a processor for executing instructions and a memory;
• a plurality of bidirectional data paths connecting said computers, each of said data paths dedicated between a pair of said computers and including a read line, a write line, and a plurality of data lines;
• means for causing said first computer to indicate its readiness to communicate with said second computer via one of said read line and said write line;
• means for causing said second computer to indicate its readiness to complete a communication with said first computer by via the other of said read line and said write line;
• means for transferring data between said first computer and said second computer when said first computer and said second computer have indicated their readiness to communicate;
• and
• means for acknowledging to at least one of said first computer and said second computer that said communication has been completed, said acknowledgment occurring via at least one of said read line and said write line.

A computer array, comprising:

• a plurality of computers, each of said computers including a processor for executing instructions;
• and
• a bidirectional data path connecting a first computer and a second computer in the computer array, said data path including a read line, a write line, and a plurality of data lines;
• wherein
• said first computer is configured to set the write line when it is ready to write to the second computer and further to set the read line high when it is ready to read from the second computer;
• said second computer is configured to set the write line high when it is ready to write to the first computer and further to set the read line high when it is ready to read from the second computer;
• and
• said first computer and said second computer are configured such that when both the read line and the write line are simultaneously high then data is transferred via the data lines from whichever of the first computer or the second computer had set the write line high to whichever of the first computer or the second computer had set the read line high.