Hewlett-packard Company

Scott C Petler

Alan Chris Berkema

Logic which implements an output encoded finite state machine is reduced by resolving 'don't care' output values. Specifically, in order to generate logic for a finite state machine, input is received from a user. The input specifies states of the finite state machine, transition conditions between states and output values for each state. For example, a graphical user interface receives from the user a graphic portrayal of a state diagram. At least one output value is unspecified for at least one state. Logic for a finite state machine is generated from the user inputs. The generation includes, for each output of the finite state machine, generating an output flip-flop which stores the output. Values are assigned to unspecified output values. The assigned values are selected so that each state can be uniquely identified by current values stored by the output flip-flops and a minimum of additional flip-flops. For example, the assignment is done by determining a number of times output values between two states are identical for every combination of values for the unspecified output values. The combination of values which results in a minimum number of times output values between two states are identical is the combination of values assigned to the unspecified output values.

Minimizing logic by resolving 'don't care' output values in a finite

Transmission of a first message over a local area network is delayed by a delay value. The delay value is calculated based on a backoff value in a backoff counter and a generated random number. Transmission of the first message is deferred when another node on the local area network begins transmission of another message while transmission of the first message is being delayed for the delay value. The backoff value in the backoff counter is incremented when the transmission of the first message is deferred. The backoff value in the backoff counter is incremented when transmission of the first message collides with transmission of another message by another node on the local area network. The backoff value in the backoff counter is decremented when the first message is transmitted without being deferred and without colliding with transmission of another message.

Backoff scheme for access collision on a local area network

Logic to determine the current state of an output encoded finite state machine is minimized. Specifically, in order to generate logic for a finite state machine, input is received from a user. The input specifies states of the finite state machine, transition conditions between states and output values for each state. For example, a graphical user interface is used to receive a graphic portrayal of a state diagram. Logic is generated which implements the finite state machine from the inputs received by the interface means. Particularly, a plurality of flip-flops is generated. A first set of flip-flops is for storing output for the finite state machine. A second set of flip-flops is used, when necessary, with the first set of flip-flops to uniquely identify each state. When output values of the first set of flip-flops uniquely identify each state, the second set of flip-flops is not used (i.e., the second set of flip-flops is the null set). For each state, a combination of a minimum number of the flip-flops from the first set of flip-flops and the second set of flip-flops is detected which uniquely identifies the state.

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Rocklin, CA, United States of America

Scott C Petler