CA1169985A
Expired / Lapsed
CA
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple services system using telephone local loop
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-05-22
•
Granted: 1984-06-26
•
Expires: 2001-05-22
Abstract
Abstract ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A multiple services system using telephone lines to supply various data services to subscribers, including alarm surveillance, meter reading, energy management and digital data service, provides a multi-conductor subscriber bus at the sub-scriber premises for selective connection of plural data service terminals to the system and a switching communication controller at the central office which acts as a concentrator for the transmission of alarm, meter reading and control sig-nals between the subscriber data system and a central control system, while acting as a switch for the connection of the subscriber data system to a data service system for trans-mission to the subscriber of digital video display data on request. The transmission over the telephone lines is transparent to normal telephone service and all communications within the system, including those on the subscriber bus, are effected in accordance with a predetermined link control protocol.
Inventors
- 👤 Christopher C. Reynolds
- 👤 Earl J. Claire
- 👤 John R. Ellis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
CA
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 04:12
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A multiple services system using telephone transmission lines comprising a microprocessor-controlled subscriber data system to be located on subscriber premises including a subscriber data bus, at least one data service terminal connected to said bus, at least one alarm condition monitor and microprocessor control means connected to said bus and said alarm condition monitor for controlling the transmission of signals derived therefrom; a central control system for processing signals applied thereto, including alarm signals; a data service system for providing data communications on request; and switching communication controller means to be connected to said subscriber data system via telephone transmission lines for connecting said subscriber data system to said central control system in the case of transmission of alarm signals and for selectively switching connection of said subscriber data system to said data service system in the case of transmission of data communications.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A multiple services system using telephone transmission lines comprising a microprocessor-controlled subscriber data system to be located on subscriber premises including a subscriber data bus, at least one data service terminal connected to said bus, at least one alarm condition monitor and microprocessor control means connected to said bus and said alarm condition monitor for controlling the transmission of signals derived therefrom; a central control system for processing signals applied thereto, including alarm signals; a data service system for providing data communications on request; and switching communication controller means to be connected to said subscriber data system via telephone transmission lines for connecting said subscriber data system to said central control system in the case of transmission of alarm signals and for selectively switching connection of said subscriber data system to said data service system in the case of transmission of data communications.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein said subscriber data system includes a plurality of terminal devices of different types connected to said bus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system as defined in claim 2, wherein said terminal devices are connected to said bus by plug-in type jack connections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein said subscriber data system includes meter reading and energy management means connected to microprocessor control means for providing meter reading signals to be transmitted to said central control system and for effecting energy management control of the subscriber premises in response to control signals received from said central control system via said switching communication controller means and said telephone transmission lines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein said subscriber data bus includes at least a first pair of lines for carrying control signals, a second pair of lines for input data signals and a third pair of lines for output data signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system as defined in claim 5, wherein said microprocessor control means includes a subscriber control processor connected to the said first pair of lines of said subscriber data bus and a line switch controlled by said processor for connecting the said second and third pairs of lines to said bus to said telephone transmission lines.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as defined in claim 6, wherein said bus includes a fourth pair of lines for supplying power to low power terminal devices from said microprocessor control means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein said subscriber data system is connected to said telephone trans-mission lines by modem means for operating on the signals applied thereto in a range above the voice frequency range.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as defined in claim 1, further including multiplexing means for multiplexing the signals from a plurality of said subscriber data systems onto a single telephone transmission line.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein said central control system includes a central control computer and a plurality of peripheral units connected thereto for indi-cating and storing said alarm signals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as defined in claim 1, wherein a plurality of said subscriber data systems are connected to said switching communication controller means via said telephone transmission lines.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
64 words
A system as defined in claim 11, wherein said switching communication controller means includes microprocessor-controlled switching means which acts as a concentrator for alarm signals, normally providing for connec-tion of said plurality of subscriber data systems to said central control system, and which acts as a switch for data communication, providing for switching of a selected subscriber data system to said data service system.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system as defined in claim 12, wherein said switching means includes a plurality of service interface units each comprising an interface microprocessor, a plurality of line switches each normally connecting a respective input to said interface microprocessor, a plurality of bus switches, and a plural conductor service bus connectable to said line switches via said bus switches under control of said interface microprocessor in the respective service interface unit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
82 words
A system as defined in claim 13, wherein said service interface units are provided in at least first and second groups, the inputs of said first group being connected via said telephone transmission lines to respective subscriber data systems and the inputs of said second group being con-nected to said data service system, the bus switches of said first group being connected to the bus switches of said second group of service interface units by way of said plural conductor service bus.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
78 words
A system as defined in claim 13, wherein said switching communication controller means further includes a service controller microprocessor means connected via said service bus to the interface microprocessor in each service interface unit for transmitting alarm signals between said subscriber data systems and said central control system via said a selected service interface unit and for controlling interconnection of service interface units of said first and second groups for data service transmission to a subscriber data system.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system as defined in claim 15, wherein each bus switch of said service interface units is selectively connectable to any one of the conductors of said service bus by said associated interface microprocessor under control of said service interface controller microprocessor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as defined in claim 16, wherein said subscriber data bus includes at least a first pair of lines for carrying control signals, a second pair of lines for input data signals and a third pair of lines for output data signals.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system as defined in claim 17, wherein said microprocessor control means includes a subscriber control processor connected to the said first pair of lines of said subscriber data bus and a line switch controlled by said processor for connecting the said second and third pairs of lines to said bus to said telephone transmission lines.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as defined in claim 18, wherein said subscriber data system includes a plurality of terminal devices of different types connected to said bus.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
69 words
A system as defined in claim 19, wherein said subscriber data system includes meter reading and energy management means connected to microprocessor control means for providing meter reading signals to be transmitted to said central control system and for effecting energy management control of the subscriber premises in response to control signals received from said central control system via said switching communication controller means and said telephone transmission lines.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
170 words
A multiple services system using telephone transmission lines comprising a plurality of microprocessor-controlled subscriber data systems to be located at respective subscriber premises, each including at least one data service terminal; a central control system, including a central control computer and a plurality of peripheral units connected thereto, for indicating and storing alarm signals derived from said subscriber data systems; a data service system for providing data communi-cations to be transmitted to selected subscriber data systems on request; and switching communication controller means to be connected to said subscriber data systems via telephone transmission lines for normally effecting communication between said subscriber data systems and said central control system in the case of alarm signals and for selectively switching connection of a selected subscriber data system to said data service system for effecting bi-directional transmission of data between said data service system and said selected subscriber data system, including microprocessor-controlled switching means which acts as a concentrator for communication of alarm signals and as a switch for transmission of data.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
170 words
A multiple services system using telephone transmission lines comprising a plurality of microprocessor-controlled subscriber data systems to be located at respective subscriber premises, each including at least one data service terminal; a central control system, including a central control computer and a plurality of peripheral units connected thereto, for indicating and storing alarm signals derived from said subscriber data systems; a data service system for providing data communi-cations to be transmitted to selected subscriber data systems on request; and switching communication controller means to be connected to said subscriber data systems via telephone transmission lines for normally effecting communication between said subscriber data systems and said central control system in the case of alarm signals and for selectively switching connection of a selected subscriber data system to said data service system for effecting bi-directional transmission of data between said data service system and said selected subscriber data system, including microprocessor-controlled switching means which acts as a concentrator for communication of alarm signals and as a switch for transmission of data.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system as defined in claim 21, wherein said switching means includes a plurality of service interface units each comprising an interface microprocessor, a plurality of line switches each normally connecting a respective input to said interface microprocessor, a plurality of bus switches, and a plural conductor service bus connectable to said line switches via said bus switches under control of said interface microprocessor in the respective service interface unit.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
82 words
A system as defined in claim 22, wherein said service interface units are provided in at least first and second groups, the inputs of said first group being connected via said telephone transmission lines to respective subscriber data systems and the inputs of said second group being connected to said data service system, the bus switches of said first group being connected to the bus switches of said second group of service interface units by way of said plural conductor service bus.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
77 words
A system as defined in claim 23, wherein said switching communication controller means further includes a service controller microprocessor means connected via said service bus to the interface microprocessor in each service interface unit for communicating alarm signals between said subscriber data systems and said central control system via said selected service interface unit and for controlling interconnection of service interface units of said first and second groups for data service transmission to a subscriber data system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system as defined in claim 24, wherein each bus switch of said service interface units is selectively connectable to any one of the conductors of said service bus by said associated interface microprocessor under control of said service interface controller microprocessor.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
74 words
A system as defined in claim 21, wherein each subscriber data system includes a multi-conductor subscriber data bus, at least one data service terminal connected to said bus, alarm condition signal means for generating alarm signals, and microprocessor control means connected to said bus and said alarm condition signal means for controlling the transmission of alarm and data signals between said subscriber data system and said switching communication controller means via said telephone lines.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as defined in claim 26, wherein said subscriber data bus includes at least a first pair of lines for carrying control signals, a second pair of lines for input data signals and a third pair of lines for output data signals.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as defined in claim 27, wherein each data service terminal is connected to its associated subscriber data bus by plug-in type jack connections.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
55 words
A system as defined in claim 28, wherein said microprocessor control means includes a subscriber control processor connected to the said first pair of lines of said subscriber data bus and a line switch by said processor for connecting the said second and third pairs of lines to said bus to said telephone transmission line.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
74 words
A system as defined in claim 25, wherein each subscriber data system includes a multi-conductor subscriber data bus, at least one data service terminal connected to said bus, alarm condition signal means for generating alarm signals, and microprocessor control means connected to said bus and said alarm condition signal means for controlling the transmission of alarm and data signals between said subscriber data system and said switching communication controller means via said telephone lines.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system as defined in claim 23, wherein a third group of service interface units are provided whose inputs are connected to a packet switching system and the bus switches of which are connected to said plural conductor service bus.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
201 words
In a system for transmitting control and data signals between a plurality of subscriber data systems, a central control system and a data service system, the improvement comprising: switching communication controller means to be connected to said subscriber data system via telephone lines for normally connecting said subscriber data systems to said central control system and for selectively switching connection of a selected subscriber data system to said data service system, including a plurality of service interface units con-nected in parallel to a plural conductor service bus, each service interface unit having an interface microprocessor, a plurality of line switches each normally connecting a respec-tive input to said interface microprocessor and a plurality of bus switches each connected in tandem to a respective line switch and to a respective conductor of said plural conductor service bus; the inputs of a first group of said service interface units being connected via telephone lines to said subscriber data systems and the inputs of a second group of said service interface units being connected to said data service system; and service controller microprocessor means con-nected to said interface microprocessors in each service interface unit via said service bus and to said central control system.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
201 words
In a system for transmitting control and data signals between a plurality of subscriber data systems, a central control system and a data service system, the improvement comprising: switching communication controller means to be connected to said subscriber data system via telephone lines for normally connecting said subscriber data systems to said central control system and for selectively switching connection of a selected subscriber data system to said data service system, including a plurality of service interface units con-nected in parallel to a plural conductor service bus, each service interface unit having an interface microprocessor, a plurality of line switches each normally connecting a respec-tive input to said interface microprocessor and a plurality of bus switches each connected in tandem to a respective line switch and to a respective conductor of said plural conductor service bus; the inputs of a first group of said service interface units being connected via telephone lines to said subscriber data systems and the inputs of a second group of said service interface units being connected to said data service system; and service controller microprocessor means con-nected to said interface microprocessors in each service interface unit via said service bus and to said central control system.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
74 words
A system as defined in claim 32, wherein each subscriber data system includes a multi-conductor subscriber data bus, at least one data service terminal connected to said bus, alarm condition signal means for generating alarm signals, and microprocessor control means connected to said bus and said alarm condition signal means for controlling the transmission of alarm and data signals between said subscriber data system and said switching communication controller means via said telephone lines.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as defined in claim 33, wherein said subscriber data bus includes at least a first pair of lines for carrying control signals, a second pair of lines for input data signals and a third pair of lines for output data signals.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
225 words
A method of controlling the sequence of message transmission between processor-controlled stations in a com-munication system, where each message includes a header having at least a sequence bit indicating first and second binary states and an acknowledge bit and wherein the message may or may not be a data message, the steps comprising storing in memory at each station a transmit sequence bit and a receive sequence bit; inserting into the header of each message transmitted from a given station a sequence bit having the state of the transmit sequence bit stored at that station switching the state of the stored transmit sequence bit at a station upon receipt of a message having an acknowledge bit; switching the state of the stored receive sequence bit at a station upon receipt of a data message having a sequence bit whose state corresponds to that of the stored receive sequence bit at that station and returning a message having an acknowledge bit; retransmitting from a given station a message previously transmitted from that station when a message having an acknowledge bit is not received from the receiving station in a predetermined time after initial transmission; and disregarding a message received at a station when the state of the sequence bit in the message is different from the state of the receive sequence bit stored at that station.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
225 words
A method of controlling the sequence of message transmission between processor-controlled stations in a com-munication system, where each message includes a header having at least a sequence bit indicating first and second binary states and an acknowledge bit and wherein the message may or may not be a data message, the steps comprising storing in memory at each station a transmit sequence bit and a receive sequence bit; inserting into the header of each message transmitted from a given station a sequence bit having the state of the transmit sequence bit stored at that station switching the state of the stored transmit sequence bit at a station upon receipt of a message having an acknowledge bit; switching the state of the stored receive sequence bit at a station upon receipt of a data message having a sequence bit whose state corresponds to that of the stored receive sequence bit at that station and returning a message having an acknowledge bit; retransmitting from a given station a message previously transmitted from that station when a message having an acknowledge bit is not received from the receiving station in a predetermined time after initial transmission; and disregarding a message received at a station when the state of the sequence bit in the message is different from the state of the receive sequence bit stored at that station.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
201 words
The method defined by claim 35, further including the steps of detecting system power-up or resynchronization conditions at any given station; inserting a sequence reset bit into the header of a message and switching the state of both the receive sequence bit and the transmit sequence bit to their first binary state as stored at said given station in response to detection of either of said conditions; inserting a sequence reset bit into the header of a message and switching the state of both the receive sequence bit and the transmit sequence bit to their first binary state as stored at said given station in response to detection of either of said conditions; resetting the state of both the receive sequence bit and the transmit sequence bit to their first binary state as stored at a station receiving a message in response to detection of a reset sequence bit in that message and returning a message hawing an acknowledge bit to the given station; and in response to receipt of said given station of a message having an acknowledge bit while the sequence reset bit is set at that station, returning a message having an acknowledge bit to said receiving station.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method defined by claim 35, wherein in response to receipt of a message having a reset sequence bit, the state of the sequence bit in that message is ignored.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method defined by claim 35, wherein the state of the stored receive sequence bit at a station is not switched upon receipt of a non-data message.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method defined in claim 35, wherein said data messages may include poll data or message data.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 35, further including the step of inserting into the header of each message a bit indicating whether a response is required to the message.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
71 words
A system as defined in claim 26 or 30, wherein said subscriber data system includes meter reading and energy management means connected to microprocessor control means for providing meter reading signals to be communicated to said central control system and for effecting energy management control of the subscriber premises in response to control signals received from said central control system via said switching communication controller means and said telephone transmission lines.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as defined in claim 30, wherein said subscriber data bus includes at least a first pair of lines for carrying control signals, a second pair of lines for input data signals and a third pair of lines for output data signals.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as defined in claim 42, wherein each data service terminal is connected to its associated subscriber data bus by plug-in type jack connections.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
55 words
A system as defined in claim 43, wherein said microprocessor control means includes a subscriber control processor connected to the said first pair of lines of said subscriber data bus and a line switch by said processor for connecting the said second and third pairs of lines to said bus to said telephone transmission lines.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
201 words
A multiple services system using telephone transmission lines comprising: a plurality of microprocessor-controlled subscriber data systems to be located at respective subscriber premises, each including a multi-conductor subscriber data bus, at least one data service terminal connected to said bus, alarm condition signal means for generating alarm signals, and microprocessor control means connected to said bus and said alarm condition signal means for controlling the transmission of alarm and data signals from said subscriber data system; a central control system, including a central control computer and a plurality of peripheral units connected thereto, for indicating and storing alarm signals derived from said subscriber data systems; a data service system for providing data communications on request; and switching communication controller means to be connected to said subscriber data system via telephone transmission lines for normally effecting communication between said subscriber data systems and said central control system in the case of alarm signals and for selectively switching connection of a selected subscriber data system to said data service system in the case of transmission of data service data, including microprocessor-controlled switching means which acts as a concentrator for communication of alarm signals and as a switch for transmission of data service data.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
201 words
A multiple services system using telephone transmission lines comprising: a plurality of microprocessor-controlled subscriber data systems to be located at respective subscriber premises, each including a multi-conductor subscriber data bus, at least one data service terminal connected to said bus, alarm condition signal means for generating alarm signals, and microprocessor control means connected to said bus and said alarm condition signal means for controlling the transmission of alarm and data signals from said subscriber data system; a central control system, including a central control computer and a plurality of peripheral units connected thereto, for indicating and storing alarm signals derived from said subscriber data systems; a data service system for providing data communications on request; and switching communication controller means to be connected to said subscriber data system via telephone transmission lines for normally effecting communication between said subscriber data systems and said central control system in the case of alarm signals and for selectively switching connection of a selected subscriber data system to said data service system in the case of transmission of data service data, including microprocessor-controlled switching means which acts as a concentrator for communication of alarm signals and as a switch for transmission of data service data.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system as defined in claim 45, wherein said subscriber data bus includes at least a pair of lines for carrying control signals, a second pair of lines for input data signals and a third pair of lines for output data signals.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as defined in claim 46, wherein each data service terminal is connected to its associated subscriber data bus by plug-in type jack connections.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
55 words
A system as defined in claim 47, wherein said miroprocessor control means includes a subscriber control processor connected to the said first pair of lines of said subscriber data bus and a line switch by said processor for connecting the said second and third pairs of lines to said bus to said telephone transmission line.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
69 words
A system as defined in claim 45, wherein said subscriber data system includes meter reading and energy management means connected to microprocessor control means for providing meter reading signals to be communicated to said central control system and for effecting energy management control of the subscriber premises in response to control signals received from said central control system via said switching communication controller means and said telephone transmission lines.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.