US4385384A — Modem diagnostic and control system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 156 words

For use in a modem system including a central site modem and at least one remote site modem communicating over a transmission line with said central site modem, the modem diagnostic apparatus comprising: a central site processor means for providing commands including a plurality of test commands; means associated with said central site modem for receiving test commands from said central site processor, for checking, autonomously of said central site processor, for alarm conditions at the associated central site modem and informing said central site processor of a said alarm condition, and for transmitting communications between said central site processor and the remote site modem; and means associated with said remote site modem for receiving test commands transmitted by said central site modem from said central site processor, for checking, autonomously of said central site processor, for alarm conditions at said remote site modem and for transmitting an alarm message back to said central site modem.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 156 words

For use in a modem system including a central site modem and at least one remote site modem communicating over a transmission line with said central site modem, the modem diagnostic apparatus comprising: a central site processor means for providing commands including a plurality of test commands; means associated with said central site modem for receiving test commands from said central site processor, for checking, autonomously of said central site processor, for alarm conditions at the associated central site modem and informing said central site processor of a said alarm condition, and for transmitting communications between said central site processor and the remote site modem; and means associated with said remote site modem for receiving test commands transmitted by said central site modem from said central site processor, for checking, autonomously of said central site processor, for alarm conditions at said remote site modem and for transmitting an alarm message back to said central site modem.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 34 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means associated with said central site modem includes a programmed processor and wherein said means associated with said remote site modem includes a programmed processor.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 58 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein said alarm conditions include a streaming condition indicating utilization and a transmission channel for an excessive period of time and an indication of a failure in the operation of a modem, and wherein said alarm message includes information as to the type of location of the alarm condition.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 67 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein said modem system further includes a second tier network including at least one remote central modem and wherein said apparatus further includes means for enabling said remote site modem to exchange communications with said at least one remote central modem, said communications including commands transmitted through said remote site modem and said central site modem from said central processor.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 74 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 4 wherein said at least one remote central modem has operatively associated therewith means for receiving a test command transmitted through said central site modem and said remote site modem from said central site processor and for autonomously monitoring for alarm conditions at said at least one remote central modem and transmitting an alarm message back to said remote site modem for transmission to said central site processor.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 33 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the alarm conditions at a remote site is a streaming condition, indicating utilization of said transmission line for an excessive period of time.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 24 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the alarm conditions at said remote site modem is a modem power failure indication.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 30 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the alarm conditions at said remote site modem indicates a fault in the receive line of said remote site modem.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 53 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein said modem system includes back-up and dedicated communication lines, means for connecting said remote and central site modems alternately between said back-up and dedicated lines, and wherein one of the alarm conditions indicates that a failed dedicated line has not been restored to working condition.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 15 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of the alarm conditions is customer-provided.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 101 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein said modem system further includes a dedicated communication line, a back-up line, and means for alternately switching the communication path of said remote site and central site modems between said back-up line and said dedicated line, and wherein said modem diagnostic apparatus further includes: means for holding said back-up line while a switch to said dedicated line is performed; means for ascertaining the performance of the dedicated line once the dedicated line has been switched to; and means for automatically switching back to the held back-up line if said performance is not satisfactory.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said alarm messages and test commands are transmitted over a secondary channel.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 49 words

The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said test commands are received in a format including a plurality of words, each word containing a start bit, two stop bits, a parity bit and one of a plurality of information characters, said information characters including a command character and an address.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 54 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 12 wherein one of said commands is an inhibit command indicating that said secondary channel is to be used for customer data transmission and wherein said first and second means are responsive to said inhibit command to allow said secondary channel to operate as a customer data channel.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 31 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein said central processor means includes means for selectively addressing a command to a particular one of the central site and remote site modems.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 57 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 wherein said modem system includes a plurality of central site modems, each communicating with at least one remote site modem and wherein said central processor means further includes means for transmitting a group address, said group address identifying a central site modem and all of the remote modems branching therefrom.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 25 words

The modem diagnostic apparatus of claim 16 further including means for automatically identifying which remote site modems are operating through a given central site modem.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 95 words

Apparatus for testing and controlling a modem in response to commands, including test commands, from a control source comprising: means at said modem for receiving said commands; means at said modem for transmitting messages to said control source; and means at said modem supplied with said commands by said receiving means for testing said modem in response to said test commands, monitoring the performance of said modem for alarm conditions, and supplying alarm messages to said transmitting means if an alarm condition is detected, said monitoring and supplying being done autonomously of said control source.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 95 words

Apparatus for testing and controlling a modem in response to commands, including test commands, from a control source comprising: means at said modem for receiving said commands; means at said modem for transmitting messages to said control source; and means at said modem supplied with said commands by said receiving means for testing said modem in response to said test commands, monitoring the performance of said modem for alarm conditions, and supplying alarm messages to said transmitting means if an alarm condition is detected, said monitoring and supplying being done autonomously of said control source.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said means supplied with said commands comprises a programmed microprocessor.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 140 words

A test and control unit for use in conjunction with a data modem comprising: means for detecting a plurality of alarm conditions in the operation of said modem and setting corresponding alarm bits; means for receiving a formatted message, including a plurality of words each of which contains an information portion, one of which portions is a command, and for storing the received information portions in a stack; means for checking the contents of the stack to verify correct receipt of a command and for setting control bits to effectuate a command if said contents are correct; means for formatting and storing an acknowledgement message in response to detection of an alarm condition by said detecting means or in response to a correctly received command; and means for transmitting a said acknowledgement message out of said test and control unit.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 140 words

A test and control unit for use in conjunction with a data modem comprising: means for detecting a plurality of alarm conditions in the operation of said modem and setting corresponding alarm bits; means for receiving a formatted message, including a plurality of words each of which contains an information portion, one of which portions is a command, and for storing the received information portions in a stack; means for checking the contents of the stack to verify correct receipt of a command and for setting control bits to effectuate a command if said contents are correct; means for formatting and storing an acknowledgement message in response to detection of an alarm condition by said detecting means or in response to a correctly received command; and means for transmitting a said acknowledgement message out of said test and control unit.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 158 words

A test and control unit for use in conjunction with a data modem comprising: means for detecting a plurality of alarm conditions in the operation of said modem and setting corresponding alarm bits; means for receiving a formatted message, including a plurality of words, each word including start, stop, and parity bits and an information character one of which characters may comprise a command and for detecting said start and stop bits, checking the parity condition and storing the received character in a character stack; means for checking the contents of the character stack to verify correct receipt of a command and for setting control bits to effectuate a command if said contents are correct; means for formatting and storing an acknowledgement message in response to detection of an alarm condition by said detecting means or in response to a correctly received command; and means for transmitting a said acknowledgement message out of said test and control unit.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 158 words

A test and control unit for use in conjunction with a data modem comprising: means for detecting a plurality of alarm conditions in the operation of said modem and setting corresponding alarm bits; means for receiving a formatted message, including a plurality of words, each word including start, stop, and parity bits and an information character one of which characters may comprise a command and for detecting said start and stop bits, checking the parity condition and storing the received character in a character stack; means for checking the contents of the character stack to verify correct receipt of a command and for setting control bits to effectuate a command if said contents are correct; means for formatting and storing an acknowledgement message in response to detection of an alarm condition by said detecting means or in response to a correctly received command; and means for transmitting a said acknowledgement message out of said test and control unit.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 85 words

In a data modem adapted to be switched between back-up and primary transmission lines and adapted to receive command signals from a central controller, the apparatus comprising: means responsive to a first command from said central controller to switch from said back-up line to said primary line for timing an interval during which a second command is expected to be received from said central controller and for switching said modem back to said back-up line if said second command is not received during said interval.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 85 words

In a data modem adapted to be switched between back-up and primary transmission lines and adapted to receive command signals from a central controller, the apparatus comprising: means responsive to a first command from said central controller to switch from said back-up line to said primary line for timing an interval during which a second command is expected to be received from said central controller and for switching said modem back to said back-up line if said second command is not received during said interval.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said means also transmits an alarm signal to said central controller if said second command is not received during said interval.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said back-up line is a dial back-up line.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 74 words

Apparatus for testing and controlling a modem in response to commands from a control source comprising: means for receiving said commands; means for transmitting messages to said control source; and a programmed microprocessor supplied with said commands by said receiver means for testing said modem in response to test commands, autonomously monitoring the performance of said modem for alarm conditions, and supplying alarm messages to said transmitting means if an alarm condition is detected.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 74 words

Apparatus for testing and controlling a modem in response to commands from a control source comprising: means for receiving said commands; means for transmitting messages to said control source; and a programmed microprocessor supplied with said commands by said receiver means for testing said modem in response to test commands, autonomously monitoring the performance of said modem for alarm conditions, and supplying alarm messages to said transmitting means if an alarm condition is detected.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 109 words

In a data modem, diagnostic apparatus adapted to communicate with a central controller means for providing a plurality of commands to said diagnostic apparatus, said diagnostic apparatus comprising: means for providing a plurality of signals from which a plurality of alarm conditions may be detected; and means including a programmed processor for monitoring said plurality of signals autonomously of said central controller and for detecting from said plurality of signals a plurality of alarm conditions, storing digital indications of the presence or absence of said alarm conditions, and autonomously forming an alarm message for transmission to said central controller upon detection of the presence of a said alarm condition.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 109 words

In a data modem, diagnostic apparatus adapted to communicate with a central controller means for providing a plurality of commands to said diagnostic apparatus, said diagnostic apparatus comprising: means for providing a plurality of signals from which a plurality of alarm conditions may be detected; and means including a programmed processor for monitoring said plurality of signals autonomously of said central controller and for detecting from said plurality of signals a plurality of alarm conditions, storing digital indications of the presence or absence of said alarm conditions, and autonomously forming an alarm message for transmission to said central controller upon detection of the presence of a said alarm condition.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 50 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 26 wherein said means including a programmed processor further autonomously maintains and updates a register of a plurality of status bits indicative of various modem operating parameters and transmits said status bits to said central controller upon receiving a first command from said central controller.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 62 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 26 or 27 wherein said means including a programmed processor is further responsive to receipt of a modem test command comprising a plurality of characters to store said characters in a stack, test said characters, perform the test indicated by the test command, format the results of the test and transmit said results to said central controller.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 40 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 27 wherein said means including a programmed processor is responsive to said first command to transmit a first group of status bits and to a second command to transmit a second group of status bits.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 151 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 26 wherein said data modem is adapted to be connected to means for switching between a primary line and a back-up line; wherein said central controller provides a first command to switch to said back-up line and a second command to switch to said primary line; wherein said means including a programmed processor is responsive to said first and second commands to cause said means for switching to switch between said primary and back-up lines; and wherein said means including a programmed processor is further responsive to said second command to time an interval during which a third command is to be received over the primary line and is responsive to the lack of transmission of said third command within said interval to switch back to said back-up line and send an alarm signal to the central controller indicating the primary line has not been restored.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 43 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 30 wherein said means including a programmed processor is further responsive to detection of a line fault on a back-up line to switch said modem to the primary line and transmit an alarm signal to said central controller.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 37 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 26 wherein said means including a programmed processor is responsive to a first of said commands to stop transmission of an alarm message and store an indication of the alarm condition detected.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said means including a programmed processor is further responsive to a second of said commands to transmit said indication to said central controller.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said central controller includes means to automatically detect interference of an alarm message with another transmission and to supply said second command to said modem.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 92 words

Diagnostic apparatus for a data communication system including a plurality of data modems comprising: means for providing to a first of said data modems a plurality of first signals from which malfunctions in said data communication system may be detected; means located at said first data modem and operating at least in part under control of a program stored at said data modem for automatically detecting malfunctions from said first signals; and means for generating a message signal containing information indicative of the occurrence of a malfunction in the data communication system.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 92 words

Diagnostic apparatus for a data communication system including a plurality of data modems comprising: means for providing to a first of said data modems a plurality of first signals from which malfunctions in said data communication system may be detected; means located at said first data modem and operating at least in part under control of a program stored at said data modem for automatically detecting malfunctions from said first signals; and means for generating a message signal containing information indicative of the occurrence of a malfunction in the data communication system.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 34 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 35 wherein said data communication system includes a central site controller and wherein said diagnostic apparatus further includes means for transmitting said message signal to said central site controller.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 35 or 36 wherein said message signal contains information indicating the type or location of malfunction which has occurred.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said message is transmitted over a secondary channel to said central site controller.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 91 words

In a data communication system including a plurality of data modems each at a remote site, the diagnostic apparatus at each said remote site comprising: means for providing a first plurality of signals from which malfunctions in said data communication system may be detected; means supplied with said first plurality of signals for repeatedly testing said signals and responsive to said tests for detecting said malfunctions; and means responsive to detection of a said malfunction for generating a second plurality of signals, each indicative of the occurrence of a said malfunction.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 91 words

In a data communication system including a plurality of data modems each at a remote site, the diagnostic apparatus at each said remote site comprising: means for providing a first plurality of signals from which malfunctions in said data communication system may be detected; means supplied with said first plurality of signals for repeatedly testing said signals and responsive to said tests for detecting said malfunctions; and means responsive to detection of a said malfunction for generating a second plurality of signals, each indicative of the occurrence of a said malfunction.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 31 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 39 further including means for generating a message including the location and type of a detected malfunction and transferring said message out of said diagnostic apparatus.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 17 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 40 wherein said message is transferred to other apparatus within said modem.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 24 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 40 wherein said message is transmitted through a secondary channel to a central location in said data communication system.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 124 words

For use in a data communication system including a plurality of data modems, the diagnostic apparatus comprising: means for providing a plurality of first signals from which faults in said data communication system may be detected, said faults including an indication of a failure in a said data modem and an indication of a streaming condition; means contained within a said data modem and supplied with said first signals for automatically detecting from said first signals the occurrence of one or more of said faults and for generating a message including information indicative of the type of fault and the location of the fault in the data communication system; and means for transmitting said message to a central site in said data communication system.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 124 words

For use in a data communication system including a plurality of data modems, the diagnostic apparatus comprising: means for providing a plurality of first signals from which faults in said data communication system may be detected, said faults including an indication of a failure in a said data modem and an indication of a streaming condition; means contained within a said data modem and supplied with said first signals for automatically detecting from said first signals the occurrence of one or more of said faults and for generating a message including information indicative of the type of fault and the location of the fault in the data communication system; and means for transmitting said message to a central site in said data communication system.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said means supplied with said first signals performs said automatic detection under control of a stored program.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said first signals are available within said data modem or at the interface of said data modem.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 176 words

For use in a data communication system including a central site modem and at least one remote site modem communicating over a transmission line with said central site modem, the modem diagnostic apparatus comprising: a central site processor means for providing commands including a plurality of test commands; means associated with said central site modem for receiving test commands from said central site processor, for automatically and continuously checking under control of a microprocessor associated with said central site modem for system malfunctions at the associated central site modem, for informing said central site processor of a said malfunction, and for transmitting communications between said central site processor and the remote site modem; and means associated with said remote site modem for receiving test commands transmitted by said central site modem from said central site processor, for automatically and continuously checking under control of a microprocessor associated with said remote site modem for system malfunctions at said remote site modem and for transmitting a message back to said central site modem indicating a malfunction has occurred.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 176 words

For use in a data communication system including a central site modem and at least one remote site modem communicating over a transmission line with said central site modem, the modem diagnostic apparatus comprising: a central site processor means for providing commands including a plurality of test commands; means associated with said central site modem for receiving test commands from said central site processor, for automatically and continuously checking under control of a microprocessor associated with said central site modem for system malfunctions at the associated central site modem, for informing said central site processor of a said malfunction, and for transmitting communications between said central site processor and the remote site modem; and means associated with said remote site modem for receiving test commands transmitted by said central site modem from said central site processor, for automatically and continuously checking under control of a microprocessor associated with said remote site modem for system malfunctions at said remote site modem and for transmitting a message back to said central site modem indicating a malfunction has occurred.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 20 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 46 wherein said message indicates the location of said malfunction in said data communication system.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 18 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 46 or 47 wherein said message further indicates the type of said malfunction.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 107 words

For use in a data communication system including a plurality of remote sites and at least one remote site modem located at each remote site, a method of performing remote site diagnostics comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of first signals from which malfunctions in said data communication system at a remote site may be detected; monitoring said signals at said remote site to automatically detect said malfunctions, said monitoring and detecting being performed at least in part under control of a program stored at said remote site; and generating a message signal containing information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the data communication system.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 107 words

For use in a data communication system including a plurality of remote sites and at least one remote site modem located at each remote site, a method of performing remote site diagnostics comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of first signals from which malfunctions in said data communication system at a remote site may be detected; monitoring said signals at said remote site to automatically detect said malfunctions, said monitoring and detecting being performed at least in part under control of a program stored at said remote site; and generating a message signal containing information indicating that a malfunction has occurred in the data communication system.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 49 wherein said message includes information indicative of the type of malfunction which has occurred.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 49 wherein said message includes information indicative of the location of the malfunction.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 51 wherein said message further includes information indicative of the type of malfunction which has occurred.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 52 further including the step of transmitting said message over a secondary communication channel to a central location in said data communication system.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 119 words

In a data modem, adapted for use as part of a data communication system including a central controller, the method of performing data communication system diagnostics comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of signals from which a plurality of alarm conditions may be detected; monitoring said plurality of signals under stored program control, autonomously of said central controller; detecting alarm conditions from the monitored signals under stored program control, autonomously of said central controller; storing digital indications of the presence or absence of said alarm conditions; and responding to the detection of an alarm condition by forming a message indicative of the occurrence of a said alarm condition for transfer to selected apparatus in said data communication system.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 119 words

In a data modem, adapted for use as part of a data communication system including a central controller, the method of performing data communication system diagnostics comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of signals from which a plurality of alarm conditions may be detected; monitoring said plurality of signals under stored program control, autonomously of said central controller; detecting alarm conditions from the monitored signals under stored program control, autonomously of said central controller; storing digital indications of the presence or absence of said alarm conditions; and responding to the detection of an alarm condition by forming a message indicative of the occurrence of a said alarm condition for transfer to selected apparatus in said data communication system.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 54 wherein said message includes information indicating the type and location of said alarm condition.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 104 words

Diagnostic apparatus for use in a data communication system at data modem sites comprising: means for producing a plurality of first signals containing information concerning the operation of said data communication system; and a microprocessor running in an idle loop wherein a plurality of said first signals are repeatedly checked, said microprocessor including a plurality of timers and means for resetting said timers if certain malfunctions have not been detected, and means for periodically interrupting said idle loop to check for character reception, to set bits in a register indicating detection of certain malfunctions and to advance said timers if no malfunction is detected.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 104 words

Diagnostic apparatus for use in a data communication system at data modem sites comprising: means for producing a plurality of first signals containing information concerning the operation of said data communication system; and a microprocessor running in an idle loop wherein a plurality of said first signals are repeatedly checked, said microprocessor including a plurality of timers and means for resetting said timers if certain malfunctions have not been detected, and means for periodically interrupting said idle loop to check for character reception, to set bits in a register indicating detection of certain malfunctions and to advance said timers if no malfunction is detected.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 23 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 54 wherein said microprocessor means further stores and saves transitions in certain of said bits as status indicators.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 23 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 55 wherein said microprocessor means is further responsive to an indication of character reception to receive a character.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 27 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 56 wherein said microprocessor means further responds to detection of a malfunction to construct a message for transfer out of said microprocessor.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 17 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 57 wherein said message indicates the type and location of a malfunction.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 91 words

In a data communication system, including first and second modems, a first communication line, a second communication line, and means for alternately switching the communication path of said first and second modems between said first line and second line, the apparatus comprising: means for holding said second line while a switch to said first line is made; means for automatically ascertaining the performance of said first line once said first line has been switched to; and means for automatically switching back to said second line if said performance is not satisfactory.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 91 words

In a data communication system, including first and second modems, a first communication line, a second communication line, and means for alternately switching the communication path of said first and second modems between said first line and second line, the apparatus comprising: means for holding said second line while a switch to said first line is made; means for automatically ascertaining the performance of said first line once said first line has been switched to; and means for automatically switching back to said second line if said performance is not satisfactory.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 61 wherein said second line is a back-up line.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 61 wherein said second line is a dial back-up line and said first line is a dedicated line.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 96 words

Apparatus for testing and controlling a modem comprising: a control source for providing commands, including test commands to said modem; means at said modem for receiving said commands; means at said modem for transmitting messages to said control source; and means at said modem supplied with said commands by said receiving means for testing said modem in response to said test commands, monitoring the performance of said modem for alarm conditions, and supplying alarm messages to said transmitting means if an alarm condition is detected, said monitoring and supplying being done autonomously of said control source.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 96 words

Apparatus for testing and controlling a modem comprising: a control source for providing commands, including test commands to said modem; means at said modem for receiving said commands; means at said modem for transmitting messages to said control source; and means at said modem supplied with said commands by said receiving means for testing said modem in response to said test commands, monitoring the performance of said modem for alarm conditions, and supplying alarm messages to said transmitting means if an alarm condition is detected, said monitoring and supplying being done autonomously of said control source.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 180 words

A data communication system comprising: a plurality of data modems; a central processor means for generating formatted messages for transmission over selected transmission links; transmission means connecting said modems to said processor; and a test and control unit for use in conjunction with each data modem, each said test and control unit comprising; means for detecting a plurality of alarm conditions in the operation of its associated modem and setting corresponding alarm bits; means for receiving a formatted message, including a plurality of words each of which contains an information portion, one of which portions is a command, and for storing the received information portions in a stack; means for checking the contents of the stack to verify correct receipt of a command and for setting control bits to effectuate a command of said contents are correct; means for formatting and storing an acknowledgement message in response to detection of an alarm condition by said detecting means or in response to a correctly received command; and means for transmitting a said acknowledgement message out of said test and control unit.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 180 words

A data communication system comprising: a plurality of data modems; a central processor means for generating formatted messages for transmission over selected transmission links; transmission means connecting said modems to said processor; and a test and control unit for use in conjunction with each data modem, each said test and control unit comprising; means for detecting a plurality of alarm conditions in the operation of its associated modem and setting corresponding alarm bits; means for receiving a formatted message, including a plurality of words each of which contains an information portion, one of which portions is a command, and for storing the received information portions in a stack; means for checking the contents of the stack to verify correct receipt of a command and for setting control bits to effectuate a command of said contents are correct; means for formatting and storing an acknowledgement message in response to detection of an alarm condition by said detecting means or in response to a correctly received command; and means for transmitting a said acknowledgement message out of said test and control unit.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 125 words

Data communication diagnostic apparatus comprising: a central controller means for providing a plurality of commands over a communication link and for receiving messages over said link; at least one data modem adapted to communicate with said controller over said link; means for providing a plurality of signals from which a plurality of alarm conditions may be detected; and means in said data modem including a programmed processor for monitoring said plurality of signals autonomously of said central controller and for detecting from said plurality of signals a plurality of alarm conditions, storing digital indications of the presence or absence of said alarm conditions, and autonomously forming an alarm message for transmission to said central controller upon detection of the presence of a said alarm condition.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 125 words

Data communication diagnostic apparatus comprising: a central controller means for providing a plurality of commands over a communication link and for receiving messages over said link; at least one data modem adapted to communicate with said controller over said link; means for providing a plurality of signals from which a plurality of alarm conditions may be detected; and means in said data modem including a programmed processor for monitoring said plurality of signals autonomously of said central controller and for detecting from said plurality of signals a plurality of alarm conditions, storing digital indications of the presence or absence of said alarm conditions, and autonomously forming an alarm message for transmission to said central controller upon detection of the presence of a said alarm condition.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 101 words

A communication system comprising: a data modem adapted to be switched between back-up and primary transmission lines; a central controller means for communicating commands over either of said transmission lines to said modem, said commands including a first command to switch said data modem from a back-up line to a primary line; and means at said data modem responsive to said first command, for timing an interval during which a second command is expected to be received from said central controller, and for switching said modem back to said back-up line if said second command is not received during said interval.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 101 words

A communication system comprising: a data modem adapted to be switched between back-up and primary transmission lines; a central controller means for communicating commands over either of said transmission lines to said modem, said commands including a first command to switch said data modem from a back-up line to a primary line; and means at said data modem responsive to said first command, for timing an interval during which a second command is expected to be received from said central controller, and for switching said modem back to said back-up line if said second command is not received during said interval.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus of claim 67 wherein said means at said data modem also transmits an alarm signal to said central controller if said second command is not received during said interval.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 68 wherein said back-up line is a dial back-up line.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 131 words

A data communication system including: a plurality of data modems each at a remote site, a data terminal communicating with each remote site modem, at least one central-site modem, a central site processor communicating with said central site modem, said central-site modem and remote-site modems being adapted for communication with one another over a transmission medium; and diagnostic apparatus at each said remote site comprising: means for providing a first plurality of signals from which malfunctions in said data communication system may be detected; means supplied with said first plurality of signals for repeatedly testing said signals and responsive to said tests for detecting said malfunctions; and means responsive to detection of a said malfunction for generating a second plurality of signals, each indicative of the occurrence of a said malfunction.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 131 words

A data communication system including: a plurality of data modems each at a remote site, a data terminal communicating with each remote site modem, at least one central-site modem, a central site processor communicating with said central site modem, said central-site modem and remote-site modems being adapted for communication with one another over a transmission medium; and diagnostic apparatus at each said remote site comprising: means for providing a first plurality of signals from which malfunctions in said data communication system may be detected; means supplied with said first plurality of signals for repeatedly testing said signals and responsive to said tests for detecting said malfunctions; and means responsive to detection of a said malfunction for generating a second plurality of signals, each indicative of the occurrence of a said malfunction.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 29 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 70 further including means for generating a message including the location of a detected malfunction and transferring said message out of said diagnostic apparatus.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 16 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 71 wherein said message further includes the type of detected malfunction.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 20 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 71 or claim 72 wherein said message is transferred to other apparatus within said modem.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 28 words

The diagnostic apparatus of claim 71 or claim 72 wherein said message is transmitted through said transmission medium to the central site processor in said data communication system.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1986-05-23	1986-11-22	1987-05-24	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1990-05-23	1990-11-22	1991-05-24	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1994-05-23	1994-11-22	1995-05-24	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Modem diagnostic and control system

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag