Patent US5157716A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5157716A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dynamic callback technique
Assignee: Cisco Technology Inc
•
Filing: 1990-08-15
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Granted: 1992-10-20
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Expires: 2010-08-15
Abstract
Abstract A dynamic global callback technique which is capable of maintaining a manageable number of incoming calls to a central location from a plurality of remote units. A plurality of remote units are prompted to initiate callback attempts to a central location during a given callback period. The number of successful callback attempts from the remote units to the central location is monitored. The callback period if dynamically adjusted so as to cause the monitored number of successful callback attempts to approximately equal the number of successful callback attempts capable of being handled by the central location without overloading the telephone network.
Inventors
- 👤 David J. Naddor
- 👤 Randolph J. Schaubs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 21:51
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/16; H04N7/173; H04N7/17309; H04N7/17327; H04M; H04M3/00; H04M3/42; H04M3/46; H04M3/48; H04N2007/17372; H04N2007/17381
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of dynamically controlling the transfer of stored data from a plurality of remote units to a central location over a communication network, said central location capable of processing a fixed number of successful data transfers from said plurality of remote units, the method comprising the steps of: (a) prompting each of said plurality of remote units to attempt to transfer stored data to said central location at a random time within a callback time period of a predetermined length; (b) monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored data from said plurality of remote units to said central location over said communication network; and (c) dynamically controlling the length of the callback time period during such period in response to the monitored number of successful data transfers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of dynamically controlling the transfer of stored data from a plurality of remote units to a central location over a communication network, said central location capable of processing a fixed number of successful data transfers from said plurality of remote units, the method comprising the steps of: (a) prompting each of said plurality of remote units to attempt to transfer stored data to said central location at a random time within a callback time period of a predetermined length; (b) monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored data from said plurality of remote units to said central location over said communication network; and (c) dynamically controlling the length of the callback time period during such period in response to the monitored number of successful data transfers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of: (d) prompting remote units which unsuccessfully attempt to transfer stored data to said central location to attempt to transfer stored data after a time interval equal to the callback time period has elapsed from the last unsuccessful transfer attempt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein the length of the callback time period is increased if the monitored number of successful data transfers is approximately equal to the fixed number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the length of the callback time period is increased until the monitored number of successful data transfers is less than the fixed number of successful data transfer capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method according to claim 2 wherein the length of the callback time period is decreased if the monitored number of successful data transfers is less than the fixed number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 5 wherein the length of the callback time period is decreased until the monitored number of successful data transfers is approximately equal to the fixed number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method according to claim 4 wherein after the length of the callback time period has been increased until the monitored number of successful data transfer is less than the fixed number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location, the length of the callback time period is decreased until the monitored number of successful data transfer is approximately equal to the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said communication network comprises a telephone network.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the length of the callback time period is controlled so as to generate a number of successful data transfers approximately equal to the fixed number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said remote units are prompted so as to generate a uniform distribution of attempts to transfer stored data within the callback time period.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of dynamically controlling the transfer of stored billing information from a plurality of modules in an impulse pay-per-view system to a headend over a telephone network, each module in said impulse pay-per-view system having a digital identifier comprising a plurality of bits arranged in a predetermined order, said method comprising the steps of: (a) prompting each of said plurality of modules to transfer stored billing information to the headend at a random time within a callback time period of a predetermined length: (b) monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored billing information from said plurality of modules to said headend over said telephone network; and (c) dynamically controlling the length of the callback time period during such period in response to the monitored number of successful billing information transfers.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of dynamically controlling the transfer of stored billing information from a plurality of modules in an impulse pay-per-view system to a headend over a telephone network, each module in said impulse pay-per-view system having a digital identifier comprising a plurality of bits arranged in a predetermined order, said method comprising the steps of: (a) prompting each of said plurality of modules to transfer stored billing information to the headend at a random time within a callback time period of a predetermined length: (b) monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored billing information from said plurality of modules to said headend over said telephone network; and (c) dynamically controlling the length of the callback time period during such period in response to the monitored number of successful billing information transfers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 11 wherein said plurality of modules are prompted so as to generate a uniform distribution of attempts to transfer billing information within the callback time period.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 12 wherein the uniform distribution is generating using the digital identifiers of said plurality of modules.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 13 wherein the uniform distribution is generated so that modules having consecutive digital identifiers attempt to transfer billing information at spaced times during the callback time period.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method according to claim 11 further comprising the step of: (d) prompting modules which unsuccessfully attempt to transfer billing information to said headed to attempt to transfer stored billing information after a time interval equal to the callback time period has elapsed from the last unsuccessful transfer attempt.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 15 wherein the length of the callback time period is decreased until the monitored number of successful billing information transfers is approximately equal to the number of successful billing information transfers capable of being processed by the headend.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 15 wherein the length of the callback time period is increased until the monitored number of successful billing information transfers is approximately equal to the number of successful billing information transfers capable of being processed by said headend.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 13 wherein the uniform distribution is generated by shifting the plurality of bits comprising the digital identifier of each of said modules in a predetermined manner.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method according to claim 11 wherein the length of the callback time period is controlled so as to generate a number of successful billing information transfers approximately equal to the number of successful billing information transfers capable of being processed by said headend.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of dynamically controlling the transfer of stored data from a plurality of remote units to a central location over a communication network, the method of comprising the steps of: (a) prompting each of said plurality of remote units to attempt to transfer stored data to said central location within a callback time period of a predetermined length; (b) monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored data from said plurality of remote units to said central location; and (c) dynamically controlling the length of the callback time period during such period in response to the monitored number of successful data transfers.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of dynamically controlling the transfer of stored data from a plurality of remote units to a central location over a communication network, the method of comprising the steps of: (a) prompting each of said plurality of remote units to attempt to transfer stored data to said central location within a callback time period of a predetermined length; (b) monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored data from said plurality of remote units to said central location; and (c) dynamically controlling the length of the callback time period during such period in response to the monitored number of successful data transfers.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method according to claim 20 further comprising the step of: (d) prompting remote units which unsuccessfully attempt to transfer stored data to said central location to attempt to transfer stored data after a time interval equal to the callback time period has elapsed from the last unsuccessful transfer attempt.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 20 wherein said communication network comprises a telephone network.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 20 wherein the length of the callback time period is controlled so as to generate a number of successful data transfers approximately equal to the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 20 wherein each of said plurality of remote units attempts to transfer stored data to said central location at a unique predetermined time within the callback time period.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 24 wherein the unique time associated with each remote is generated by shifting the bits of the associated digital identifier in a predetermined manner.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
137 words
A data recovery system comprising: a plurality of remote units for storing data; a central location for receiving data transferred from said plurality of remote units; prompt means for prompting each of said plurality of remote units to attempt to transfer stored data to said central location within a time period of a predetermined length; wherein said remote units which unsuccessfully attempt to transfer stored data to said central location again attempt to transfer stored data after a time interval equal to the time period has elapsed from the last unsuccessful transfer attempt; monitoring means for monitoring the number os successful transfers of stored data from said remote units to said central location; and control means for dynamically controlling the length of the time period during such period in response to the monitored number of data transfers.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
137 words
A data recovery system comprising: a plurality of remote units for storing data; a central location for receiving data transferred from said plurality of remote units; prompt means for prompting each of said plurality of remote units to attempt to transfer stored data to said central location within a time period of a predetermined length; wherein said remote units which unsuccessfully attempt to transfer stored data to said central location again attempt to transfer stored data after a time interval equal to the time period has elapsed from the last unsuccessful transfer attempt; monitoring means for monitoring the number os successful transfers of stored data from said remote units to said central location; and control means for dynamically controlling the length of the time period during such period in response to the monitored number of data transfers.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The data recovery system according to claim 26 wherein said central location is adapted to receive data transferred from said plurality of remote units over a telephone network.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
45 words
The data recovery system according to claim 26 wherein said control means controls the length of the time period such that the number of successful data transfers is approximately equal to the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
49 words
The data recovery system according to claim 26 wherein said control means increases the length of the time period if the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is approximately equal to the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
48 words
The data recovery system according to claim 26 wherein said control means decreases the length of the time period if the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is less than the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
48 words
The data recovery system according to claim 29 wherein said control means increases the length of the time period until the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is less than the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
90 words
The data recovery system according to claim 31 wherein after said control means has increased the length of the time period until the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is less than the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location, said control means decreases the length of the time period until the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is approximately equal to the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
144 words
Apparatus for dynamically controlling the transfer of stored data from a plurality of remote units to a central location over a communication network, said apparatus comprising: prompt means for prompting each of said plurality of remote units to attempt to transfer stored data to said central location within a time period of a predetermined length; wherein said remote units which unsuccessfully attempt to transfer stored data to said central location again attempt to transfer stored data after a time interval equal to the time period has elapsed from the last unsuccessful transfer attempt; monitoring means for monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored data from said plurality of remote units to said central location over said communication network; and control means for dynamically controlling the length of the time period during such period in response to the monitored number of successful data transfers.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
144 words
Apparatus for dynamically controlling the transfer of stored data from a plurality of remote units to a central location over a communication network, said apparatus comprising: prompt means for prompting each of said plurality of remote units to attempt to transfer stored data to said central location within a time period of a predetermined length; wherein said remote units which unsuccessfully attempt to transfer stored data to said central location again attempt to transfer stored data after a time interval equal to the time period has elapsed from the last unsuccessful transfer attempt; monitoring means for monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored data from said plurality of remote units to said central location over said communication network; and control means for dynamically controlling the length of the time period during such period in response to the monitored number of successful data transfers.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said communication network comprises a telephone network.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said control means controls the length of the time period such that the number of successful data transfers is approximately equal to the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said control means increases the length of the time period if the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is approximately equal to the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said control means decreases the length of the time period if the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is less than the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus according to claim 36 wherein said control means increases the length of the time period until the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is less than the number of successful data transfer capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
88 words
The apparatus according to claim 38 wherein after said control means has increased the length of the time period until the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is less than the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location, said control means decreases the length of the time period until the number of successful data transfers monitored by said monitoring means is approximately equal to the number of successful data transfers capable of being processed by said central location.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
148 words
An impulse pay-per-view system comprising: a plurality of modules for storing billing information related to impulse pay-per-view transactions; central receiving means for receiving billing information transferred from said plurality of modules over a communication network; prompt means for prompting each of said plurality of modules to transfer stored billing information to said central receiving means within a time period of a predetermined length; wherein said modules which unsuccessfully attempt to transfer stored billing information to said central receiving means again attempt to transfer stored billing information after a time interval equal to the time period has elapsed from the last unsuccessful transfer attempt; monitoring means for monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored information from said modules to said central receiving means; and control means for dynamically controlling the length of the time period during said period in response to the monitored number of billing information transfers.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
148 words
An impulse pay-per-view system comprising: a plurality of modules for storing billing information related to impulse pay-per-view transactions; central receiving means for receiving billing information transferred from said plurality of modules over a communication network; prompt means for prompting each of said plurality of modules to transfer stored billing information to said central receiving means within a time period of a predetermined length; wherein said modules which unsuccessfully attempt to transfer stored billing information to said central receiving means again attempt to transfer stored billing information after a time interval equal to the time period has elapsed from the last unsuccessful transfer attempt; monitoring means for monitoring the number of successful transfers of stored information from said modules to said central receiving means; and control means for dynamically controlling the length of the time period during said period in response to the monitored number of billing information transfers.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
The impulse pay-per-view system according to claim 40 wherein said central receiving means is adapted to receive billing information from said plurality of modules over a telephone network.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
48 words
The impulse pay-per-view system according to claim 40 wherein said control means controls the length of the time period such that the number of successful billing information transfers is approximately equal to the number of successful billing information transfers capable of being processed by said central receiving means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
52 words
The impulse pay-per-view system according to claim 40 wherein said control means increases the length of the time period if the number of successful billing information transfer monitored by said monitoring means is approximately equal to the number of successful billing information transfers capable of being processed by said central receiving means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
51 words
The impulse pay-per-view system according to claim 40 wherein said control means decreases the length of the time period if the number of successful billing information transfers monitored by said monitoring means is less than the number of successful billing information transfers capable of being processed by said central receiving means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
51 words
The impulse pay-per-view system according to claim 43 wherein said control means increases the length of the time period until the number of successful billing information transfers monitored by said monitoring means is less than the number of successful billing information transfers capable of being processed by said central receiving means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
96 words
The impulse pay-per-view system according to claim 45 wherein after said control means has increased the length of the time period until the number of successful billing information transfers monitored by said monitoring means is less than the number of successful billing information transfers capable of being processed by said central receiving means, said control means decreases the length of the time period until the number of successful billing information transfers monitored by said monitoring means is approximately equal to the number of successful billing information transfers capable of being processed by said central receiving means.
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