US6266348B1 — Splitterless multicarrier modem

Claim 1

Independent Claim 85 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition; and means for switching between said tables on the detection of a defined event.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 85 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition; and means for switching between said tables on the detection of a defined event.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 88 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition, wherein said first table specifies the communications capabilities of said modem during normal operation; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 88 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition, wherein said first table specifies the communications capabilities of said modem during normal operation; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 35 words

A modem according to claim 2 in which the bit allocations of second table are determined by adding noise margins to the determination of the bit allocations of the corresponding subchannels of said first table.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 88 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said second table specifies the communications capabilities of said modem during diminished operation.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 88 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said second table specifies the communications capabilities of said modem during diminished operation.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 88 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said defined event includes signaling events comprising transitions between on-hook and off-hook conditions.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 88 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said defined event includes signaling events comprising transitions between on-hook and off-hook conditions.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 20 words

A modem according to claim 5 in which said first table defines communications in the absence of a signaling event.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 20 words

A modem according to claim 6 in which said second table defines communications responsive to detection of a signaling event.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 34 words

A modem according to claim 7 in which said switching means switches from said second table to said first table on detection of a signaling event indicative of cessation of a previously-detected signaling event.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 96 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said first and second tables are determined during an initialization session in which the communication capabilities of said subchannels are determined.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 96 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said first and second tables are determined during an initialization session in which the communication capabilities of said subchannels are determined.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 20 words

A modem according to claim 9 in which said first table is determined in the absence of interfering signaling conditions.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 20 words

A modem according to claim 10 in which said second table is determined as a function of said first table.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 28 words

A modem according to claim 11 in which the bit allocations of said second table are determined as a percentage of the bit allocations of said first table.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 138 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel, comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said second channel control table is determined responsive to a plurality of signaling events created by a corresponding plurality of event-generating sources, each defining a channel control table specific to the given source, and comprises a composite table formed by selecting, for each subchannel, the minimum bit allocation for the corresponding subchannel of the table associated with each of the plurality of sources.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 138 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel, comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said second channel control table is determined responsive to a plurality of signaling events created by a corresponding plurality of event-generating sources, each defining a channel control table specific to the given source, and comprises a composite table formed by selecting, for each subchannel, the minimum bit allocation for the corresponding subchannel of the table associated with each of the plurality of sources.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 116 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel, the improvement comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said second channel control table is selected from a plurality of tables determined responsive to a plurality of signaling events created by a corresponding plurality of event-generating sources, each defining a channel control table specific to the given source.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 116 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel, the improvement comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; and B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition, wherein said second channel control table is selected from a plurality of tables determined responsive to a plurality of signaling events created by a corresponding plurality of event-generating sources, each defining a channel control table specific to the given source.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 31 words

A modem according to claim 14 which includes means for selecting one of said plurality of tables for use as said second table in accordance with the source generating an event.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 111 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel, the improvement comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition; C. means for redetermining said channel control tables while said modem is in either of said communication conditions; and D. means for communicating a redetermined table to a second modem engaged in communication with said modem.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 111 words

In a modem communicating data over a multiplicity of discrete subchannels, each characterized by a bit allocation parameter defining the allocation of bits over the corresponding subchannel for communication over said subchannel, the improvement comprising: A. means for storing a first channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a first communication condition; B. means for storing a second channel control table for allocating bits to said subchannels during a second communication condition; C. means for redetermining said channel control tables while said modem is in either of said communication conditions; and D. means for communicating a redetermined table to a second modem engaged in communication with said modem.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 25 words

A modem according to claim 16 in which said communicating means communicates said redetermined table over a dedicated sub-subchannel selected from among said discrete subchannels.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 25 words

A modem according to claim 16 in which said communicating means further communicates to said second modem information identifying the type of said redetermined table.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 138 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications having both upstream and downstream communication subchannels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state; means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state; means for detecting said selected events; means for monitoring a selected characteristic of at least one of said communication subchannels during a plurality of communication intervals; means for determining differences in the selected characteristic over said plurality of intervals; and means for generating a signal initiating switching of said tables when said differences exhibit a defined pattern.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 138 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications having both upstream and downstream communication subchannels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state; means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state; means for detecting said selected events; means for monitoring a selected characteristic of at least one of said communication subchannels during a plurality of communication intervals; means for determining differences in the selected characteristic over said plurality of intervals; and means for generating a signal initiating switching of said tables when said differences exhibit a defined pattern.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 32 words

A modem according to claim 19 in which said pattern comprises an initial difference above a first threshold amount followed by at least a subsequent differences less than a second threshold amount.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 17 words

A modem according to claim 20 in which said first threshold is greater than said second threshold.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 32 words

A modem according to claim 21 in which said pattern comprises an initial difference above a first threshold amount followed by a plurality of subsequent differences less than a second threshold amount.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 15 words

A modem according to claim 21 in which said characteristic comprises an error code error.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 14 words

A modem according to claim 21 in which said characteristic comprises a signal-to-noise ratio.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 18 words

A modem according to claim 20 in which said selected characteristic is monitored over at least one sub-subchannel.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 18 words

A modem according to claim 20 in which said selected characteristic is monitored over a plurality of subchannels.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 33 words

(Amended) A modem according to claim 26 which includes means for averaging the monitored values of said selected characteristic over said subchannels for use in comparing said initial difference to said first threshold.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 32 words

A modem according to claim 26 which includes means for averaging the monitored values of said selected characteristic over said subchannels for use in comparing said subsequent difference to said second threshold.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 17 words

A modem according to claim 19 in which said characteristic comprises a parameter of a pilot tone.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 27 words

A modem according to claim 19 in which said switching means returns said modem to said first communication state on termination of the event causing the switching.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 30 words

A modem according to claim 19 in which said generating means causes transmission of a switch-control signal over one of said subchannels in response to detection of a selected event.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 24 words

A modem according to claim 19 in which said generating means causes transmission of a tone in response to detection of a selected event.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 103 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications over a loop having both upstream and downstream communication channels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: A. means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state; and B. means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state, specifies wherein said first table establishes a data rate greater than that of said second table.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 103 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications over a loop having both upstream and downstream communication channels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: A. means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state; and B. means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state, specifies wherein said first table establishes a data rate greater than that of said second table.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 20 words

A modem according to claim 33 in which said tables define the number of bits transmitted over the respective subchannels.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 23 words

A modem according to claim 34 in which said events comprise signaling events selected from the group comprising off-hook on-hook, ringing, and busy.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 127 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications over a loop having both upstream and downstream communication channels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: A. means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state; B. means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state; C. means for emitting into said loop a test signal for probing the return characteristics of transmissions into the loop by said modem; and D. means for limiting the power level of said transmissions in accordance with the measured return characteristics.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 127 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications over a loop having both upstream and downstream communication channels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: A. means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state; B. means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state; C. means for emitting into said loop a test signal for probing the return characteristics of transmissions into the loop by said modem; and D. means for limiting the power level of said transmissions in accordance with the measured return characteristics.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 54 words

A modem according to claim 36 in which said probe comprises a tone at a defined amplitude and frequency and in which the measured return characteristics comprise at least one characteristic selected from the group comprising the amplitude and frequency of the signal returned to said modem in response to emission of said tone.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 55 words

A modem according to claim 36 in which said probe comprises a plurality of tones at defined amplitudes and frequencies and in which the measured return characteristics comprise at least one characteristic selected from the group comprising the amplitudes and frequencies of the signal returned to said modem in response to emission of said tone.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 121 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications over a loop having both upstream and downstream communication channels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: A. means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state; B. means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state; and equalizers for equalizing the transmission characteristics of said subchannels and in which said tables define: (1) coefficients of time domain equalizers, (2) coefficients of frequency domain equalizers or (3) coefficients of digital echo cancellers.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 121 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications over a loop having both upstream and downstream communication channels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: A. means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state; B. means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state; and equalizers for equalizing the transmission characteristics of said subchannels and in which said tables define: (1) coefficients of time domain equalizers, (2) coefficients of frequency domain equalizers or (3) coefficients of digital echo cancellers.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 104 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications over a loop having both upstream and downstream communication channels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: A. means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state, wherein said first table is determined during an initialization process in the absence of a selected event; and B. means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 104 words

A modem for use in asymmetric digital subscriber line communications over a loop having both upstream and downstream communication channels formed from a plurality of subchannels, said loop adapted to carry both voice and data communications thereon, comprising: A. means for storing a first table defining data communications between said modem and a second modem connected to said loop during a first communication state, wherein said first table is determined during an initialization process in the absence of a selected event; and B. means for storing a second table defining data communications between said modem and said second modem during a second communication state.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 24 words

A modem according to claim 40 in which said second table is determined during an initialization process in the presence of a selected event.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 20 words

A modem according to claim 41 in which said second table is redetermined responsive to occurrence of a selected event.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 29 words

A modem according to claim 42 in which redetermined tables are communicated from a given modem to other modems with which it is in communication during a quiescent state.

Claim 57

Independent Claim 90 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition, wherein said selecting step includes the step of monitoring communications on said line and transmitting and selecting said parameter set in accordance with said monitoring.

Claim 58

Independent Claim 90 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition, wherein said selecting step includes the step of monitoring communications on said line and transmitting and selecting said parameter set in accordance with said monitoring.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 44 in which said monitoring step includes the step of measuring at least one communication indicium on said at least one subchannel.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of claim 45 in which said at least one indicium is selected from the group comprising signal to noise ratios, error rates, and the amplitude and frequency of tones.

Claim 61

Independent Claim 81 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition; and C. transmitting over said line a signal that identifies the parameter set to be selected.

Claim 62

Independent Claim 81 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition; and C. transmitting over said line a signal that identifies the parameter set to be selected.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 47 in which said signal is transmitted on a subchannel intermediate said upstream and downstream channels.

Claim 64

Independent Claim 81 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition; and C. receiving over said line a signal that identifies the parameter set to be selected.

Claim 65

Independent Claim 81 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition; and C. receiving over said line a signal that identifies the parameter set to be selected.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 49 in which said signal is received on a subchannel intermediate said upstream and downstream channels.

Claim 67

Independent Claim 99 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchanels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition, wherein said first parameter set defines communications over said line in the absence of a disturbance event and said second parameter set defines communications over said line in the presence of a disturbance event.

Claim 68

Independent Claim 99 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchanels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition, wherein said first parameter set defines communications over said line in the absence of a disturbance event and said second parameter set defines communications over said line in the presence of a disturbance event.

Claim 69

Independent Claim 85 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition, wherein said parameter sets include at least one parameter set from the group comprising subchannel bit allocations and subchannel gains.

Claim 70

Independent Claim 85 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition, wherein said parameter sets include at least one parameter set from the group comprising subchannel bit allocations and subchannel gains.

Claim 71

Independent Claim 90 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition, wherein said parameter sets include at least one parameter set from the group comprising subchannel frequency domain coefficients, time domain coefficients, and echo cancellation coefficients.

Claim 72

Independent Claim 90 words

A method of transmitting data over a wire line through upstream and downstream channels, respectively, from first and second pluralities of discrete-frequency subchannels, comprising the steps of: A. storing at least first and second parameter sets defining data communications over said channels under at least two different communication conditions; B. selecting a parameter set for use in communications in accordance with the prevailing communication condition, wherein said parameter sets include at least one parameter set from the group comprising subchannel frequency domain coefficients, time domain coefficients, and echo cancellation coefficients.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 52 in which said parameter sets include a first section for use in transmitting data over said line and a second portion for receiving data over said line.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2004-07-23	2005-01-22	2005-07-24	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2008-07-23	2009-01-22	2009-07-24	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2012-07-23	2013-01-22	2013-07-24	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Splitterless multicarrier modem

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