Control circuit for concurrently monitoring and controlling functions and frequency modulating status information in a digital data network
First Claim
1. A remote unit for performing various control functions and monitoring other functions in response to frequency modulated control data signals conveyed from a central location over a data signal path means, said unit comprising:
- A. at least one first function means for performing a predetermined control function in response to the control data signal from the central location, each said first function means responding to the control data when it is constituted by electrical logic signals,B. at least one second function means for generating electrical logic signals corresponding to control data to be transferred to the central location,C. decoding means for converting the frequency modulated control data signals into electrical logical signals, andD. control means interconnecting each said function means and said decoding means, said control means including;
i. a voltage source for generating a voltage,ii. switching means connected to said voltage source for selectively switching a voltage onto the data signal path means, andiii. a programmed microcomputer system means including;
(a) a plurality of output signalling means connected to said first function means and to said switching means, and(b) a plurality of input signalling means connected to said second function means and said decoding means, said microcomputer system means generating, in response to its program, on said output signalling means connected to said switching means a frequency modulated control signal in response to signals at said input signalling means, said switching means being shifted between conductive and nonconductive states in response to the frequency modulated control signal thereby to couple the frequency modulated signals onto the data signal path means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A remote unit contains function circuits to be controlled in response to control data from a central location and function circuits to generate information for transfer to the central location. The control data is transferred between the remote unit and the central location as frequency-shift-keyed signals. In the remote unit, a programmed microcomputer contains three blocks of instructions for enabling the microcomputer to perform background operations, to respond to the initial receipt of a message, and to thereafter transmit and decode the message. Further, in response to the decoding block of instructions, that are provided on a fixed time basis, the microcomputer is able to transmit frequency-shift-keyed signals without the need for a separate frequency-shift-keyed transmitter.
Cross References to Related Patent Applications
Background of the Invention
Summary
Brief Description of the Drawings
Description of an Illustrative Embodiment
A. General Description
B. Specific Description
1. Multifunction Telephone Structure
a. Voice Signal Path and Telephone Receiver and Transmitter 52
b. Power Supply 57 and Local Power Option 60
c. Phase Loop Receiver and Transmit Driver 54
d. Audio Amplifier 61 and Speaker 62
e. Hook Switch Circuit
f. Tone Ringer 63 and Transducer 64
2. Common Equipment
a. Control Circuit 47
b. Line Card 41
3. Operation
a. Microport Control Unit 40 to Line Card 41
b. Line Card 41 to Multifunction Telephone 16A
c. Multifunction Telephone
d. Multifunction Telephone 16A to Line Card 41
4. Detailed Operation of the Multifunction Telephone
a. Background State
b. External Event State
c. Timer Interrupt State
C. Summary of the Description
19 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A remote unit for performing various control functions and monitoring other functions in response to frequency modulated control data signals conveyed from a central location over a data signal path means, said unit comprising:
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A. at least one first function means for performing a predetermined control function in response to the control data signal from the central location, each said first function means responding to the control data when it is constituted by electrical logic signals, B. at least one second function means for generating electrical logic signals corresponding to control data to be transferred to the central location, C. decoding means for converting the frequency modulated control data signals into electrical logical signals, and D. control means interconnecting each said function means and said decoding means, said control means including; i. a voltage source for generating a voltage, ii. switching means connected to said voltage source for selectively switching a voltage onto the data signal path means, and iii. a programmed microcomputer system means including; (a) a plurality of output signalling means connected to said first function means and to said switching means, and (b) a plurality of input signalling means connected to said second function means and said decoding means, said microcomputer system means generating, in response to its program, on said output signalling means connected to said switching means a frequency modulated control signal in response to signals at said input signalling means, said switching means being shifted between conductive and nonconductive states in response to the frequency modulated control signal thereby to couple the frequency modulated signals onto the data signal path means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A remote unit for performing various control functions and monitoring other functions in response to frequency-shift-keyed control data signals conveyed from a central location over a data signal path means, said remote unit comprising:
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A. at least one first function means for performing a predetermined control function in response to the control data from the central location, each said first function means responding to the control data when it is constituted by electrical digital signals, B. at least one second function means for generating electrical digital signals corresponding to control data to be transferred to the central location, C. decoding means for converting the frequency-shift-keyed control data signals into electrical digital signals, and D. control means interconnecting each said function means and said decoding means, said control means including; i. a voltage source for generating a voltage, ii. switching means connected to said voltage source for selectively switching a voltage onto the second signal path means, and iii. a programmed microcomputer system means including; (a) a plurality of output signalling means connected to said first function means and to said switching means, and (b) a plurality of input signalling means connected to said second function means and said decoding means, said microcomputer system means generating on said output signalling means connected to said switching means a frequency-shift-keyed control signal in response to signals at said input signalling means, said switching means being shifted between conductive and nonconductive states in response to the control signal thereby to couple the frequency-shift-keyed signals onto the data signal path means. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification