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Mode-selectable communications system

  • US 5,021,777 A
  • Filed: 10/14/1988
  • Issued: 06/04/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A mode-selectable communications system for commanding at least one remote module from a controller unit by a command signal having an address and major communications mode command, the system comprising:

  • a remote module, communicating with the controller unit through a communication link, including;

    major mode identifier means for receiving the command signal from the controller unit, for identifying an address pertaining to the remote module, and for identifying a major communications mode for that module as a command response mode or a time slot mode;

    command response means, responsive to said major mode identifier means, for implementing a task indicated by the identified command response mode; and

    time slot response means, responsive to said major mode identifier means, for determining at least one time slot unique to that module and for communicating, based on the identified time slot mode, with the controller unit through the communications link during that time slot, said time slot response means includingtimer means for defining a first preselected timing period;

    time slot identifier means, responsive to said major mode identifier means, for selecting a time slot response based on the identified time slot mode and for initializing said timer means; and

    means, enabled by said timer means when the timing period expires, for executing the selected time slot response to communicate with the controller unit through the communications link during unique time slot.

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