Patent US3845472A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3845472A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Data communication system employing a series loop
Assignee: Johnson Service Co
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Filing: 1972-12-15
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1992-12-15
Abstract
Abstract A serial data communication loop system has a stored program computer capable of performing the sequences of internally stored instructions and also modifying those instructions as directed by those instructions. A loop controller includes the computer and generates timed spaced multiple bit message frames for serial, time spaced communication with a plurality of remote stations, each of which has one or more functional point modules. The multiple bits of frames are functionally grouped to provide in sequence a remote address byte, a module address byte, a command and status byte and a data and load selection byte. Each frame bit is immediately processed and transmitted to the next remote, either modified or unmodified in accordance with the system response without local synchronization generators or the like for simultaneously processing the several remotes. Each remote has a frame generator responsive to failure to receive a message frame within a given time to generate frames with its own address to signal the controller of a loop break. An operator console has a manual input means and output display means for selective communication with the other remotes under control of the loop controller. The display means includes individual status lamps for each remote as well as common display means selectively related to any one of the remotes. A plurality of loop system controllers connected to a central processing unit provide expanded capabilities.
Inventors
- 👤 S Buchanan
- 👤 P Froehling
- 👤 G Oman
- 👤 T Huebner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:53
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04Q; H04Q9/00; H04Q9/14; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/28; H04L12/42; H04L12/423
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
A data communication loop system wherein a plurality of remote stations are coupled to a central control station by a serial transmission path means, each of said remote stations being adapted to receive multiple bit code signals and to transmit said signals to a succeeding station, each of said remote stations including a plurality of load means which are divided into functional groups defined as point modules, comprising a frame code signal generator forming a part of said control station and adapted to generate a continuous series of time spaced data frames separated in time, each of said frames having at least three bytes including an initial frame status and address byte including frame status bits and a subsequent plurality of loop remote station address bits, a second multiple bit byte having acknowledgment bits and a subsequent plurality of point module address bits for selection of remote monitored means, and a third multiple bit byte having a plurality of command bits and operating data bits for execution of selected operations of the load means within a point module.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
A data communication loop system wherein a plurality of remote stations are coupled to a central control station by a serial transmission path means, each of said remote stations being adapted to receive multiple bit code signals and to transmit said signals to a succeeding station, each of said remote stations including a plurality of load means which are divided into functional groups defined as point modules, comprising a frame code signal generator forming a part of said control station and adapted to generate a continuous series of time spaced data frames separated in time, each of said frames having at least three bytes including an initial frame status and address byte including frame status bits and a subsequent plurality of loop remote station address bits, a second multiple bit byte having acknowledgment bits and a subsequent plurality of point module address bits for selection of remote monitored means, and a third multiple bit byte having a plurality of command bits and operating data bits for execution of selected operations of the load means within a point module.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
The data communication loop system of claim 1 wherein said third multiple bit byte includes a first byte having a plurality of command bits and a plurality of subsequent status bits to identify the status of a remote station, and a second multiple bit byte for transmission of data to and from a remote station including load selection means for selection of at least one load means within the point module.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
242 words
A data communication loop system wherein a plurality of remote stations are coupled to a central loop controller station by a serial transmission path means, each of said remote stations being adapted to receive multiple bit code signals and to transmit said signals to a succeeding station, each of said remote stations including a plurality of load means which are divided into functional groups defined as point modules, comprising a frame code signal generator forming a part of said controller station and adapted to generate a continuous series of time spaced data frames, each of said frames including a plurality of multiple bit bytes each including a final parity bit and including a first address byte having first and second bits identifying generally available frames and assigned available frames, a third bit identifying frames assigned to all remote stations for transmission of a common command and having a plurality of loop remote station address bits, said frame including a second multiple bit byte having first and second acknowledgment bits actuated by a remote station and a plurality of point module address bits for selection of remote monitored means, a third multiple bit byte having a plurality of command bits and including a command parity bit, a second plurality of status bits to identify the status of selected conditions at a remote station, and a fourth multiple bit byte for transmission for data to and from a remote station including point selection means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
242 words
A data communication loop system wherein a plurality of remote stations are coupled to a central loop controller station by a serial transmission path means, each of said remote stations being adapted to receive multiple bit code signals and to transmit said signals to a succeeding station, each of said remote stations including a plurality of load means which are divided into functional groups defined as point modules, comprising a frame code signal generator forming a part of said controller station and adapted to generate a continuous series of time spaced data frames, each of said frames including a plurality of multiple bit bytes each including a final parity bit and including a first address byte having first and second bits identifying generally available frames and assigned available frames, a third bit identifying frames assigned to all remote stations for transmission of a common command and having a plurality of loop remote station address bits, said frame including a second multiple bit byte having first and second acknowledgment bits actuated by a remote station and a plurality of point module address bits for selection of remote monitored means, a third multiple bit byte having a plurality of command bits and including a command parity bit, a second plurality of status bits to identify the status of selected conditions at a remote station, and a fourth multiple bit byte for transmission for data to and from a remote station including point selection means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
The data communication loop system of claim 3 wherein each remote station includes means responsive to failure of a point module to recognize its address in a frame to actuate the next byte bits to a unique logic state and to retransmit such frame to the controller with such unique logic state, said controller responding thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The data communication loop system of claim 4 wherein all of said command bits are placed in a logic ''''0'''' to indicate such failure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
85 words
The loop communication system of claim 3 wherein each remote station includes means to set one of said acknowledgment bits of the second byte in response to receipt of a ''''Dedicated'''' frame with a corresponding station address, each point module having acknowledgment means to generate a point acknowledgment signal in response to receipt of its address, said frame handling means having means connected to said acknowledgment means to transmit the command bits as logic ''''0''s'''' in the absence of receipt of said point acknowledgment signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
The data communication loop system of claim 3 wherein each remote station includes means to actuate one of said acknowledgment bits of said second byte in response to station actuation by a ''''Dedicated'''' frame for said remote station, and to actuate the other of said acknowledgment bits in response to engaging of an ''''Available'''' frame for filling of such frame.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
69 words
The data communication loop system of Claim 3 wherein the status bits of said third byte includes a parity error bit operable to prevent execution of a command and to advise the loop controller of the status, a power failure bit to advise the loop controller of a selected power failure at a remote station, and an interrupt bit to inform the loop controller of a frame pending request.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The data communication loop of claim 3 wherein said fourth byte includes initial bits each of which is related to one of a plurality of load means at a multiple load means point module.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The data communication loop of claim 3 wherein said fourth byte includes bits which are related to data input and output means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
109 words
The data communication loop system of claim 3 wherein each remote station includes a multiple voltage supply means establishing a plurality of operating voltages to the several associated point modules and frame handling means, said voltages being divided into first voltages essential to remote station operations and to second voltages essential to loop communicating, and monitoring means for said voltages and operable to by-pass the remote station in response to a voltage fault in a second voltage and coupled to the frame handling means to set one of said status bits and transmit a fault message to the controller in response to a voltage fault in a first voltage.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
60 words
The data communication loop system of claim 11 wherein each remote station includes an input cable means and an output cable means for receiving and transmitting the digital information in serial form, and said monitoring means including switch means connecting said input cable means directly to said output cable means and responsive to said seconD voltages to complete the connection.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
220 words
In a data communication loop system having a central station coupled to a plurality of remote stations in a 4 continuous series loop, wherein said central station includes a loop controller constructed to generate a continuous series of spaced multiple bit message frames, each of said remote stations including a frame logic handling means having an input cable means to receive said frames and an output cable means to retransmit each frame, said frame handling logic means including means to analyze each bit as received regarding the applicability of the frame to the corresponding station and responsive to the next succeeding bit to transmit such bit modified or unmodified in accordance with such analysis, whereby a plurality of remote stations may simultaneously be processing the different bits of a given message frame, and said frames including bit means classifying the corresponding frame as a ''''Dedicated'''' frame designed to activate a selected remote station and as ''''Available'''' frames which can be activated by a remote station, each remote station having means to detect a ''''Dedicated'''' frame addressed to said station and to respond thereto and having means to select an ''''Available'''' frame to transmit data and operable to actuate the corresponding classifying bit means upon remote station engaging of an ''''Available'''' frame and thereby converting said frame into an ''''Unavailable'''' frame.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
220 words
In a data communication loop system having a central station coupled to a plurality of remote stations in a 4 continuous series loop, wherein said central station includes a loop controller constructed to generate a continuous series of spaced multiple bit message frames, each of said remote stations including a frame logic handling means having an input cable means to receive said frames and an output cable means to retransmit each frame, said frame handling logic means including means to analyze each bit as received regarding the applicability of the frame to the corresponding station and responsive to the next succeeding bit to transmit such bit modified or unmodified in accordance with such analysis, whereby a plurality of remote stations may simultaneously be processing the different bits of a given message frame, and said frames including bit means classifying the corresponding frame as a ''''Dedicated'''' frame designed to activate a selected remote station and as ''''Available'''' frames which can be activated by a remote station, each remote station having means to detect a ''''Dedicated'''' frame addressed to said station and to respond thereto and having means to select an ''''Available'''' frame to transmit data and operable to actuate the corresponding classifying bit means upon remote station engaging of an ''''Available'''' frame and thereby converting said frame into an ''''Unavailable'''' frame.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
In the data connection loop system of claim 13 wherein at least two of said remote stations include means for communication with each other and the loop controller to utilize said ''''Available'''' frames and ''''Dedicated'''' frames for communication therebetween.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The data communication loop system of claim 14 wherein each of said means is a teleprinter unit.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
In the data communication loop system of claim 13 wherein each of said ''''Available'''' frames is further classified as a ''''Generally Available'''' frame and an ''''Assigned Available'''' frame to establish a priority system of frames.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
111 words
The data communication loop system of claim 13 wherein said plurality of remote stations each includes a plurality of point modules for selectively controlling one or more load means, each of said message frames includes a similar plurality of digital logic bits transmitted in immediately succeeding timed relation divided into four bytes including a first remote station identifying byte for selection of a remote station, a second point module identifying byte for selection of a point module, a third command control byte for establishing a particular function for the load means and a fourth data byte for selection of a particular load means and interchange of data with said load means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The data communication loop system of claim 17 wherein the remote stations include a multiple contact point module for selectively monitoring the contact status.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The data communication loop system of claim 17 wherein the remote stations include an analog controller point module for establishing an analog control signal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The data communication loop system of claim 17 wherein the remote stations include an on-off control point module having an on-input and off-input.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
The data communication loop system of claim 17 wherein the remote stations include a status sensing readout.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
The data communication loop system of claim 17 wherein the remote stations include an auxiliary point module confirming to EIA standard RD-232-C for selective connection to peripheral equipment.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The data communication loop system of claim 17 wherein the remote stations include an analog to digital converter point module.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The data communication loop system of claim 17 wherein the remote stations include an analog signal readout module for receiving an analog signal from a remote station.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
84 words
The data communication loop system of claim 13 wherEin each remote station includes a message frame handling means including address detecting means for the corresponding station, a plurality of point modules having an address means and a coupler coupled to said frame handling means and including a command response means to establish a corresponding response to a command signal at said coupler, and a common bus means connected to each point module for simultaneous communication including address reading and data interchanging with said loop.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
61 words
The data communication system of claim 25 wherein each of said point modules interconnecting means selectively connecting said point modules to select and fill a message frame in response to creation of a request signal at said point modules, and means interconnecting said point modules to create a sequential operation in response to simultaneous presence of more than one request signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
96 words
The data communication loop system of claim 13 wherein each remote station includes a multiple voltage supply means establishing a plurality of operating voltages to the several associated point modules and frame handling means, said voltages being divided into first voltages essential to remote station operations and to second voltages essential to loop communicating, and monitoring means for said voltages and operable to by-pass the remote station in response to a voltage fault in a second voltage and to transmit a fault message to the controller in response to a voltage fault in a first voltage.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
36 words
The communication system of claim 27 wherein each of said monitoring means includes switch means connecting said input cable means directly to said output cable means and responsive to said second voltages to complete the connection.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
64 words
The data communication loop system of claim 13 wherein each remote station includes frame generating means for generating frames with a unique address, and fault locating means responsive to an open loop condition in the signal receiving input of a remote station to actuate said generating means for generating a series of data frames with the corresponding unique address in said generated data frames.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
78 words
The data communication system of claim 29 wherein said loop controller generates said message frames at a selected minimum rate with corresponding spacing quiet periods, said fault locating means includes a timing means responsive to the quiet period between message frames to actuate said generating means, said fault locating means being reset by receipt of a logic message frame bit signal at the station input to reset the timing means and terminate the operation of the generating means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
52 words
The data communication system of claim 30 wherein each of said remote stations includes means responsive to terminating of frame generation by said generating means to prevent transmission of a message frame including said resetting bit and to transmit only subsequently received message frames following receipt of said resetting frame bit signal.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The data communications system of claim 30 wherein said loop controller generates null frames operative for resetting said timing means at said remote stations while preventing data transmission to said loop controller.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
96 words
The data communication loop system of claim 13 wherein one of said remote stations comprises operator console means having a fixed loop address means and means for connecting said console in said loop, said console having an output panel means including visual display means for the several other remote stations and producing a visual display of the station status, said visual display means including a frame responsive means for selectively actuating said display means, and said console having manually operable system input means for requesting a message frame and introducing the console address into such frame.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
The data communication loop system of claim 33 wherein said console means includes a plurality of data switches operable to introduce preselected data into at least one subsequent ''''Dedicated'''' frame.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
89 words
In the loop communication system of claim 34 wherein said system input means include a transmit switch, a clear switch and an acknowledge switch, said transmit switch being operable to transmit the data of said data switches to subsequent ''''Dedicated''''frames to cause said loop controller to select a remote station to be affected and to establish an operation to be performed by such station, said clear switch being operable to clear the display means, said acknowledge switch being operable to change the status display means to an acknowledge state.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
32 words
In the loop communications system of claim 35 wherein said transmit switch is operative to transmit data of said data switches to subsequent ''''Dedicated'''' frames for causing modification of said controller operation.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
33 words
The data communication loop system of claim 33 wherein said station visual display means includes an ''''on'''' state, an ''''off'''' state and an ''''on-off'''' state to indicate normal, alarm and console acknowledged conditions.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
The data communication loop system of claim 33 including an audio intercom system coupled to the remote stations and including an audible alarm responsive to control from the message frames.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
In the loop communication system of claim 33 wherein said console includes a numeric display means operable from said message frames for presentation of analog information and non-analog functions, separate indicating means operable conjointly with the numeric display means for identifying the function displayed.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
42 words
The data communication system of claim 33 wherein said operator console includes a remote station address of all logic ''''0'''' in a message frame, and including a plurality of module addresses for selective coupling to said display means and said input means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
123 words
A data communication loop system including a central controller generating a series of multiple bit data frames transmitted in serial fashion through the transmission loop to a plurality of remote stations, each of the stations including a selected multiple bit address adapted to be carried within each of said frames, the improvement in an effective open loop detection means comprising a remote station frame generating means within each of said remote stations for generating and inserting a unique address in said data frames, and fault locating means responsive to an open loop condition on the input means to a remote station to actuate said generating means for generating a series of data frames with the corresponding unique address in said generated data frames.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
123 words
A data communication loop system including a central controller generating a series of multiple bit data frames transmitted in serial fashion through the transmission loop to a plurality of remote stations, each of the stations including a selected multiple bit address adapted to be carried within each of said frames, the improvement in an effective open loop detection means comprising a remote station frame generating means within each of said remote stations for generating and inserting a unique address in said data frames, and fault locating means responsive to an open loop condition on the input means to a remote station to actuate said generating means for generating a series of data frames with the corresponding unique address in said generated data frames.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
The data communication loop system of claim 41 wherein said remote station generating means inserts the corresponding remote station address as said unique address.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
79 words
The data communication system of claim 41 wherein said message frames are generated by the controller at a selected minimum rate with corresponding spacing quiet periods, said fault locating means includes a timing means responsive to the quiet period between message frames to actuate said generating means, said fault locating means being reset by receipt of a logic message frame bit signal at the station input to reset the timing means and terminate the operation of the generating means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
33 words
The data communication system of claim 43 wherein said remote station being further reset by said bit signal to transmit only subsequently received message frames following receipt of said resetting frame bit signal.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
103 words
A data communication loop system having a communication loop connecting a loop controller to a plurality of remote stations including a multiplicity of voltage supply means for establishing a plurality of operating voltages, said voltages being divided into first voltages essential to remote station operations and to second voltages essential to loop communicating, the improvement wherein the remote stations include a voltage monitoring means for said voltages and operable to by-pass the remote sTation in response to a voltage fault in a second voltage and to transmit a fault message to the controller in response to a voltage fault in a first voltage.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
103 words
A data communication loop system having a communication loop connecting a loop controller to a plurality of remote stations including a multiplicity of voltage supply means for establishing a plurality of operating voltages, said voltages being divided into first voltages essential to remote station operations and to second voltages essential to loop communicating, the improvement wherein the remote stations include a voltage monitoring means for said voltages and operable to by-pass the remote sTation in response to a voltage fault in a second voltage and to transmit a fault message to the controller in response to a voltage fault in a first voltage.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
53 words
The loop system of claim 45 including an input cable means and an output cable means for receiving and transmitting digital information in serial form, and said monitoring means including switch means connecting said input cable means directly to said output cable means and responsive to said second voltages to complete the connection.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
147 words
A portable operator console for selective connection in a serial loop system including a loop controller and a plurality of remote stations, with communication being established by multiple bit message frames generated by the loop controller, said console comprising an enclosure having loop cable input means and loop cable output means for connecting of the console to a loop cable, said console having a fixed loop address means for response to a message frame, said console having an output panel means including visual display means for the several other stations and for producing a visual station display of the station status, said visual display means including a frame responsive means for selectively actuating said display means, and said console having manually operable means for requesting of message frames and selectively introducing data into a frame for transmission to a remote station through control of said loop controller.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
147 words
A portable operator console for selective connection in a serial loop system including a loop controller and a plurality of remote stations, with communication being established by multiple bit message frames generated by the loop controller, said console comprising an enclosure having loop cable input means and loop cable output means for connecting of the console to a loop cable, said console having a fixed loop address means for response to a message frame, said console having an output panel means including visual display means for the several other stations and for producing a visual station display of the station status, said visual display means including a frame responsive means for selectively actuating said display means, and said console having manually operable means for requesting of message frames and selectively introducing data into a frame for transmission to a remote station through control of said loop controller.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The console of claim 45 having a plurality of data switches for introducing data into a message frame.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
63 words
The console of claim 48 having a frame request switch including a transmit switch, a clear switch and an acknowledge switch, said transmit switch being operable to transmit data of said data switches to subsequent assigned frames, said clear switch being operable to clear the visual display means, and said acknowledge switch being operable to change the display means to an acknowledge state.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
23 words
The console of claim 47 wherein said console includes an auxiliary module conforming to EIA Standard RS-232-C for selective connection to peripheral equipment.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |