Multiplex communications – Channel assignment techniques – Combining or distributing information via time channels...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-23
2001-10-23
Hsu, Alpus H. (Department: 2661)
Multiplex communications
Channel assignment techniques
Combining or distributing information via time channels...
C370S345000, C370S445000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06307862
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to a local area network. In particular, the invention relates to a local area network that uses an existing cable to provide communications and data flow between a controller and peripheral devices coupled thereto.
2. Description of Related Art
Most conventional electronic control and monitoring systems (e.g., a home security system) are either wireless or hard-wired. Wireless systems rely on ultrasonic or radio frequency signals to provide control, monitoring and alarm functions. Hard-wired systems typically use dedicated wiring and components coupled to a system controller to provide system control, monitoring, alarm and display functions.
Both wireless and hard-wired systems have drawbacks. Wireless systems are more prone to false alarms. Hard-wired systems are more difficult (and hence expensive) to install. Further, most wireless and hard-wired controllers have only limited programming and display capabilities. Thus, new technology is needed to enhance electronic control and monitoring systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a monitoring and control local area network (LAN). The LAN may use any new or existing cable television (CATV) coaxial cable to transmit to and receive data from devices coupled to an electronic control and monitoring system. The LAN may be in a home, an office building or other dwelling such as a mobile structure and an unoccupied structure, for example. Thus, the LAN provides two-way communication between the devices using the normally uni-directional CATV coaxial cable.
In a preferred embodiment, signals from selected cable television channels are removed from a cable television signal and the selected channels then are used to carry LAN signals and become LAN channels. The remaining CATV channels and the LAN channels are combined to form a new CATV signal, which is transmitted on a standard CATV cable.
In a preferred embodiment, a demultiplexer installed at a demarcation point of the CATV cable of a home demultiplexes the CATV channels to remove, or strip, the selected channels from the remaining CATV channels. The selected channels are regenerated by devices on the LAN carrying the LAN signals and the regenerated selected channels are multiplexed with the remaining CATV channels to form the new CATV signal, which is transmitted over the CATV cable that is wired in the home. In the above embodiment, two channels are stripped from the CATV signal. A LAN controller uses the two channels for two-way communication with peripheral devices attached to the LAN.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 5642155 (1997-06-01), Cheng
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patent: 5949775 (1999-09-01), Rautiola et al.
patent: 5983068 (1999-11-01), Tomich et al.
patent: 5987524 (1999-11-01), Yoshida et al.
patent: 6069899 (2000-05-01), Foley
AT&T Corp.
Hsu Alpus H.
Nguyen Brian
LandOfFree
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