United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,212,774
`
`Grider et al.
`
`[45] Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
`
`||l|l|||||||||IllIlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`US0052l2774A
`
`[54]
`
`[75]
`
`TWO PROCESSOR COMMUNICATIONS
`SYSTEM WITH PROCESSOR CONTROLLED
`MODEM
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`Inventors: Stephen N. Grider, Farmers Branch;
`Don Follies, Coppell; Stephen M.
`Curry, Dallas; Wendell L. Little,
`Carrollton, all of Tex.
`
`[73] Assignee: Dallas Semiconductor Corporation,
`Dallas, Tex.
`
`[2]] App]. No.: 282,702
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Dec. 9, 1988
`
`Int. Cl.5 ....................... .. G06F 9/00; G06F 13/14
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl. .................................. .. 395/200; 395/325;
`364/229; 364/230; 364/238.5; 364/284;
`364/286
`[58] Field of Search ................................. .. 379/98, 97;
`364/200 MS File, 900 MS File; 395/200, 325
`
`4,417,304 ll/I983 Dinwiddie ................... .. 354/zoo
`...... .. 364/200
`4,431,574 11/1934 DeFino etnl.
`
`4,484,306 ll/I984 Knlczyckyj et al
`364/900
`
`4,601,011 7/ 1984 Grynberg ....................... 364/9(1)
`4,695,946 9/1987 Andrcnseu ct ll. ................. 364/2“)
`
`Primary Examiner—Lawrence B. Anderson
`Attorney, Agent. or Firm-—Worsham, Forsythe, Sampels
`& Wooldrige
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`Preferred embodiments include systems with two pro-
`cessors and an interconnected modem, one processor
`functioning as a control for both the modem and the
`second processor. This permits remote communication
`with the second processor for test or reconfiguration
`purposes.
`
`15 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`EMBEDDED
`ADDRESS/DATA
`BUS
`
`TARGET
`
`
`
`,
`
`
`
`P0, P1,
`4-> P2. 93.7-
`P3.2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RST, PSEN¢
`P3.1, P10
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`XTAL1, RST. PSENt
`P3.1, P10, P2.7
`
`
`102
`
`FITBIT, INC. v. LOGANTREE LP
`Ex. 1019/Page1 of9
`
`4-0-PIN
`EDGE
`CONNECTOR
`
`210A
`
`FITBIT, INC. v. LOGANTREE LP
`Ex. 1019 / Page 1 of 9
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 1993
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
`
`5,212,774
`
`ADDRESS/DATA
`BUS
`
` EMBEDDED
`
`40-PIN
`EDGE
`CONNECTOR
`
`210A
`
`Ex. 1019/Page2of9
`
`Ex. 1019 / Page 2 of 9
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13,1993
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`5,212,774
`
`PIN CONNECHONS
`
`
`
`
`:U"D'O'O'U‘tl‘D‘U"U.m.“.“.-‘.“:"."‘:“:"—¢uo:<.n-I-uro-o
`
`Ex. 1019/Page3of9
`
`Ex. 1019 / Page 3 of 9
`
`

`
`1
`
`5,212,774
`
`TWO PROCESSOR COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
`WITH PROCESSOR CONTROLLED MODEM
`
`PARTIAL WAIVER OF COPYRIGHT
`
`All of the material in this patent application is subject
`to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the
`United States and of other countries. As of the first
`effective filing date of the present application, this mate-
`rial is protected as unpublished material.
`However, permission to copy this material is hereby
`granted to the extent that the copyright owner has no
`objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the
`patent document or patent disclosure, as it appears in
`the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent
`file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
`rights whatsoever.
`BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to computer systems,
`and particularly to small computer systems which can
`be connected to a telephone line.
`The present invention provides a computer system
`which can be completely reprogrammed by telephone.
`This permits debugging, or software updating, to be
`performed by telephone. Since low-level access is possi-
`ble, this system can be used for data-collection stations,
`for application-specific systems generally. or for other
`systems in which a high-level software environment is
`not present.
`Some presently available software packages permit a
`computer to be accessed, through a modem, in “slave”
`mode. In this mode,
`the user can issue commands,
`through the process which is managing the communica-
`tions link, to be passed on to the main operating system
`(software). However, since this connection occurs at a
`fairly high level, it is not suitable for low-level manipu-
`lation of a microprocessor’s programming. This means
`that access of this kind cannot reliably be used for trou-
`bleshooting.
`It should also be noted that, in presently available
`modem systems, an “escape sequence” is commonly
`used to identify modem commands within a stream of
`data. That is, in common modem systems for use with
`desktop computers, the computer will send commands
`directed to the modem (such as “hang up") on the same
`line as the data which is to be sent through the modem
`to a remote computer. To prevent confusion, the “es-
`cape sequence” is used to indicate that the modem must
`interpret (rather than transmit) the following bits. For
`example, one commonly used escape sequence is three
`plus signs (+ + +). preceded and followed by acertain
`minimum period of silence.
`The ability to perform “teleservicing” can be a signif-
`icant element of a userfriendly computer system. A
`tremendous amount of effort has been devoted to pro-
`viding “friendly,” easy-to-use computer systems and
`software. However, one of the weak points in this effort
`is that, when problems occur, the inexperienced user
`may rapidly become bewildered and unhappy, regard-
`less of how friendly the system is when it is working.
`Moreover, physical transportation of computer systems
`is a large burden on the time of users and/or techni-
`cians. Thus,
`it would be a major forward step if an
`experienced repair technician could access a customer’s
`system by telephone, even if a hardware failure had
`occurred, and reliably read the configuration and state
`
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`of the system and software, and change stored programs
`if needed.
`
`This ability is also advantageous in many large-scale
`system design contexts. For example, if a systems ana-
`lyst is formulating solutions to a problem which re-
`quires periodic data collection from many points, he
`may consider using human monitors; or using physical
`recorders (such as strip charts) with analog sensors; or
`using simple microprocessor or microcontroller sys-
`tems to collect data in digital records; or use higher-
`level microcomputer systems which can collect data,
`reduce it, and transmit via modem on demand. In con-
`sidering system architectures of this scale, one of the
`key parameters is how “smart” the remote station is:
`can it implement a sophisticated algorithm to control
`sensors? Can it monitor data storage conditions? Can it
`recognize exception conditions? Another key parameter
`is robustness: a “smart” remote station which fails can
`be much worse than a simpler station, since the extraor-
`dinary measures which may be needed to retrieve the
`data may disrupt the efficiency and economy of data
`flow overall. From this point of view, it may be seen
`that the present invention provides a range of options
`which would not otherwise be available.
`For example, the present invention can be particu-
`larly advantageous with systems using fairly low-level
`control systems. Major home appliances (such as wash-
`ing machines, driers, microwave ovens, etc.) usually
`contain embedded microcontrollers; the present inven-
`tion can be particularly advantageous in such systems,
`since, with only a small increase in the cost of the em-
`bedded electronics, it may be possible to perform re-
`mote diagnosis on such systems. Similarly, such archi-
`tectures can be adapted for diagnosis of consumer elec-
`tronics systems, or even to retrieve billing information
`from pay-per-view cable systems (or utility-metering
`systems).
`A further area of capability provided by the present
`invention is in redundant systems. The ability to per-
`form low-level remote access means that, wherever the
`hardware system has included sufficient redundant ele-
`ments and (electronically) switchable elements to by-
`pass the failure, teleservicing can be used to select or
`deselect those elements. For example, a precision timing
`circuit can be retrimmed to compensate for drift in the
`crystal frequency; or, where a line interface chip has
`been blown by a voltage spike, that chip can be discon-
`nected and another one connected; or power transis-
`tors, protection diodes, electrolytic capacitors, disk
`drives, memory banks, etc., can be similarly switched.
`The capability to test and reconfigure a remote system
`may be particularly advantageous where high reliability
`and maintainability are needed.
`The capabilities of the disclosed system can be advan-
`tageous in a wide variety of systems. A few examples—-
`which do not by any means exhaust the range of appli-
`cations of the disclosed innovative concepts—include
`private branch exchanges (PBXs); vending machines
`(including machines which can accept credit cards for
`payment); automated machine tools and robotic sys-
`tems, where the compatibility provided by the present
`inventions may permit a large step to be taken toward
`an integrated manufacturing environment, without
`users to install a comprehensive new computer net-
`work; process controllers, for a wide variety of continu-
`ous processes, including chemical plants, oilfield pro-
`duction sites, food-processing operations, and others;
`
`Ex. 1019/Page4 of9
`
`Ex. 1019 / Page 4 of 9
`
`

`
`5,212,774
`
`4
`
`3
`information presentation systems;
`printing presses;
`semiconductor manufacturing equipment (where sys-
`tems according to the present invention are particularly
`advantageous in keeping humans out of the clean
`room).
`Another class of applications uses a basic system, like
`that shown in FIG. 1, simply as an entry point to a more
`complex system. Thus, a configuration where the target
`microcontroller is connected to a further microproces-
`sor (or other computer) can be used to provide low-
`level management
`functions (power-up, watchdog,
`kicltstarter, clock, etc.) for a digital signal processor
`(DSP) system. or for a 32-bit microprocessor-based
`computer, or even for a minicomputer or mainframe.
`Alternatively, such a configuration can be used simply
`for system robustness; by permitting the nonvolatile
`target microprocessor to perform low-level tests on the
`more complex elements of the system (and, optionally,
`also permitting the nonvolatile microprocessor to con-
`trol configuration switch settings), extensive teleservic-
`ing of even a complex system can become possible. A
`further alternative is to use the nonvolatile target micro-
`processor to monitor system activity, and to dial out
`and report hardware or software failures (or major
`events).
`The presently preferred embodiment enables a tele-
`phone-programmable computer by providing a module
`which combines a DSSOOOT Time Microcontroller TM
`(which includes clock/calendar functions) with a 1200
`bps or 2400 bps modem and another DS5000 microcon-
`troller, and 32 Kbytes of nonvolatile SRAM (which can
`be used for program and/or data). A ribbon cable and
`connector is provided, so that this module can be con-
`nected to a standard DS5000/8051 socket on a circuit
`board.
`-
`
`The systems and subsystems provided by the present
`invention, and/or by alternative embodiments thereof,
`have at least the following advantages:
`Teleservicing is possible,
`in new designs or existing
`systems;
`Complete application software changes can be made
`with only telephoneline access;
`capability to download and verify absolute object files
`(in Intel Hex);
`All DS5000T I/O facilities available to the user, and
`familiar modem functions can also be exploited.
`Requires no support circuit overhead on target system.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`The present invention will be described with refer-
`ence to the accompanying drawings, which show im-
`portant sample embodiments of the invention and
`which are incorporated in the specification hereof by
`reference. wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram which illustrates the func-
`tional elements of the module which. in the presently
`preferred embodiment, provides telephone-line direct
`access to a computer system.
`FIG. 2 shows the physical connection of the TeleMi-
`cro cartridge of the presently preferred embodiment
`into a socket on a board of a target computer system.
`FIG. 3 shows the preferred pin allocation of the
`socket 212 in the target system.
`FIGS. 40 and 4b show the general circuit board orga-
`nization of the presently preferred embodiment.
`
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`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`The numerous innovative teachings of the present
`application will be described with particular reference
`to the presently preferred embodiment, wherein these
`irmovative teachings are advantageously applied to a
`system using two DS5000 nonvolatile microprocessors.
`However, it should be understood that this embodiment
`is only one example of the many advantageous uses of
`the innovative teachings herein.
`The presently preferred embodiment is particularly
`directed to systems which are based on the DSSOCDT
`Time Microcontroller. (Fhis microcontroller is a modi-
`fication of the DS5000 referred to above, which in-
`cludes a real-time clock/calendar in addition to the
`other functions of the DS5000.) Teleservice refers to
`the ability to perform remote sofiware upgrades and
`system diagnostics from a desktop computer over a
`telephone line. The major benefit to the end user is
`reduced operating costs by eliminating service calls to
`repair or upgrade equipment in the field.
`A central part of the TeleMicro Cartridge is the
`DSSOOOT itself. Unlike rigid ROM or EPROM based
`microcontrollers, all of the Time Microcontroller's
`memory is high performance, read/write, and nonvola-
`tile for more than 10 years. The DS5000T is equipped
`with 32K bytes of nonvolatile SRAM which can be
`dynamically partitioned to fit program and data storage
`requirements of a particular task. A major benefit result-
`ing from its nonvolatility is that the Time Microcon-
`troller allows Program Memory to be changed at any
`time, even after the device has been installed in the end
`system. Additionally, the size of the Program and Data
`Memory areas in the embedded RAM is variable and
`can be set when the application software is initially
`loaded or by the software itself during execution. Incor-
`porated within the DSSOOOT is a permanently powered
`clock/calendar function which may be used for time
`stamping and scheduling of events. The DS5000T is
`instruction set and pin compatible with the industry
`standard 8051.
`The TeleMicro Cartridge exploits this capability of
`the DS5000 with the addition of a complete modem
`subsystem which resides on the Embedded Address-
`/Data bus of the DSSOOOT. The subsystem accepts the
`“AT” command set issued from the user's software for
`
`maximum customer familiarity during software devel-
`opment. The internal circuitry includes a Part 68 regis-
`tered DAA function, eliminating potential delays for
`customers with a need to incorporate a modem function
`in their end system product. The microcontroller 110 is
`interfaced to the modem subsystem via its Embedded
`Address/Data bus, so that all of its 40 pins are available
`for use in the target application.
`The TeleMicro Cartridge is housed in a rugged and
`durable package which is compact enough to fit into a
`wide variety of applications. Two connectors are pro-
`vided on the cartridge. The first is an RJ45 female con-
`nector which interfaces directly to the telephone line
`terminated with a standard modular RJI I male connec-
`tor. The second is a 40-pin edge connector which brings
`out
`the signals associated with the footprint of a
`DS5000 or 8051. A standard 40-pin connector may be
`used for direct mount to a printed circuit board. Alter-
`natively, remote mounting may be accomplished with a
`40-conductor ribbon cable terminated with a 40-pin
`
`Ex. 1019/Page5of9
`
`Ex. 1019 / Page 5 of 9
`
`

`
`5
`DIP plug. The remote method can be used to retrofit
`existing systems which have a DS5000 or 8061 socket.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram which illustrates the func-
`tional elements of the TeleMicro Cartridge of the pres-
`ently preferred embodiment. There are actually two
`microcontrollers incorporated within the design. The
`first (microcontroller 110) is, in the presently preferred
`embodiment, a DSSOOOT which is used to execute the
`user’s application software. This is referred to as the
`target microcontroller 110. All of the facilities of the
`target microcontroller 110 are available for use in the
`application including the clock/calendar, 32K bytes of
`nonvolatile Program/Data RAM, serial I/O, parallel
`I/O, timers, and interrupt facilities.
`The second microcontroller
`in the system is a
`DS5000 which performs all of the modern housekeeping
`functions and recognizes Hayes TM AT commands
`issued from the targer (or user’s) microcontroller 110.
`In addition, this DS5000 (hereinafter referred to as the
`modem controller 120) controls the serial loading of the
`target microcontroller 110 from over the phone line. As
`a result, the entire Embedded RAM area of the target
`microcontroller 110 may be completely reloaded from
`scratch over the telephone line. This allows all of the
`application software and data tables within the RAM to
`be maintained from a remote host computer, such as an
`IBM PC.
`Additional detail regarding the DS5000 microproces-
`sors used in the presently preferred embodiment may be
`found in product literature of Dallas Semiconductor
`Corp., and in the following applications, all of which
`are hereby incorporated by reference: Ser. No. 023,433,
`Filed Mar. 9, 1987; Ser. No. 238,809, Filed Aug. 31,
`1988; Ser. No. 166,383, Filed Mar. 10, 1988; Ser. No.
`164,185, Filed Mar. 4, I988; and Ser. No. 232,403, Filed
`Aug. 15, 1988. (The DS5000 and DSSOOOT integrated
`circuits, and their data sheets and user's guide, are avail-
`able from Dallas Semiconductor Corporation, 4350
`Beltwood Parkway, Dallas Tex. 75244, are all hereby
`incorporated by reference.)
`The present invention enables a TeleMicro Cartridge,
`as shown in FIG. 2, which can be plugged in in place of
`the microprocessor in a target system and bring instant
`teleservice capability to the system. The TeleMicro
`Cartridge 200 connects to telephone line 100 via RJ45
`Jack 102 and RJl1 plug 104. The TeleMicro Cartridge
`200 also connects, in the presently preferred embodi-
`ment, to the 40-pin socket 212 in the Target System,
`which has a pinout as shown in FIG. 3, through a con-
`necting cable 210, which includes a 40-pin plug 210B to
`mate to socket 212 at one end and an edge connector
`210A at the other end.
`The RJ45 also provides an additional capability,
`which can be used to facilitate rapid program loading.
`The RJ45 has 8 pins, but not all of these are normally
`used for telephone service.
`In this alternative embodiment, the second microcon-
`troller, which controls the modem functions, can be
`loaded by way of an RJ45 jack (connected to a PC).
`The RJ11 jack of the phone line usually consists of four
`lines, two of which are the active TIP and RING sig-
`nals. The RJ45 connector includes 8 lines. The R111
`
`phone jack plugs into the RJ45 connector on the
`TeleMicro Cartridge, and uses only the center four
`lines, leaving the outer four lines floating. When the
`modem controller needs to have its software reloaded,
`the phone line R.lll jack is disconnected, and an 8 line
`RJ45 jack is connected. The RJ45 jack only uses the
`
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`outer four lines"of the jack, floating the phone connec-
`tions when inserted. Two of the lines are used for
`RS232 transmit and receive signals. One line is a no-
`connect, and the last line is the control line for placing
`the modem controller in a reload mode. The reload data
`is sent on the RS232 lines from a PC. When the RJ45
`jack is removed, the modem controller switches out of
`the reload mode, and executes the modem program.
`The R11] phone jack is then reinserted in the RJ45
`connector, and modem communications can be re-
`sumed.
`
`Most of the pins of the 40-pin connection are con-
`nected directly to the target microcontroller 110. How-
`ever, some important
`lines are intercepted by the
`modern controller,
`including the XTALI, RST,
`PSEN’, P3. 1, P3.0, and P2.7 pins. FIG. 1 shows control
`logic 120A separate from modem controller 1208; nor-
`mally these separate elements are packaged together in
`a single microcontroller, but, in the presently preferred
`embodiment, these elements are separated. Similarly,
`the memory 112 and clock/calendar 114 are normally
`integrated in a common package with the target mi-
`crocontroller 110, but these elements are shown sepa-
`rately in FIG. 1. Similarly, the DAA interface 142 is
`often integrated in the same package with the modem
`140, but is mounted separately in the presently preferred
`embodiment.
`'
`The 82C50 USART 130 is used for serial data trans-
`fers from the target microcontroller 110 when connec-
`tion is established with a remote computer over the
`telephone line. In addition, when a connection is not
`established and the modem is in the command mode, the
`USART is used for communication between the target
`microcontroller 110 and the modem controller. In this
`manner, a Hayes-compatible interface is established on
`the target microcontroller 110's Embedded Address-
`/Data Bus.
`The DAA 142 provides a “direct connect” interface
`to a telephone line. It is FCC Part 68 Type WP regis-
`tered to meet hazardous voltage, surge and leakage
`current requirements. A system developed with this
`product as the DAA meets Part 68 Type WP protection
`requirements and requires no further registration. The
`DAA is also CD-D3 approved for the Canadian public
`switched telephone network.
`In normal operation, the modern subsystem performs
`the functions required according to the “AT” com-
`mands which are issued to it from the target microcon-
`troller 110. The microcontroller 120 in the modem sub-
`system takes on the additional responsibility of reload-
`ing the target microcontroller 110 under certain specific
`conditions. In these cases, the modern automatically
`establishes connection with the host and places the
`target microcontroller 110 in its Serial Load Mode.
`During this time, the modem subsystem isolates signals
`on the target microcontroller 110 which are used to
`accomplish the serial download task from the target
`system circuitry. This includes RST, PSEN‘, XTALI,
`TXD (P3.l), RXD (P3.0) and P2.7. RST is first driven
`high to initiate a reset within the target microcontroller
`110. Following this action, XTALI should be driven by
`a frequency found in the table below, unless the SW]
`switch is thrown (which ties the XTALI pin to the
`on-board 11.059 MHz clock oscillator). Finally, PSEN‘
`is then driven low. This sequence of actions causes the
`target microcontroller 110 to begin operation in its
`Serial Program Load Mode at a clock frequency from
`which 1200 bps can be derived. Communication be-
`
`Ex. 1019/Page6of9
`
`Ex. 1019 / Page 6 of 9
`
`

`
`7
`tween the host computer and the DSSO00 via its RXD
`and TXD pins is established. During this time, P2.7 of
`the target microcontroller 110 is floated to prevent it
`from being inadvertently forced into a Parallel Load
`Verify Cycle.
`
`STANDARD BAUD RATE CLOCK FREQUENCIES (MHZ)
`I211!)
`6.!!!)
`I L059
`5.990
`I MIX)
`5.069
`9.2 I6
`4.608
`
`7.373 L343.
`
`None of the activity on the RST, TXD, RXD,
`XTALI, P2.7 pins is driven out to the target system
`lines while the modem is controlling the reloading pro-
`cess. During this time, the target microcontroller 110
`appears to be in a reset condition to the target system.
`Of course, it must be understood that the specific pin
`and packaging configuration given here is merely illus-
`trative, and is provided only to better illustrate the best
`mode of the invention as presently contemplated.
`FIG. 4 shows top and bottom views of the preferred
`board layout of the module, in the presently preferred
`embodiment. In addition to the elements referred to
`above, note that the back-up batteries 420 are shown for
`the two microcontrollers 110 and 120, and that an
`RS232 transceiver 410 is also shown. In addition, note
`the DAA circuitry 142 is actually positioned in two
`locations: the DAA protection circuitry 142A is sepa-
`rate from the rest of the DAA (1428).
`AT COMMANDS: The only software which is pro-
`vided in the TeleMicro cartridge is that which is resi-
`dent
`in the modem subsystem‘s microcontroller 120.
`During normal operation,
`this DS5000 manages the
`modem integrated circuit, and communicates with the
`target microcontroller 110 via “AT” commands issued
`from the target microcontroller 110 over the USART’s
`serial I/O lines.
`EXTENDED COMMANDS: There are a number of
`commands which have been added to the base AT com-
`mand set in the TeleMicro Cartridge’s internal modem.
`These additional functions are outlined as follows:
`Nn—-Number to Memory Register: This command
`may be used to write a telephone number or dialing
`sequence into one of the 10 nonvolatile memory regis-
`ters. Each register (designated 0-9) can accept a maxi-
`mum of 126 entries. The command must include the
`register destination number, e.g. “Nl" stores the follow-
`ing character string into register number 1. Each string
`entered must be terminated with a carriage return. into
`register number 1. Each string entered must be termi-
`nated with a carriage return. Similarly, the “N2" com-
`mand causes a specific dialing sequence to be stored in
`Memory Register 2. The 10 memory registers are non-
`volatile, so that they are completely retained in the
`absence of Va. voltage.
`Pn—Print Contents of Memory Register: The P com-
`mand will cause the modem to transmit the contents of
`the specified memory register. For example, the com-
`mand P2 can be defined to cause
`the
`string
`DT9,5552287,#289; to be returned, assuming the N2
`command was executed as above.
`"
`#n—Dial from Memory Register: The "#" com-
`mand is used to execute a command string from one of
`the nonvolatile memory registers. For example, the
`command #2 will cause the modem to use tone dialing
`to access a number outside of a PBX, pause before dial-
`
`5,212,774
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`8
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`5
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`10
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`I5
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`25
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`ing, dial the number 5552287, pause, and then issue the
`PBX transfer code #289.
`The modem with the TeleMicro Cartridge provides
`the capability to have automatic log-on character se-
`quences stored in one of the 10 available Memory Reg-
`isters. There are several commands associated with the
`auto log-on feature. These commands are summarized
`below:
`
`3 Designates beginning and end of auto log-on strings.
`# Stop and wait for prompt from the host computer.
`The following is an example of a Memory Register
`whose
`contents
`include
`an auto log-on string:
`ATDT9W5552344$# < CR> #ACCOUNT#PASS-
`WORDS in this example, the modem is programmed to
`tone dial 9 followed by a wait on second dial tone. Once
`the dial tone is detected, the phone number “5552344" is
`dialed. The "S" signifies that an auto log-on character
`sequence follows. In this case, the modem first waits for
`a host request (if). Once this is received. a carriage
`return character (<CR>) is issued and the modem
`waits for another host request. Additional information is
`sent when prompted by the host computer. such as the
`appropriate account number and password. The auto
`log-on character sequence is terminated by asecond 5
`command.
`The modem within the TeleMicro Cartridge has the
`capability to retain the “S”
`registers as nonvolatile
`data. These registers are used by the modem to hold
`configuration and operation parameters. In a normal
`“AT” compatible modem, the S registers are set to their
`default parameters following a_power-on or reset. If
`nonvolatile operation is desired, then a value of 170
`should be written to register S15.
`The host computer can cause the modem controller
`to take action to force the target microcontroller 110
`into its Serial Loader mode using the hardware mecha-
`nism described above. This would be done when the
`host computer needs to perform a complete reload of
`the application software into the target microcontroller
`110. Alternatively, this same action might be taken in a
`case where the target microcontroller 110 does not
`respond to communication from the host computer
`after the modem controller automatically answers the
`host’s call.
`In order to perform this operation, the host computer
`must issue a special “escape sequence" of three ASCII
`“###". This three character sequence must be pre-
`ceded and followed by a one second pause. Whenever
`the modem controller detects this sequence it will re-
`quest a password string from the host with the follow-
`ing prompt:
`password:
`The host must then issue a character string which must
`match the one which was initially stored in the modem
`controller's nonvolatile SRAM. The password string
`can contain from l—ll characters, and must be termi-
`nated with a carriage return. Once the password has
`been correctly entered, the modem controller will force
`the target microcontroller 110 into its Serial Loader
`mode and will establish communication between it and
`the host computer. At this point the host computer is
`communicating directly with the target microcontroller
`110's Serial Loader. Application software can then be
`loaded into the target microcontroller 110.
`Incorrect passwords will cause the TeleMicro Car-
`tridge to respond with prompt “RUNNING". To enter
`another password, the “###" sequence must be resent.
`
`Ex. 1019/Page7of9
`
`Ex. 1019 / Page 7 of 9
`
`

`
`9
`When the Serial Load operation is complete, the host
`computer will then issue mother escape sequence of
`three ASCII “SSS” which again must be preceded and
`followed by a one second pause. When this sequence is
`detected, the modem controller will allow the target
`microcontroller 110 to restart execution of its applica-
`tion program.
`Both of these special escape sequences can only be
`issued from the host computer in order for them to be
`recognized by the modem controller. In addition, the
`“###” will cause no action in the modem controller if
`it is issued while the target microcontroller 110 is al-
`ready in its Serial Load mode. Similarly, the “SSS”
`sequence will cause no action in the modem controller
`it if is issued while the target microcontroller 110 is
`executing its application software.
`The initial password string which is recognized by
`the TeleMicro Cartridge when it is shipped from the
`factory is the string “passwor ". This string can be
`modified by the host computer at the time when the old
`password is entered by supplying a new password as an
`optional argument. Syntax for this operation is summa-
`rized below:
`
`password: old password[/new password]
`When this character string is entered, the modern con-
`troller will request a confirmation of the new password
`from the host computer as follows:
`confirm: new password
`An example of this entire sequence would be performed
`as follows:
`
`password: password/dallas
`confirm: dallas
`the originally programmed password
`At
`this point,
`string of “passwor " will have been changed to “dal-
`las".
`
`Further Modifications and Variations
`
`S
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`l0
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`15
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that
`the innovative concepts disclosed in the present applica- 40
`tion can be applied in a wide variety of contexts. More-
`over, the preferred implementation can be modified in a
`tremendous variety of ways. Accordingly, it should be
`understood that the modifications and variations sug-
`gested below and above are merely illustrative. These 45
`examples may help to show some of the scope of the
`inventive concepts, but these examples do not nearly
`exhaust the full scope of variations in the disclosed
`novel concepts.
`For example, in addition to the password protection
`referred to, it may also be useful to include a module
`address selection protocol, so that a dial-up access could
`select one of several modules. This would permit multi-
`ple modules to be connected in parallel to a single
`phone line. (Of course, it would be necessary to main-
`tain a reasonable input impedance, e.g. by using high-
`impedance inputs to several of the modules.
`As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the
`innovative concepts described in the present application
`can be modified and varied over a tremendous range of
`applications, and accordingly their scope is not limited
`except by the allowed claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An adapter module, for interfacing to a computer
`system which includes a microprocessor emplacement
`of a predetermined pin-out configuration, comprising:
`a connector which matches said predetermined pin-
`out configuration;
`
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`5,212,774
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`10
`a first microprocessor, which is compatible with the
`computer system architecture, and which has at
`least some data pins connected directly to said
`connector;
`a modern, connectable to a serial input;
`a second microprocessor,
`connected with and to control said modem, and
`connected to intercept at least some control signals
`received through said connector, and to provide
`said first microprocessor with selectably modi-
`fied control signals in place thereof;
`memory space, connected to said first microproces-
`sor so that said first microprocess