(19) Japanese Patent Office (JP)
`(12) Official Gazette for Kokai Patent Applications (A)
`(11) Japanese Patent Application Kokai Publication No.
`Kokai No.: Hei6(1994)-319177
` (43) Kokai Publication Date: November 15, 1994
`＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿
`(51) Int.Cl.5
`Identification Symbol
`JPO File Number
`FI
`Tech.Indic
`H04Q 9/00
`311 B
`
`7170-5K
`
`301 E
`
`7170-5K
`
` D
`
`7170-5K
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Request for Examination: Not Submitted
`Number of Claims: 1 OL
`(Total of 17 pages in the original Japanese)
`＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿
`(71) Applicant: 590000400
`(21) Application Number: Hei6(1994)-26816
`Hewlett-Packard Company
`
`(22) Filing Date: February 24, 1994
`3000 Hanover Street Palo Alto, CA,
`U.S.A
`
`(72) Inventor: Robert C. Leichiner
`(31) Priority Application Number: 021917
`131 Dunsmuir Way, Menlo Park, California 94025,
`(32) Priority Date: February 24, 1993
`(33) Priority Country: United States of America (US)
`U.S.A.
`
`(74) Representative: Attorney Hajime Furuya (and two
`
`others)
`
`_____________________________________________________________________________________
`
`(54) [Title of the Invention]
`Adaptive remote control system
`
`(57) [Abstract]
`[Constitution]
`Radio remote control system (100) comprises an
`adaptive intelligent controller similar to a hand-
`held remote controller for interacting with a
`responding controlled device (150, 250, 300).
`The controlled device, which is positioned close
`to the controller, is polled by the controller with
`regards to availability as well as with regards to
`which variables of the controlled device are
`available for control by the remote control
`system. The controlled device responds to the
`controller, in response to the above. Then, the
`controller provides appropriate user interface
`(122), based on information received from the
`controlled device. The user interface on the
`controller comprises, for example, an interactive
`LCD display screen (112) on a hand-held control
`unit, displays the control icon of the controlled
`device, and displays the state of the controlled
`device.
` Between
`the controller and
`the
`controlled
`device,
`infrared-ray
`(IR)
`communication links (106 and 110) are provided.
`
`
`
`user interface processor
`Display generation and
`
`processor (NEURON)
`Infrared-ray link
`
`receiver
`Infrared-ray
`
`transmitter
`Infrared-ray
`
`module
`Processor
`
`
`
`input
`Touch-sensitive
`
`Display
`
`APPL-1027 / Page 1 of 18
`Apple v. Uniloc
`
`

`

`(2)
`
`[Claim]
`1. A wireless system for remotely controlling controlled
`devices thereof, comprising
` a controller,
`wherein the controller is equipped with a means for
`conducting polling to the controlled devices, regarding
`the accessibility of the device to be controlled by the
`controller, as well as regarding which variables of the
`device can be utilized for control, display, and other
`processing by the controller,
`and
`the controlled device is equipped with a means for
`responding to the controller and notifying the controller
`that the controller can access to the controlled device, as
`well as which variables of the device can be utilized for
`control, display, and other processing by the controller.
`
`[Detailed Explanation of the Invention]
`[0001]
`[Industrial Field of Application] The present invention
`relates
`to a wireless remote controller, and more
`particularly, to an adaptive intelligent remote controller.
`
`traditional wireless remote
`[0002] [Prior Art] The
`controllers are divided into several types. One type of
`traditional wireless remote controller is a dedicated-use
`type, which
`is equipped with a built-in or pre-
`programmed command
`information for a particular
`device which is to be remotely controlled by the remote
`controller. For example, in the dedicated-use remote
`controller, which is sold with the television receiver of a
`particular type, an appropriate combination of internal
`commands and control functions for the TV receiver of
`this particular type have been inputted therein by the
`manufacturer of the television receiver. These commands
`are stored in the read-only memory (ROM) of the remote
`controller, for example.
`
`[0003] General preprogrammed multifunction remote
`controllers may have internal commands and control
`functions which are defined for a set of a large number of
`controlled devices such as a television, video cassette
`recorder, cable converter device, and the like. A general
`preprogrammed multifunction controller determines a
`specific subset to which a specific controlled device
`belongs. Each particular subset of the control device has
`a set of specific commands. This determination is made,
`for example, by a user performing a series of button
`operations for the remote controller. This series of button
`operations designates which set of commands should be
`utilized to connect the controlled device and the remote
`controller.
`
`[0004] Another type of traditional wireless remote
`controller detects and reads a set of control codes from a
`remote controller which
`is originally sold with a
`controlled device, and thereby learns a set of control
`codes for various members of the controlled device group.
`Such devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,905,279
`by Nishio.
`
`
`
`Kokai No.: Hei6(1994)-319177
`
`[0005] In the traditional remote controller of such types,
`the control codes are energized by pressing the buttons
`labeled such as "Power" or "Channel" on the remote
`controller. In the existing-type wireless remote controller
`which is capable of learning a set of commands from the
`remote controller sold with the controlled device, the
`learning function can be started by pressing the "learning"
`button provided on the remote controller, for example.
`
`[0006] In many cases, the user of the remote controller
`changes his/her location by moving from a first area in
`the house to a second area in the house, for example. In
`the first are, the user may start operating various
`entertainment devices or equipment, or set various
`environment variables, such as temperature and lighting,
`to appropriate levels thereof. However, when the user
`moves to other areas in the house, there are other devices
`and equipment to be controlled, and also there are other
`environment variables to be set.
`
`[0007] U.S. Patent No. 5,109,222 granted to Welty
`discloses a remote control system which is capable of
`controlling a variety of devices electrically operated in
`various areas of a house by utilizing a handheld control
`unit. The handheld control unit communicates with the
`system utilizing an infrared sensor installed in each room
`of the house. In order to receive the remote signals sent
`from the infrared sensor in each room and process the
`received remote signals, a central computer is required.
`The central computer emits control signals to the
`respective various devices which are electrically operated
`in the respective rooms. The controlled device is capable
`of sending back the signals to the remote controller held
`by the user via the computer, in order to provide feedback
`to the user regarding the devices. The remote controller
`unit has a plurality of control switches, also visually
`displays information transmitted from the device, and has
`a display screen to allow the user to know the status of
`the various devices. The computer presents and displays
`a menu form to the remote controller so that the user is
`allowed to make a selection from various options
`presented in the menu. In Welty’s system, the central
`computer needs to be able to access to all of the locations
`by utilizing the infrared-ray sensor located in each room.
`The central computer directly controls the respective
`devices from the central location where it is located.
`
`[0008]
`[Problem that the Invention is to Solve]
`An independent and stand-alone wireless controller which
`does not require a pre-programmed central computer, and
`which is capable of conducting control on its own in real
`time even when any device is in the immediate vicinity of
`the controller has been in demand. Such an adaptive
`universal
`controller
`is
`equipped
`only with
`preprogrammed control routines, and thus it can avoid
`some of the drawbacks of the traditional controllers,
`which have had to utilize a fixated central computer to
`control various devices in a house.
`
`[0009]
`
`APPL-1027 / Page 2 of 18
`
`

`

`[Means for Solving the Problem] The present invention is to
`provide
`a
`stand-alone
`adaptive
`universal
`remote
`controller. This controller adapts in real time by itself; even
`when there is any device or apparatus with compatibility in
`the immediate vicinity of the remote controller, the controller
`is capable of controlling such compatible device or apparatus.
`The remote controller can be considered to possess a large
`number of properties as needed. In other words, the
`controller adapts itself and constitutes itself to control a
`number of devices located in the vicinity thereof, which are
`possibly very different from each other, at the same time.
`
`[0010] What is provided is an adaptive standalone remote
`control system which conducts polling to each of the
`controlled devices located in the immediate vicinity, and
`determines which device is available and what properties the
`available device has. The remote control system of the
`present invention provides to the user a single hand-held
`remote controller which constitutes a suitable user interface
`relative to each of the available devices or apparatuses
`located in the vicinity thereof. In this case, the user interface
`is utilized, for example, in a manner so that the user can
`control the available controlled devices in the immediate
`vicinity, according to some sort of command or setting
`inputted by the user by utilizing the user interface presented
`on the user interface screen of the controlled device.
`Communications of
`information between
`the
`remote
`controller and the controlled device are performed, for
`example, via a two-way infrared-ray link.
`
`[0011] An important aspect of the present invention is that
`the controlled device is polled by the controller. If the
`controlled device is available, the controlled device responds
`to polling, indicating to the controller that the controlled
`device is available. The controller also informs the controller
`of which device variable is available for controlling, and of
`the state of the variable as an option. Availability and status
`information may be displayed on the user interface of the
`controller. The controller configures an appropriate user
`interface in real time and presents it to the user. In this case,
`the interface is constituted by utilizing the information
`received from the controlled device. The information
`provided from the controlled device includes information to
`help controller construct useful control interface. The
`apparatus controller can manage several devices at the same
`time.
`
`invention
`the present
`[0012] The wireless system of
`comprises the controller, which is a hand-held wireless
`infrared-ray remote control unit in one working example of
`the present invention. The remote control unit is equipped
`with a circuit to conduct polling to the controlled device,
`regarding the availability of the device to be managed by the
`controller, as well as regarding which variables of the devices
`can be utilized for management by the controller. The
`controlled device is equipped with a means by which it
`responds to the controller, and by which it informs the
`controller that the device can be utilized for the management,
`and that certain variables of the device can be utilized in the
`same manner. The controller is also equipped with a means
`for constituting an appropriate interface to the controlled
`device on the basis of the information received from the
`device. The controller is further equipped with a means for
`displaying the status of the device, which is exemplified as an
`interactive LCD screen and the like. The controller is also
`
`(3)
`
`Kokai No.: Hei6(1994)-319177
`
`
`equipped with a means for the user’s inputting commands,
`which is exemplified as a touch-sensitive interactive LCD
`display and the like. The controller is equipped with a means
`for communicating with the controlled device, which is
`exemplified as an infrared-ray (IR) link and the like. By
`utilizing the remote control unit, it becomes possible to
`conduct polling to a number of the controlled devices at the
`same time for the management thereof.
`
`[0013] The method for remotely controlling the controlled
`devices by the controller comprises
`a step for conducting polling to at least one controlled device
`by utilizing the controller,
`a step for notifying the controller that a certain device is
`accessible,
`a step for notifying the controller which variable is available
`for control, and
`a step for configuring an appropriate control interface based
`on the information received from the controlled device.
`It is the controlled device that executes the information
`regarding the accessibility and availability, and provides such
`information.
`
`[0014] The method for remotely controlling the controlled
`devices comprises a step for conducting polling to the
`devices regarding the accessibility to be managed by the
`controller, as well as which variables are available for
`management. Each of the control devices communicates
`with the controller to inform the controller that the device is
`available, and that the variables are controlled.
` The
`controller device configures an appropriate interface for that
`device based on information received from the device. The
`method comprises a step for displaying the status of the
`controlled device on the interface of the controller.
`
`[0015] The step for informing the controller through
`communication by the controlled devices with the controller
`that the device is available, as well as which variables of the
`device are
`to be controlled, comprises conducting
`communications by means of an infrared-ray communication
`device, a wired communication device, or other wireless
`communication devices.
`
`[0016]
`
`[Working Examples] The accompanying drawings, which are
`incorporated as part of this specification, illustrate the
`working examples of
`the present
`invention; and,
`in
`conjunction with the detailed explanation of the present
`invention, they serve to explain the principles of the present
`invention.
`
`[0017] Figure 1 shows one working example of the controller
`of the adaptive wireless control system. The controller is a
`hand-held control unit, or controller 10 as shown in the figure.
`Hand-held controller 10 is equipped with thin rectangular
`housing 12; the front panel thereof has POLL button 16,
`which serves to turn on the control unit to initiate the polling
`function. The polling function is generated when a variety of
`the controlled devices in the control unit area are queried by
`the control unit regarding the availability of the controlled
`device to be controlled by controller 10, as well as regarding
`which specific variables of the controlled device are to be
`controlled by hand-held controller 10. Controller 10 has a
`
`APPL-1027 / Page 3 of 18
`
`

`

`property for quietly turning off after a predetermined
`inactivity period.
`[0018] Hand-held controller 10 is equipped with window 18
`for transmitting and receiving infrared (IR) signals as part of
`the IR link between controller 10 and the controlled devices
`located in the immediate vicinity of the controller. IR link
`has a specific range and bandwidth requirements, is equipped
`with an appropriate protocol for managing conflicts between
`the signals from two or more control devices or the controller,
`and thus provides a means for communicating between the
`controller and all of the devices located in the immediate
`vicinity thereof.
`
`[0019] The transmission medium for the controller unit is not
`limited to the IR link. For example, other communication
`media and technologies utilizing twisted pair or radio
`transmission may also be utilized.
` These various
`transmission media and technologies require various amounts
`of auxiliary circuits. The IR links are well suited for the
`system of the present invention. Although alternative
`communications media may also be utilized, IR has an
`advantage of limiting the communications to the devices
`located in the vicinity thereof, which is an advantage in many
`possible application scenarios.
`
`[0020] What is provided in hand-held controller 10 is a
`means for conducting polling to the controlled devices,
`regarding the availability of the device, as well as regarding
`which variables of the device are available for control by the
`controller. The controlled device comprises a means for
`responding to the polling by the controller, and notifying to
`the controller that the device is accessible. The controlled
`device is also equipped with a means for communicating
`information regarding which variables are available for
`control.
`
`[0021] Interactive screen 20, exemplified as a touch-sensitive
`liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, provides a means for
`displaying the availability and current status of the controlled
`device. Controller 10 is also equipped with a means for
`constituting an appropriate display and control interface on
`interactive screen 20 based on the information received from
`the controlled device.
`
`[0022] In operation, controller 10 generates polling messages
`to all of the controlled devices in the immediate vicinity
`thereof. The polling message is generated periodically upon
`request of the user, or in response to an external signal
`received from the controller environment. The controlled
`device available in the vicinity of the controller is capable of
`recognizing
`the polling message, and
`is capable of
`responding with the information regarding the identification
`thereof. In response to a further request message from the
`controller, or by itself, the controlled device supplies
`additional information to the controller.
`
`the
`for communicating with
`[0023] The mechanism
`controller additional information regarding the variables is
`provided in the respective controlled devices. For example,
`the mechanism is capable of communicating with the
`controller the type and range of values for the controlled
`variables. When a controlled device in a predetermined
`format, such as a video cassette recorder, lamp, TV,
`
`(4)
`
`Kokai No.: Hei6(1994)-319177
`
`thermostat, and the like, is recognized, the standard icon
`corresponding to the device is generated on the screen of the
`controller. Alternatively, the controlled device may be
`capable of providing an appropriate icon.
`
`icons may be
`[0024] The messages and standard
`communicated by means of commercially available
`components utilized in the controlled device, which are
`discussed in more detail below. Commercially-available
`Neuron communication and control processor integrated
`circuit which are manufactured as a Motorola MC143150 or
`MC143120 licensed from Eschelon Corporation are equipped
`with a certain standard network variable type (SNVT)
`structure. These Eschelon SNVT have a value of a
`predetermined range. The range can be communicated to the
`controller. For example, range of variables for temperature
`(SNVT_temp) is from -274 (cid:31) to +6279 (cid:31). Variables for %,
`which is a continuous level (SNVT_lev_cont), is from 0 to
`100%. Variables for a discrete level (SNVT_lev_disc) have
`a range of (Off/Low/Medium/High/On). Variables for the
`ASCII character string (SNVT_Str_asc) are 30 characters as
`a maximum length.
`
`[0025] From the controlled device, other messages or various
`graphics/text messages can be sent to the controller. Such
`messages as the above includes, for example, a variety of text
`strings and menus.
`
`[0026] In order to assist the controller user in handling the
`specific controlled devices, the controller can be equipped
`with help messages. For example, the controlled device, such
`as a copying machine, incorporates a "help" message such as
`"Press here for instructions regarding creating a duplex
`copy.”
`
`[0027] For the controller user, a command such as "The
`tension of the feeder of this copier has to be adjusted to ‘x’
`grams" can be provided.
`
`[0028] The menu-driving controlled device provides various
`menus to the controller. The user can make selections from
`the menu.
`
`[0029] It is also possible to receive personal communication
`from another controller, and display
`such on
`the
`controller. For example, while the audio-visual presentation
`is being made by a user in the conference, the user can use
`the controller to control the slide projector and indoor
`lighting. Other users, such as
`the chairperson of
`the
`conference, may send a message such as "remaining time is 5
`minutes."
`
`[0030] As an example of the basic operation of the wireless
`remote control system of the present invention, suppose that
`there is a user who owns a very specific television receiver.
`This television receiver is equipped with a switchable
`auxiliary receptacle, for example, for supplying power to a
`popcorn making machine connected
`to an auxiliary
`receptacle. Thus, this television receiver may have a
`"popcorn
`making"
`function.
`
`APPL-1027 / Page 4 of 18
`
`

`

`(5)
`
`
`
`[0031] It should be noted that a general multifunction
`household-use remote controller for a television receiver
`is not equipped with any special button or special user
`interface display which can be utilized with an
`appropriate label for "popcorn making" function. The
`user of a general television remote controller is expected
`to learn that “second audio program” key labelled as
`“SAP,” which is utilized on a general remote controller,
`actually means “popcorn making,” for example.
`
`[0032] However, in the controller system of the present
`invention, with regards to this particular function, the user
`interface display can be configured in real time by
`utilizing a screen icon appropriately labelled on the
`interface screen. Thus, when conducting polling to a
`television receiver relative to both the common functions
`and the uncommon functions, the controller of the present
`invention is capable of adapting itself to the information
`obtained by the controller.
`
`[0033] Figure 2 shows interactive LCD display screen 20
`of Figure 1, where several typical screen icons are shown.
`These icons appear on LCD display screen 20, for
`example, when the user enters the room and presses the
`POLL button on hand-held controller 10. These icons
`include desk lamp 22, floor lamp 24, television receiver
`26, and video cassette recorder 28. These icons represent
`the results of polling conducted to the devices located in
`the immediate vicinity of the controller. Edit soft key 30
`displayed on LCD display screen 20 may be utilized to
`provide an editing function for text displayed on the
`screen, for example, by providing a soft keyboard and the
`like for editing or inserting text as needed.
`
`[0034] Figure 3 shows the user interface LCD screen for
`displaying the control panel to control various operations
`of a controlled device, desk lamp. The items on the
`screen are displayed, for example, when the user initially
`enters the room and conducts polling to the available
`devices located in the room.
`
`[0035] Figure 4 shows a functional block diagram of a
`general control module. General control module 50 may
`be utilized to arbitrarily realize either the controller or the
`controlled device. One example of the controller is a
`hand-held control unit of a wireless control system. An
`example of the controlled device is a video cassette
`recorder which is equipped with a built-in communication
`and control interface device. As described below, the
`control module can be realized, by partially utilizing
`commercially available Neuron communication and
`control
`processor
`integrated
`circuit which
`are
`manufactured as a Motorola MC143150 or MC143120
`based on the licensing by Eschelon Corporation.
`
`[0036] The controller is equipped with processor 52; and
`processor 52 is equipped with an output terminal for
`transmitting output signals to an input terminal of
`infrared-ray (IR) interface circuit module 54 via signal
`line 56. The output terminal of IR interface circuit
`
`Kokai No.: Hei6(1994)-319177
`
`module 54 is connected through signal line 58 to the input
`terminal of IR transmitter module 60. IR transmitter
`module 60 receives electrical signals from IR interface
`circuit module 54, and transmits the infrared-ray signals,
`which have been appropriately encoded, to the IR
`receiver of the controlled device. IR receiver module 62
`receives
`the
`infrared-ray signal, which have been
`appropriately encoded, from the controlled device, and
`transmits electrical signals via signal line 64 to the input
`terminal of IR interface circuit module 54. The output
`terminal of IR interface circuit module 54 is connected
`via signal line 66 to the input terminal of processor 52.
`
`[0037] The communication and control processor module
`with the functions of processor 52 and IR interface circuit
`54 incorporated can be realized, by partially utilizing
`commercially available Neuron communication and
`control
`processor
`integrated
`circuit which
`are
`manufactured as a Motorola MC143150 or MC143120
`based on the licensing by Eschelon Corporation.
`
`[0038] As for the uses as the controller, the I/O terminal
`of processor 52 is connected via bus 68 to arbitrary user
`interface device 70, such as the interactive LCD display
`as shown in Figure 1, for example. Alternatively, user
`interface device 70 may comprise PDA, computer,
`personal computer, palmtop computer, or other similar
`devices, each of which is equipped with the capability of
`the adaptive remote control system, operates as a
`controller, and is appropriately programmed.
`
`[0039] As for the uses as the controlled device, the I/O
`terminal of processor 52 is connected via another bus or
`signal line 72 to arbitrary user controllable device 74,
`such as a lighting device, video cassette recorder, and the
`like.
` Alternatively, user interface device 70 may
`comprise PDA, personal computer, palmtop computer, or
`other similar devices, each of which operates as a
`controller or a controlled device
`interfacing with
`intelligent devices such as instruments, entertainment
`devices, industrial hardware, and the like equipped with
`the capability of the adaptive remote control system, and
`each of which is equipped with the capability of the
`adaptive remote control system, operates as a controller,
`and is appropriately programmed.
`
`[0040] The ability of the adaptive remote control system
`to be utilized for a particular controlled device can be
`extended by causing the adaptive remote control system
`to store the information for the particular controlled
`device into the memory thereof. This information is
`understood as known information by the controller, based
`on past history such as home-use stereo system, custom
`add-on to control a printer, plug-in memory chip, and the
`like.
`
`[0041] Special add-on programming is performed by
`utilizing a plug-in card or ROM device which are utilized
`for PDA, personal computer, palmtop computer, and
`other devices
`
`APPL-1027 / Page 5 of 18
`
`

`

`
`This special programming is utilized to adapt the
`controller system to control, for example, a certain copier
`utilized for repairing/diagnosing controller. In this type
`of application, the controlled device is capable of
`downloading more complex details to the controller,
`regarding the configuration of the user interface by the
`controller. The controlled device is capable of providing
`a bitmap of other descriptions, such as device icons or
`text, to the controller. Alternatively, the user can select
`the edit soft key for the interactive LCD display by
`utilizing the editing function to set the text name of the
`controlled device, which brings out a soft keyboard
`display for inputting text input, for example.
`
`[0042] Other functions may be provided by the controlled
`device. For example, in a room where a lamp is visible to
`the user, as soon as the controlled device receives the
`inquiry by polling, the controlled device is capable of
`blinking the particular lamp by utilizing a wink command
`built-in in the apparatus by Eschelon. Then the user can
`select the particular lamp, and set the name of the lamp.
`
`[0043] Alternatively, the controlled device can provide
`various types of graphics, menus, and text to the user.
`
`[0044] Figure 5 shows functional block diagram 100 of
`wireless hand-held control unit 10 shown in Figure 1.
`Communication and control processor module 102, as
`described in connection with Figure 2, comprises a
`processor function and IR interface circuit; and these can
`be partially realized by utilizing Neuron communication
`and
`control processor
`integrated
`circuit.
`
`IR
`communication output
`terminal of module 102
`is
`connected to the input terminal of IR transmitter 106 by
`via signal line 104. IR communication input terminal of
`module 102 is connected to the output terminal of IR
`receiver 110 via signal line 108.
`
`[0045] Hand-held controller 10 shown in Figure 1 is
`equipped with a touch-sensitive LCD screen, and this
`screen is utilized as a display or as a means for inputting
`commands and control input from the user. LCD Screen
`is shown as display unit 112, which is connected to the
`output terminal of module 102 via bus 114. The
`command and control input from the user are shown as
`being supplied by the touch-sensitive command and
`control input unit 116 via bus 118.
`
`[0046] Figure 5 shows communication and control
`processor module 102 as
`the module having
`two
`processing functions. One function is provided by IR
`link processor 120, which is realized, for example, by
`Neuron communication and control processor integrated
`circuit. Another function is provided by processor 122,
`and the function is used to generate displays, and as a
`user interface processor. Processors 120 and 122 are
`mutually linked via buses 124 and 126.
`
`
`
`(6)
`
` Kokai No.: Hei6(1994)-319177
`[0047] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of commercially-
`available command and control processor 130 for
`distributed
`systems having basic
`elements
`and
`architecture. The processor is suitable for implementing
`the controller or the controlled device of the adaptive
`remote control system, and it is referred to as Echelon
`Neuron
`integrated circuit. This
`is available from
`Motorola, Inc. as MC143120, for example. A set of
`Neuron devices is known as a local operating network
`(LON). The Echelon Neuron integrated circuit is
`intended to realize a broad set of hardware, software
`and firmware protocols, which are generally known as
`LONTalk network technology; it is equipped with all of
`the key functions required to intelligently process the
`input from the sensors and control devices; and it is
`equipped with all of the key functions required to
`propagate control information via various network media.
`The Neuron integrated circuits and the development
`environment have been advertised to lead to easy
`realization of distributed sensing and control networks,
`have flexible re-configuration capability after a network
`has been installed, have the ability to manage LONTalk
`protocol messages on the network, and provide high-level
`object-oriented environment for system development.
`The Neuron integrated circuit comprises three processors,
`each of which has substantially the same performance as
`the Intel 8051 12 MHz device. Each of the Neuron
`integrated circuits is equipped with a unique identity
`given by a unique serial number of 48 bits.
`
`[0048] One of the Neuron integrated circuits of processor
`132 realizes a complete ISO protocol stack in order to
`perform reliable message transmission between Neurons.
`The ISO Protocol stack supports a number of Neuron
`nodes in a single LON. The ISO protocol stack is also
`equipped with a mechanism based on public key
`cryptography to support confirmed messages. The
`confirmed messages cause the adaptive remote control
`system device to be able to grant limited access to
`specific device control commands. For example, a
`repairer who repairs copying machines has confirmed
`ac