The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 29, 1991
Filed:
Jun. 22, 1987
Shigeaki Tanimoto, Yokosuka, JP;
Tadashi Kayano, Yokohama, JP;
Hirobumi Karasawa, Yokohama, JP;
Osamu Yamagishi, Tokyo, JP;
Tomoo Kunikyo, Tokyo, JP;
Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Kanagawa, JP;
Nippon Telegram and Telephone Corporation, Tokyo, JP;
Abstract
An improved time slot allocation method for a loop network. Loop networks in which the present invention is applied include a loop-connecting a control station and a number of branch stations. The control and branch stations each have at least one terminal connected thereto such that interstation communication, when demanded by a terminal, is made by passing a frame through the transmission path. The frame includes a synchronization area for indicating the leading end of the frame, a fixed-length control area, and a data area composed of a plurality of time slots. According to the invention, the control and branch stations are each allocated with a predetermined or unique number of time slots to be used by terminals for interstation communication. When a station has its reserve of unused time slots fall below a preset lower limit, the control station supplements time slots from its own reserve. On the other hand, if a station has its reserve exceed a preset upper limit, the station returns the excess time slots to the control station. Thus, wait times for a communication demand before a line connection is established are reduced, with enhanced control station response. Also, efficiency of time slot use is enhanced, with a considerable reduction in call losses.