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:
Jul. 31, 2012
Filed:
Jan. 15, 2010
Steven Ian Bennett, Sunbury-on-Thames, GB;
Steven Ian Bennett, Sunbury-on-Thames, GB;
Thorn Security Limited, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, GB;
Abstract
A method and apparatus of identifying a plurality of devices connected along a common communications link is disclosed. A control station scans the devices by sending a succession of interrogation signals along the communication link, the interrogation signals including representation of the identification numbers of the devices. A first scan is carried out with interrogation signals identifying a first level of the range of identification numbers, and each device is programmed to generate, and to send to the control station, a response signal that includes its complete identification number and a checksum, upon receipt of a scan signal applicable thereto. Successive scans are carried out by the control station, adding the next higher level or the range of identification numbers, wherein upon completion of the scan that does not give rise to valid responses, the previously-paused scan is resumed.