Sequential node identification in multiple-compartment dispensing enclosures
US11665022B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2022 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2101/622
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system for automatically assigning sequential identification values to networked nodes, such as accessory modules within a storage and dispensing enclosure. The system includes a host controller communicating with client controllers via both a shared, multi-drop communications bus and an initial segment of a daisy-chained, point-to-point communications bus. The host controller issues a token to a first client controller via the point-to-point bus, then queries the client controllers, receives a reply from the client controller having the token (associating that controller with a sequential identification value), and commands passing of the token, each via the multi-drop bus. The client controllers receive the token and query via the respective busses and, if that controller has the token, reply to the query via the multi-drop bus, as well as receive the command and, if that controller has the token, pass the token via the point-to-point bus to a subsequent controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.