Document communications controller
US6073160A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L63/10
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing a general-purpose, multifunction, individually addressable, full-bandwidth bi-directional communication device with built-in Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) capabilities that connects a home or business user with ATM and other switched broadband digital networks in a convenient, adaptable, extensible manner at reasonable cost. The device supports a Document Services Architecture (DSA) and, in particular, supports agent-based communications (including interaction with an Agent Instance Service) to ensure well-behaved communications and fair allocation of network resources among users. The device can be used in a heterogeneous environment and with different types of networks and protocols. The full-bandwidth bi-directional communication and built-in AAA capabilities of the device distinguish it from other "set-top boxes."
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.