Patent ID: 7380016
Filing Date: 2008-05-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for use with a system including an Ethernet controller linked via an Ethernet channel to an Ethernet device, the device to be controlled by the controller, wherein each of the controller and the device are Ethernet components, the controller including a controller processor and a controller memory and the device including a device processor and a device memory, the method for rendering communication between the device and the controller deterministic and comprising the steps of: specifying a communication rule set that specifies a communication regimen between the Ethernet components wherein the regimen specifies transmission of a first Ethernet data packet from a first of the Ethernet components to a second of the Ethernet components when at least a first state of at least one system operating parameter occurs; storing the communication rule set within the memories of each of the first and second Ethernet components; monitoring the at least one operating parameter state; and when the first state of the at least one operating parameter occurs, monitoring packets received by the second Ethernet component and, when the first packet is not received, performing a first alarm function; wherein the device is a camera and the first alarm function is to take a picture and wherein, when the device fails to receive the first packet within an expected transmission time, the method further includes the steps of the camera taking a picture, storing the picture data in the device memory and waiting for further instructions from the controller regarding disposition of the stored picture.