Patent ID: 6456410
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: H04B,H04L

Abstract:
A contention method comprising the steps, performed at each of a plurality of contenders for access to a shared resource, of:transmitting to an infrared transceiver an individual one of a predetermined sequence of infrared signals that is unique to each of said contenders; receiving an answering signal from said infrared transceiver in response to the transmission of said individual signal; and continuing to carry out said transmitting and receiving steps using subsequent signals of said sequence only if the previously transmitted signal bears a predetermined relationship to the answering signal that was received in response thereto, and dropping out of said contention method otherwise; seizing control of said resource when said transmitting and receiving steps are carried out a predetermined number of occurrences while the previously transmitted signal bears a predetermined relationship to the answering signal that was received in response thereto.