Patent ID: 6137423
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: G08C

Abstract:
A method for communicating with remote interfaces, comprising steps of:organizing time in a repeater station for alternating between scheduled time segments allocated to scheduled ones of said remote interfaces for scheduled communications with said scheduled remote interfaces and acquisition time segments for unscheduled communications with unscheduled ones of said remote interfaces, one of said scheduled time segments alternating with one of said acquisition time segments;allocating a first of said scheduled time segments in said repeater station to a first of said scheduled remote interfaces having a first identification;initiating a first of said scheduled communications within said first scheduled time segment by transmitting a data signal having sensor data and said first identification from said first scheduled remote interface;receiving first scheduled time segment signal energy including said data signal at said repeater station during said first scheduled time segment;transmitting a repeater signal including said sensor data from said repeater station when said first identification is detected in said first scheduled time segment signal energy;receiving said repeater signal at a master station; andtransmitting said sensor data from said master station for use by a central office.