Patent ID: 7203728
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: G06Q,G07G

Abstract:
1. A distributed computer network for use with a general purpose computer having a communications port and capable of running application software for controlling the network, comprising: a master controller having first and second communications ports, the first communications port of said master controller for operatively communicating with a general purpose computer via a communications link selected from the group consisting of RS-232, USB (Universal Serial Bus), Ethernet, Bluetooth, and infrared, the second communications port for operatively communicating over a distributed computer network, said master controller having a processor and memory to provide data buffering and data bus arbitration over the distributed computer network; and an input/output controller having first and second communications ports, said first communications port of said input/output controller for operatively communicating with the second communications port of the master controller, wherein said communication between said master controller and said input/output controller is carried out over said distributed computer network, and said second communications port of said input/output controller for operatively communicating with one or more peripheral devices, wherein said communication between said input/output controller and said peripheral devices is carried out over a local network, said input/output controller having the capacity to communicate simultaneously with said peripheral devices using more than one communication protocol; and wherein said input/output controller performs local network management functions and translates commands from the application software to said peripheral devices.