Abstract: A service channel is used in a bi-directional communications network such as a DOCSIS cable modem system, fixed broadband wireless system, or other network to transmit in the upstream direction. The service channel communications do not require a properly functioning downstream communications link to operate. Remote devices may thusly be able to indicate to a central server various status related data that may assist in identifying problems with the network or aid in proper installation of devices on the network.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for enabling point-to-point and multicast communication in a multiple access network using three types of communication channels, namely, one or more upstream payload channels, one or more upstream control channels and one or more downstream channels. Each channel illustratively is divided into slots or mini-slots. Each upstream payload channel is assigned for carrying upstream directed payload bitstreams from stations to a central controller. The central controller has an independent receiver for each upstream channel for simultaneous reception of control and payload bitstreams. Each station has at least one frequency agile programmable transmitter for sequential transmission of control and payload bitstreams or separate upstream control and payload channel transmitters, respectively, for simultaneous transmission of control and payload bitstreams.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for enabling point-to-point and multicast communication in a network using three types of communication channels, namely, one or more upstream payload channels, one or more upstream control channels and one or more downstream channels. At least the upstream control and upstream payload channels can carry bitstreams simultaneously; a bitstream may be simultaneously carried on the upstream control and upstream payload channels of a shared medium during overlapping periods of time. Each channel illustratively is divided into slots or mini-slots. Each upstream payload channel is assigned for carrying upstream directed payload bitstreams from stations to a central controller. Each upstream control channel is assigned for carrying upstream directed control bitstreams, such as reservation request bitstreams requesting reservation of time slots of the upstream payload channel, from the stations to the central controller.

Abstract: The present invention includes a microprocessor which acts to generate groups of its signals from its read only memory (ROM) thereby forming character representations of groups of coded signals, such as ASCII coded signals, coming from a main data processing device. The groups of bit signals are temporarily stored in a buffer which at a subsequent time transmits, in parallel, groups of said bit signals to a bit map memory through some logic circuitry. The group, or block, transfer of said bit signals in parallel, occurs during horizontal or vertical blank periods. The parallel transfer during the blank periods provides part of the basis for acceleration of the data to a display device as compared with the prior art. In addition, the microprocessor provides address information signals to a graphic display controller, which in turn provides starting addresses, for the locations of the bit signals.

Abstract: The present invention is employed in a system which has a bit map memory connected to a CRT display device and the CRT display device can display a fixed region of information and a scrollable region of information. In a preferred embodiment, the system uses a graphic display control circuit to change starting addresses and length ending values of the fixed and scrollable regions in the bit map memory. By changing the starting address one scan line per frame, without any actual transfer of data in memory, from one location to another location, the present system effects a "smooth" scroll. The system is able to scroll upward and downward. The system uses logic circuitry to load an off screen segment of the bit map memory with additional scrollable information, so that (in an upward scroll load) as a top line of the scrollable information region is no longer displayed, new information will be displayed at the bottom line of said scrollable region.