Electronic control system/network

Abstract

A network system of programmable, identification, locating, monitoring and processing fixed position (FPN) and movable tag nodes, which provides direct inter-node communication capability without a central processor. The individual nodes include microprocessor elements, pre-programmed to recognize external environmental conditions and to logically act on the basis of recognized condition parameters, and where appropriate, to communicate with other nodes for network action. Each node comprises an IC having three independent processors which share a common memory and control circuitry but with separate sets of registers. A first processor (CPU) provides media access control and communication between the nodes and includes transceiver elements for receiving and transmitting information. A second processor is the application CPU which runs code written for the particular use, as well as the overall operating system, which is provided with direct linkage to interfacing input and output, and the like, for initial processing based on environmental conditions, as preprogrammed. The third processor, a network CPU, links the applications CPU with the communication CPU, and handles network variable processing, addressing, transaction processing, authentication, network management, etc. The nodes provide an independently operable overall network, in a defined area of operation, capable of location identification, logical control of preprogrammed environmental conditions and logical interaction with external inquiries for transactional operations.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.