Multiple device communications

Abstract

A communications protocol for a communications bus wherein messages are transmitted to a plurality of devices communicating by means of a bus. Each message includes a unique code indicating the end of the message and that same unique code triggers a transfer of communications control to another device of the plurality of devices.

1 . A communications system using a communications protocol for a communications bus wherein messages are transmitted to a plurality of devices communicating by means of a bus wherein each message includes a unique code indicating the end of the message and wherein that same unique code triggers a transfer of communications control to another device of the plurality of devices.  
   
   
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       21 . The communications system of  claim 1  wherein the transfer of communications control triggered by the unique code is an inherent change in control of the communications bus.  
   
   
       22 . The communications system of  claim 21  further including means for transmitting the messages in a round robin format.  
   
   
       23 . The communications system of  claim 22  further including means for responding to the unique code as an end of transmission handoff allowing either sequential or non-sequential changes in the round robin format.  
   
   
       24 . The communications system of  claim 23  wherein the unique code is a single byte.  
   
   
       25 . The communications system of  claim 24  wherein the plurality of devices are arranged into a sequence order wherein each device of the plurality of devices has a sequence identifier providing both an identity and a place in the sequence order and wherein the place in the sequence order is linked with the device identity.  
   
   
       26 . The communications system of  claim 25  wherein the unique code is detected by low level hardware, low level software, or low level firmware.  
   
   
       27 . A communication system comprising: 
 a plurality of devices;    a communications bus operably connected to the plurality of devices and communicating therewith;    a communications protocol for the communications bus; and    a plurality of messages being transmitted over the communications bus to and from the plurality of devices and in accordance with the communications protocol;    wherein each message of the plurality of messages is transmitted in a round robin format and wherein each message includes an end of transmission handoff allowing either sequential or non-sequential changes in the order of the round robin format.    
   
   
       28 . The communication system of  claim 27  wherein the end of transmission handoff includes a unique termination code.  
   
   
       29 . The communication system of  claim 28  including means for indicating an end of the message and means for triggering a transfer of communications control to another device of the plurality of devices.  
   
   
       30 . The communication system of  claim 29  wherein the unique code is detected by low level hardware, low level software, or low level firmware.  
   
   
       31 . A method of communicating in a communication system comprising the steps of: 
 providing a plurality of devices;    operably and communicatively connecting a communications bus to the plurality of devices;    providing a communications protocol for the communications bus;    transmitting messages in accordance with the communications protocol over the communications bus to and from the plurality of devices in a round robin format; and    allowing either sequential or non-sequential changes in the order of the round robin format by means of an end of transmission handoff contained in each message.    
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31  including the further steps of indicating an end of the message by means of a unique code and triggering a transfer of communications control to another device of the plurality of devices by means of that unique code.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the transfer of communications control triggered by the unique code is an inherent change in control of the communications bus.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 33  including the step of forming the unique code as a single byte.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34  including the steps of arranging the plurality of devices into a sequence order wherein each device of the plurality of devices has a sequence identifier providing both an identity and a place in the sequence order and linking the place in the sequence order with a device identifier.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 31  including the steps of arranging the plurality of devices into a sequence order wherein each device of the plurality of devices has a sequence identifier providing both an identity and a place in the sequence order and linking the place in the sequence order with a device identifier.