HK1153058A - Device and method for monitoring a communication system - Google Patents

Description

Apparatus and method for monitoring a communication system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority benefits of U.S. provisional patent application No.61/187,224, entitled DEVICE AND method MONITORING a communiations SYSTEM, filed on 15.6.2009.

Technical Field

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to communication systems. More particularly, the present invention provides an apparatus connectable to a communication system for monitoring the condition of one or more connections of the system and responding to the monitored condition.

Background

Typically, a communication system includes devices having ports or connection locations. Data or signals from or leaving devices in the communication system must pass through these ports. Thus, a port is a key element in any communication system. The ports are often connected by a carrier medium designed to transmit data or signals to another device of the system. For example, in a wired network communication system, the carrier medium may be coaxial cable or fiber optic cable. The carrier medium of a communication system often includes connectors for connecting the carrier medium to ports of system devices.

In a communication system, if a connection problem occurs at a port of a system device, many problems may be caused. In CATV communication systems, for example, noise may enter the upstream from a weak connector or unterminated port, causing problems at the head end or service provider. In addition, in situations where the devices of the system are essentially inaccessible, such as with deep sea devices or orbiting satellites, prevention and response to defective or problematic connections may be particularly important.

Accordingly, a condition responsive device for connection to a communication system, and a method of using the same, is well within the art.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, a condition responsive device for connection to a communication system comprises a receiver configured to receive a physical parameter status signal from a connector of the communication system, the physical parameter status signal comprising data relating to a condition of the connector connection, and processing circuitry configured to analyze the data based on a predetermined set of parameters to determine whether a communication signal adjustment is appropriate, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to initiate the communication signal adjustment in the communication system if the processing circuitry determines that the adjustment is appropriate.

According to another aspect of the invention, a condition responsive device for connection to a communication system comprises means for receiving a physical parameter status signal from a connector of the communication system, said physical parameter status signal comprising data relating to the condition of the connector connection, means for determining whether a response signal is appropriate, the response signal being appropriate if there is a problem with the connection of the connector to a port, and means for transmitting the response signal to a device of the CATV system, the response signal initiating an alert generated by the device.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of monitoring a communication system includes receiving a physical parameter status signal from a connector of the communication system, the physical parameter status signal including data relating to a condition of connection of the connector, storing the data relating to the condition of the connector, determining whether a response signal is appropriate, the response signal being appropriate if connection of the connector to a port is problematic, and transmitting the response signal to a device, the response signal configured to alert a party to the problem.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a condition responsive device for connection to a communication system comprises a receiver configured to receive a physical parameter status signal from a connector of the communication system, the physical parameter status signal comprising data relating to a condition of the connector connection, a storage unit configured to store the data, a processing circuit configured to analyze the data to determine whether a response signal is appropriate, the response signal being appropriate if it is determined that there is a problem in the connection of the connector to a monitored port, and a transmitter configured to transmit the response signal to a device of the communication system, the response signal initiating an alert mechanism of the device.

Drawings

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 depicts a coaxial cable communication system arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a user's premises arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a communication system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector with sensing circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a coaxial cable connector with sensing circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a mounted coaxial cable connector with integrated sensing circuitry in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a sensing circuit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a coaxial cable connector attached to a device and connected to a condition responsive premise device with a coaxial cable in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a partial circuit diagram of a condition responsive premise device made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts an apparatus for displaying a visual alert of a premise distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 depicts a computer system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT (S) OF INVENTION

A detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method described below is presented herein by way of example and not limitation with reference to the figures.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, macro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," module "or" system. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, such as, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C + + or the like and conventional programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet service provider).

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Referring initially to fig. 1, a communications system is illustrated in the form of a cable communications system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The cable communication system includes a provider 20 that transmits downstream signals, such as radio frequency ("RF") signals, digital signals, electrical signals, etc., to subscribers through a main signal distribution system 30 and receives upstream signals from subscribers through the same main signal distribution system 30. It should be understood that the provider 20 may also be referred to as a headend, home office, etc. A tap (tap)90 may be positioned at the main signal distribution system 30 to allow access for downstream or upstream flow from or to the main signal distribution system 30. The drop transmission line 120 may then be used to connect the tap to a user 21, such as a house 10, 60; apartment buildings 50, 70; a coffee shop 80 or other premises.

The condition responsive device 100 of the present invention is connected in series or in parallel between the overhead transmission line 120 and the distribution system 130. The cable communication system and distribution system 130 includes one or more connectors 12 (shown in fig. 3-8). The connector 12 includes a sensor that can sense a number of parameters associated with the connection, such as tightness, moisture, temperature, signal power level, and the like. Connector 12 also includes a transmitter for transmitting the physical parameter signal to the condition responsive device. As will be described in further detail below, condition responsive device 100 is configured to receive signals from one or more connectors 12 regarding one or more physical parameters of the connection. Condition responsive device 100 may thereafter be configured to analyze the signal based on a predetermined set of parameters and respond appropriately to the signal.

It should be understood that "communication system" herein refers to any electronic system having two or more devices in electronic communication. Although the invention is described herein with respect to one application in a coaxial cable communication system, it is contemplated by the present invention that the same principles can be applied to other communication systems. For example, embodiments of condition responsive device 100 may be applied to any type of communication system having connection points or ports, such as RJ-45 systems or optical communication systems, closed circuit security systems, wireless or radio systems, hydraulic actuator mechanical systems, vehicle systems, military communication systems, and so forth.

Other particularly useful applications of the invention include communication systems in which ports or connectors are not readily accessible. For example, in deep sea or rail systems, if there are problems arising from connections in the system, it can be extremely difficult to find due to the extreme environment in which the system is located. In the case of a satellite, for example, condition responsive device 100 may be placed in communication with one or more connectors in order to monitor for those connection problems and respond. In the event that the astronaut is required to manually respond to a connection-related problem, the situation response device 100 will be able to direct the astronaut to the exact connection at issue. Without condition responsive device 100, the astronaut may instead be required to troubleshoot each connection individually to test which connection is in question.

Referring back to the specific embodiment of the CATV communication system of fig. 1, it should be understood that condition responsive device 100 may be placed at any location relative to distribution system 130 that condition responsive device 100 is monitoring. For example, in the case of a coaxial cable communication system provided by provider 20, condition responsive device 100 may be positioned between tap 90 and a subscriber's premises distribution system 130. This location may be conveniently located within building 10 or outside of building 60. Similarly, condition responsive device 100 may be positioned within individual rooms of apartment building 70 or outside of apartment building 50. It should be understood that the condition responsive device 100 may be located anywhere, such as the coffee shop 80 or other premises, where communication system traffic, including CATV internet, voice over internet protocol ("VOIP"), or other unidirectional or bidirectional traffic, is being provided via the communication system. Condition responsive device 100 may be inserted into the signal transmission line of any coaxial cable communication system or other communication system as described hereinabove. Condition responsive device 100 may also be inserted into a signal transmission line within the vicinity of the user's 21 premises, either inside the building structure or alternatively somewhere outside the building structure. It should be understood that condition responsive device 100 may be located remotely from the communication system of the premises. For example, condition responsive device 100 may be located directly at the headend or supplier 20. However, it should be understood that where condition responsive device 100 is positioned near or within the premises of a communication system, the ability of condition responsive device 100 to monitor, adjust or change the communication system may be improved. However, in one embodiment of the present invention, global condition responsive devices 100 are located at the headend so that the connections of each condition responsive device 100 are monitored in a global manner and on a more macroscopically oriented scale.

Referring now to fig. 2, a premise arrangement having a coaxial cable communication system is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Splitter 190 is used to split the distribution system 130 of the premises so that upstream and downstream signals can be passed to and from television 150 and modem 140, according to practices well known in the art. The modem 140 may include VOIP capability to provide telephone 170 services and may also include, for example, a router to provide internet services to the desktop 160 and laptop 180.

Additionally, it is common practice in coaxial cable communication systems to provide a "set-top box" or "set-top unit" for use directly with television 150. However, for clarity, a representation of the STB or STU is not included in fig. 2. The references herein to STBs and STUs are based on the fact that many modules use upstream bandwidth to communicate information about "pay-per-view" purchases, billing, etc. Thus, it should be understood that even though fig. 2 explicitly shows that only one condition responsive device 100 is used per device generating upstream data packets, each condition responsive device 100 may be used with two or more devices (e.g., modems, STBs, STUs, dedicated VOIP servers, etc.) that transmit upstream data packets via the upstream bandwidth of a coaxial cable communication system.

The overhead transmission line 120 and the distribution system 130 may be electrically connected using a cable, such as a coaxial cable 121 (shown in fig. 8). The cable may provide a path for sending electrical signals from the apparatus 100, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 to the supplier 20 and from the supplier 20 to the apparatus 100, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190. The cable may be connected to one, some or all of the devices 100, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 in the premises distribution system 130 by cable connectors 12. Alternatively, some of the devices 100, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 connected to the premises distribution system may be connected wirelessly or by other variable communication means. As shown in fig. 2, the laptop computer 180 may be wirelessly connected. A wireless device such as a laptop computer 180 may also include a connector such as connector 12. In the case of a wireless device, the wireless connector may communicate with condition responsive device 100 to wirelessly transmit a physical parameter status signal to condition responsive device 100, as will be described in further detail below.

Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of a communication system 1000 according to an embodiment of the invention. The communication system 1000 comprises at least one communication system device 1101, such as one of the devices 100, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 described hereinabove. The connector 1012 is connected to the communication system apparatus 1101. Connector 1012 may be an intelligent connector or node, such as connector 12, and include at least one sensing device 1014 that senses one or more physical parameters associated with a functional condition of the connection of connector 1012 and apparatus 1101. Connector 1012 also includes a communication device 1140 capable of transmitting signals to and receiving signals from condition responsive apparatus 1100. The transmitted transmission signal may be related to one of the conditions sensed by the sensing device 1014. Condition responsive device 1100 may be substantially similar to condition responsive device 100 shown in fig. 1, 2, 8, and 9, and includes a connector communication device 1301 configured to send signals to and receive signals from connector 1012. Condition responsive device 1100 also includes a signal conditioning device 1303 configured to analyze the signal received at connector communication device 1301 from connector 1012 and to make appropriate adjustments to the signal. The signal conditioning apparatus may condition the signal in any suitable manner, or alternatively or additionally initiate a response signal to be transmitted from the condition responsive device 1100 to another device on the system, such as the connector 1012, the communication system device 1101, or the head end 1020. Further, the signal conditioning device may include a headend communication device 1304 to transmit signals to and from a headend 1020. The head end 1020 may be a workstation at a provider of the communication system. It should be understood that the head end 1020 may be any device operated or controlled by a provider or technician of the communication system 1000. It should also be understood that the signal conditioning device 1100 may include a plurality of connector communication devices 1301 such that several connectors 1012 may be connected to the condition responsive device 1100. Alternatively, connector communication device 1301 of condition responsive apparatus 1100 may be configured to receive and transmit signals to a plurality of connectors 1012 of communication system 1000. However, for simplicity, only one communication system device 1101 and corresponding connector 1012 are shown operatively connected to condition responsive device 1100.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of one connector 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector 12 is a coaxial cable connector of a coaxial cable communication system. It should be understood that the connector may also be an RJ-45 connector, a fiber optic connector, or other similar connector. Embodiments of the connector 12 of the present invention may be considered "intelligent" in that the connector 12 is configured to sense and transmit physical parameter status signals related to the connection of the connector 12 to a port, such as the RF port 15 (shown in fig. 8). The physical parameter state may be a determinable physical state related to the connection of the coaxial cable connector. In addition, the physical parameter status may be used to help identify whether the connection of connector 12 to port 15 is properly completed. The connector 12 may be used to sense connection conditions, store data, and/or determine monitorable physical parameter state variables such as the presence of moisture (moisture detection, e.g., by mechanical, electrical, or chemical means), connection tightness (applied mating forces existing between mating components), temperature, pressure, amperage, voltage, signal level, signal frequency, impedance, loop activity (return path activity), connection location (with respect to where the connector 12 is connected along a particular signal path), traffic type, installation date, previous service call date, serial number, and the like.

Referring now to fig. 4-6, there are shown cross-sectional perspective views of embodiments of a coaxial cable connector 12 having an internal sensing circuit 14 in accordance with the present invention. The connector 12 may include a connector body 16. The connector body 16 may include a physical structure that houses at least a portion of any internal components of the coaxial cable connector 12. Thus, the connector body 16 may accommodate internal positioning of various components, such as the first space 18, the interface sleeve 21, the second space 22, and/or the center conductor contact 24 that may fit within the connector 12. Additionally, the connector body 16 may be conductive. The structure of the various constituent elements included in the connector 12 and the overall structure of the connector 12 may be operatively varied. However, a guideline behind the basic design of all the features of the coaxial connector 12 is that the connector 12 should be compatible with the common coaxial cable interface associated with typical coaxial cable communications devices. Accordingly, the relative structure of the embodiments of the coaxial cable connector 12 depicted in the various fig. 4-8 is intended to be exemplary. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that connector 12 may include any operative structural design that allows connector 12 to sense the condition of the connection of connector 12 to the interface of the RF port of a common coaxial cable communication device and also to report the corresponding connection performance status to a location external to connector 12.

Connector 12 may include a physical parameter status sensing circuit 14 that may enable connector 12 to sense a physical parameter of the connection. The sensing circuit 14 may be integrated into a typical coaxial cable connector assembly. The sensing circuit 14 may be located on an existing connector structure. For example, the connector 12 may include components such as a first spacer 18 on which the sensing circuit 14 is placed. Physical parameter status sensing circuit 14 is configured to sense a condition of connector 12 when connector 12 is connected with an interface of a common coaxial cable communication device, such as interface port 15 of any device 101 (as described in fig. 8). It should be understood that the device 101 may be a room device 100, a wireless transmitter 140, a television 150, a desktop computer 160, a telephone 170, a wireless computer 180, a modem 190, or any other device connectable to a coaxial cable communication system. In addition, different portions of the circuitry of sensing circuit 14 may be secured to multiple components of connector 12.

The physical parameter status sensing circuit 14 and/or other power components of the connector 12 may be powered by electrical communication with the center conductor 24. For example, traces may be printed on the first spaces 18 and positioned such that the traces are in electrical contact with the center conductor contacts 24 at locations 25 (see FIG. 5). Contact with the center conductor contact 24 at location 25 facilitates the ability of the sensing circuit 14 to extract power from the cable signal(s) passing through the center conductor contact 24. Traces may also be formed and juxtaposed so as to make contact with the ground component. For example, the ground path may extend through a location 27 between the first spacer 18 and the interface sleeve 21 or any other operatively conductive component of the connector 12. The connector 12 may be powered by other means. For example, the connector 12 may include a battery, a micro fuel cell, a solar cell or other similar photovoltaic cell, a radio frequency transducer for converting power based on electromagnetic transmission by an external device, and/or any other similar power supply device. The power may be from a DC source, an AC source, or an RF source. In some embodiments, power for connector 12 may originate directly from condition responsive device 100. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the physical parameter status sensing circuit 14 should be powered by: does not substantially interfere or interfere with the electromagnetic communications that may be exchanged through the connector 12.

With continuing reference to the figures, FIG. 6 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of physical parameter status sensing circuit 14. It should be understood that the schematic depicted in fig. 7 can be applied not only to coaxial cable connectors as described herein, but also to fiber optic cable connectors, RJ-45 cable connectors, radio cable connectors, and the like. Embodiments of the physical parameter status sensing circuit 14 may be variably configured to include various electrical components and related circuitry so that the connector 12 is able to measure or determine connection performance by sensing a condition 1 about the connection of the connector 12, where the known sensed condition 1 may be provided as physical parameter status information and used to help identify whether the connection is properly completed. Accordingly, a circuit configuration as schematically depicted in fig. 6 is provided to illustrate one embodiment of sensing circuit 14 operable with connector 12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other circuit 14 configurations may be provided to effect sensing of a physical parameter corresponding to the connector 12 connection. For example, each block or portion of the sensing circuit 14 may be implemented separately as an analog or digital circuit.

As schematically shown, the sensing circuit 14 may include one or more sensors 31. For example, the sensing circuit 14 may include a torque sensor 31a configured to detect the tightness of the connection of the connector 12 with the interface of another coaxial communication device having an RF port. Torque sensor 31a may measure, determine, detect, or otherwise sense a connection condition 1a, such as a mating force resulting from a physical connection of connector 12 to an interface, such as an RF port of device 101. The connector 12 may include a plurality of sensors 31. For example, in addition to the torque sensor 31a, the connector 12 may include: a temperature sensor 31b configured to sense a connection condition 1b, such as a temperature of all or part of the connector 12; a humidity sensor 31c configured to sense a connection condition 1c, such as the presence and amount of any moisture or water vapor present in the connector 12 and/or in the connection between the connector 12 and the interface of another cable communication device; and a pressure sensor 31d configured to sense a pressure present in the connection 1d, such as in all or part of the connector 12 and/or in the overall connection involving the connector 12 and the interface with another cable communication device. Other sensors may also be included in the sensing circuit 14 to help detect the connection condition 1 with respect to physical parameters such as amperage, voltage, signal level, signal frequency, impedance, loop activity, connection location (with respect to where the connector 12 is connected along a particular signal path), type of service, date of installation, previous service call date, serial number, and the like.

The sensed connection condition 1 from the sensor 31 may be electrically communicated within the sensing circuit 14. For example, the sensed condition may be communicated to the control logic unit 32 as physical parameter state information. Control logic 32 may include and/or operate with protocols to govern: what action, if any, can/should be taken with respect to the sensed condition 1 after the electrical transmission of the sensed condition 1 to the control logic unit 2. The control logic circuit 32 may be a microprocessor or any other electrical component or electrical circuit capable of processing signals based on governing logic. The memory unit 33 may be in electrical communication with the control logic unit 32. The storage unit 33 may store physical parameter status information about the sensed connection condition 1. The stored physical parameter status information may then be later communicated or processed by the control logic unit 32 or otherwise manipulated by the sensing circuit 14. Further, the storage unit 33 may be a component or a device that may store the management protocol. The governing protocol may be instructions forming a computer program or may be simple logical commands. The stored protocol information governing the operation of the control logic may include a form of stored program architecture that is available for processing during a time interval. The governing protocol may provide the connector 12 with a way to distinguish particular problems associated with the connection and sensed by the sensor 31. For example, connector 12 would be able to associate a particular error code with a particular condition sensed by sensor 31 and another condition with another error code. This error code is then transmitted to condition responsive device 100 so that condition responsive device 100 can also distinguish between particular problems associated with the connection. The sensing circuit 14 may further include a timer 34, wherein the timer 34 may be used to mark a particular sensed condition and the time at which the condition was sensed. In addition, the sensing circuit 14 may include a memory access interface 35 to accept commands. The memory interface 35 may also be used to store relevant information about the conditions sensed by the sensor 31. The memory access interface 35 may be in electrical communication with the control logic unit 32.

Various other electrical components may be included in embodiments of the sensing circuit 14. For example, where the circuit 14 includes a plurality of sensors 31, a multiplexer 36 may be included to integrate the signals from the various sensors 31. Further, depending on the signal strength from the sensor 31, the sensing circuit 14 may include an amplifier 320a to adjust the signal strength from the sensor 31 sufficient for operation by other electrical components, such as the control logic circuit 32. In addition, an ADC unit 37 (analog-to-digital converter) may be included in the sensing circuit 30. If desired, the ADC unit 37 may convert analog signals from the sensor 31 to digital signals. Multiplexer 36, ADC unit 37 and amplifier 320a may all be connected in parallel with control logic unit 32 and timer 34, which helps to coordinate the operation of the various components. The data bus 38 may facilitate the transfer of signal information between the sensor 31 and the control logic unit 32. The data bus 38 may also communicate with one or more registers 39. The register 39 may be integrated into the control logic unit 32, such as a microcircuit on a microprocessor. Registers 39 typically include and/or operate on signal information that control logic unit 32 can use to perform sense circuit 30 functions in accordance with certain governing protocols. For example, register 39 may be a switching transistor integrated on a microprocessor and function as an electronic "flip-flop".

Additionally, the sensing circuit 14 may include and/or operate with an input component 300, wherein the input component 300 is in electrical contact with the center conductor 24 of the connected coaxial cable 121. For example, input component 300 may be a conductive element, such as a wire, trace, wire, or other electrical conduit, that electrically connects sensing circuit 14 to center conductor contact 24 at or near location 25 (see FIG. 5). Thus, signal 5 may originate somewhere outside of connector 12, such as along a point on a cable wire or at condition-responsive device 100, and pass through cable 121 until signal 5 is input to connector 12 through input component 300 and electrically communicated to sensing circuit 14. Sensing circuit 14 of connector 12 may thus receive an input signal from a point somewhere along the cable line, particularly condition responsive device 100. Still further, input component 300 may have wireless capabilities. For example, input component 300 may include a wireless receiver capable of receiving electromagnetic transmissions, such as radio waves, Wi-fi transmissions, RFID transmissions, Bluetooth^TMWireless transmission, etc. Thus, an incoming signal, such as wireless signal 4 depicted in FIG. 7, may originate somewhere outside of connector 12, such as the illustrated condition-responsive device 100, and be received by input component 300 in connector 12, and then electrically communicated to sensing circuit 14.

The sensing circuit 14 may include various electrical components for facilitating the transmission of the signals 4, 5 received by the input component 300. It will be appreciated that the input means may receive both the wireless signal 4 and the signal 5 which may be received via the coaxial cable 121. The sensing circuit 14 may include a low noise amplifier 322 in electrical communication with the mixer 390. In addition, the sensing circuit 14 may include a band-pass (pass-band) filter 340 configured to filter various signal bandwidths associated with the incoming signals 4, 5. Further, the sensing circuit 14 may comprise an IF amplifier 324 configured to amplify an intermediate frequency related to the received incoming signals 4, 5 communicated to the sensing circuit 14 through the input means 300. The sensing circuit 14 may also include a demodulator 360 in electrical communication with the control logic unit 32, if desired. The demodulator 360 may be configured to recover the information content from the carrier of the received incoming signals 4, 5.

Monitoring the physical parameter status of the connector 12 connection may be facilitated by internal sensing circuitry 14, the internal sensing circuitry 14 configured to report the determined condition of the connector 12 connection. The sensing circuit 14 may include a signal modulator 370 in electrical communication with the control logic unit 32. The modulator 370 may be configured to vary the periodic waveform of the output signal 2 provided by the sensing circuit 14. The strength of the output signal 14 may be modified by the amplifier 320 b. Finally, the output signal 2 from the sensing circuit 14 is communicated to an output component 19 in electrical communication with the sensing circuit 14. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the output component 19 may be part of the sensing circuit 30. For example, output member 19 may be a last wire, trace, wire, or other electrical conduit leading from sensing circuit 14 to a signal outlet location of connector 12.

Embodiments of the connector 12 include a physical parameter status output component 19 in electrical communication with the sensing circuit 14. The status output component 19 is disposed within the connector body 16 and is configured to facilitate reporting of information relating to one or more sensed conditions, including physical parameter status, to a location external to the connector body 16. Output component 19 can facilitate distribution of information regarding the physical parameter status associated with the condition(s) sensed by sensor(s) 31 of sensing circuit 14 and reportable as information related to the connection performance of connector 12. For example, the sensing circuit 14 may be in electrical communication with the center conductor contact 24 (see fig. 4) through a status output component 19 in electrical communication with the sensing circuit 14 and placed in electrical connection with the center conductor contact 24 at location 25, the status output component 19 such as a wire or trace. The sensed physical parameter status information may thus be communicated as a signal 2 from the sensing circuitry 14 of the first interval 18 through an output component 19 such as a trace electrically linked to the center conductor contact 24. Signal(s) 2 then travel outside connector 12 along cable wires 121 (see fig. 8) corresponding to the cable connections applied to connector 12. Thus, the reported physical parameter status may be communicated via signal(s) 2 through output component 19 and may be accessed by condition responsive device 100 at a location along the cable wires external to connector 12.

Referring also to fig. 4-7, with additional reference to fig. 8, an embodiment of a coaxial cable communication system may include condition responsive device 100 positioned external to connector 12. Condition responsive device 100 may be configured to receive information from sensing circuitry 14 via status output component 19. Condition responsive device 100 may be positioned anywhere along the cable line to which connector 12 is attached. In the case where connector 12 is a wireless connector, condition responsive device 100 may also be positioned in any suitable location to receive a wireless sensing signal from connector 12. For example, the physical parameter status may be reported by the output member 19 being in electrical communication with the center conductor 24 of the cable 121. The reported status is then monitored by condition responsive device 100 to evaluate the reported physical parameter status and help maintain connection performance. Connector 12 may determine the connection status and may automatically transmit the physical parameter status information at regular intervals or may transmit the information upon polling of the information from status responding device 110.

The operation of connector 12 may be altered by transmitting signals 4, 5 from condition responsive device 100 or by signals transmitted by the field proximate the connection of connector 12. For example, the command of wireless signal 4 may be an indication to trigger a governing protocol of control logic unit 32 to perform a particular logical operation that controls the function of connector 12, such as closing an electrical path. Alternatively, condition responsive device 100 may send signal 5 over cable 121, which includes a command to initiate or modify a function of connector 12. The command in the form of signal 5 from condition responsive device 100 may be an indication to trigger the governing protocol of control logic unit 32 to perform a particular logical operation that controls the function of connector 12. The function of condition responsive device 100 will be described in more detail below. For example, if a connection is present, condition responsive device 100 may command connector 12 through input component 300 to presently sense connection condition 1c related to the current moisture presence of the connection. The control logic unit 32 can therefore communicate with the humidity sensor 31c, which humidity sensor 31c can in turn sense the connected moisture condition 1 c. Sensing circuit 14 may then report the real-time physical parameter status related to the presence of moisture for that connection by sending signal 2 through output component 19 and back to condition responsive device 100 located outside connector 12. The condition responsive device 100, after receiving the moisture monitoring report, may then send another signal 5 that transmits a command to the connector 12 to sense and report the physical parameter status related to the moisture content twice a day at regular intervals for the next six months. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates any monitoring arrangement that may be made between the condition responsive house device 100 and the connector 12.

The sensing circuit 14 may also be calibrated. Calibration can be effectively performed for multiple sensing circuits of substantially the same configuration that are similarly disposed in connector 12. For example, since the sensing circuit 14 may be integrated onto typical components of the connector 12, the dimensions and material composition of the various components of the plurality of connectors 12 may be substantially similar. As a result, multiple connectors may be mass manufactured and assembled all with substantially similar structures and physical geometries. Thus, the calibration of the sensing circuit 14 may be approximately the same for all similar connectors that are manufactured in bulk. Further, the sensing circuits 14 of each of the plurality of connectors 12 may be substantially similar in electrical layout and function. Thus, the electrical function of each similar sensing circuit 14 may operate as intended, in accordance with similar connector 12 configurations having substantially the same design, component composition, and assembly geometry. Thus, each connector 12 similarly manufactured in bulk has substantially the same design, component composition, and assembly configuration, and its sensing circuit 14 may not need to be individually calibrated. Calibration may be performed for an entire similar production line of connectors 12. Periodic testing can then ensure that the calibration is still accurate for the production line. Furthermore, because the sensing circuit 14 can be integrated into existing connector assemblies, the connector 12 can be assembled in substantially the same manner as a typical connector, requiring very few, if any, extensive assembly modifications.

Since various sensors 31 are placed within the connector 12, various connection conditions 1 relating to the connection of the connector 12 can be determined by the sensing circuit 14. The sensor 31 location may be related to the function of various portions or components of the connector 12. For example, the sensor 31a configured to detect the connection tightness condition 1a may be placed in proximity to a component of the connector 12 that contacts a portion of the mating connection device, such as the RF interface port 15 of the device 100, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190. The humidity sensor 31c configured to detect the moisture present condition 1c may be disposed in a portion of the connector 12 proximate to the attached coaxial cable 121 where there may be moisture included therein that may enter the connection.

The assembled components of the connector 12 create a sandwich-structured component, similar to that found in typical coaxial cable connectors. Thus, the assembly of connector 12 with integrated sensing circuit 14 is not different or substantially similar to the assembly of a conventional coaxial cable connector without built-in sensing circuit 14. Substantial similarity between the assembly of the various connectors 12 is highly anticipated due to the large volume manufacturing of the various connector 12 assemblies. Likewise, since each connector 12 should have a substantially similar size and configuration when assembled, the sensing circuit 14 of each similarly configured connector 12 may not need to be individually adjusted or calibrated. Calibration of one or a small number of connectors 12 in a batch manufactured lot may be sufficient to provide adequate assurance of similar functionality of untested/uncalibrated connectors 12 of other similar configurations and produced in a lot.

For cable communications to be exchanged accurately, it is important that the coaxial cable connector be properly connected or mated to the interface port of the device. One method of helping to verify that a coaxial cable connector is properly connected is to determine and report the mating force in the connection. Conventional coaxial cable connectors have been provided whereby the mating force can be determined. However, these conventional connectors have had such challenges in determining mating forces-inefficiency, expense, and impractical considerations related to design, manufacture, and use. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved connector for determining mating forces. Various embodiments of the present invention may address the need to efficiently determine mating forces and maintain the correct physical parameter states associated with connector connections. In addition, it is important to determine the moisture status of the cable connector and report the presence of moisture.

While the connector 12 has been described hereinabove and depicted in fig. 4-6 and 8 as a coaxial cable connector, it should be understood that other types of communication system connectors are also contemplated. For example, the same principles as described above may be applied to RJ-45 connectors, fiber optic connectors, closed circuit security system connectors, wireless connectors, and the like. Regardless, in each embodiment of connector 12, it is configured to obtain physical parameter status signals from the sensing mechanism and transmit these signals to condition responsive device 100.

Referring back to fig. 2, the connectors 12, 112, 212 described in detail above may be connected to any device in the distribution system 130, such as devices 100, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190. The connector 12, 112, 212 may have any sensor 31, 131, 231 coupled to the sensing circuit 14 and may be configured to transmit signals containing information about various physical parameters and conditions as described hereinabove. Connectors 12, 112, 212 are configured to transmit this information to condition responsive device 100 via coaxial cable 121 or wirelessly. In the event that one of the various physical parameters and conditions is not consistent with a predetermined appropriate value or set physical reading, the connector 12, 112, 212 may send an error code to the condition responsive device 100. For example, if the connection tightness is below a certain pressure, torque or other similar mating force, the connector 12, 112, 212 may send a specific error code or other response signal to the condition responsive device 100 associated with this error, thereby alerting the condition responsive house device that the connection of the connector 12, 112, 212 may be weak. Alternatively, the connector 12, 112, 212 may transmit an electrical signal that includes a value that accurately represents the amount of pressure, torque, or other similar mating force at the connection. In this case, condition responsive device 100 may determine whether the value is appropriate or whether the connection is not tight enough. Regardless, condition responsive device 100 can receive signals from connectors 12, 112, 212. Condition responsive device 100 will be described in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a partial circuit diagram of a condition responsive device 100 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Condition responsive device 100 may include a plurality of circuits 200, 205. It should be appreciated that the circuits 200, 205 may include a variety of different components including capacitors, inductors, resistors, transistors, switches, signal paths, band splitters, microprocessors, receivers, band pass filters, comparators, voltage sources, voltage dividers, phase locked loop control systems, variable amplifiers, variable attenuators, signal level detectors, taps, filters, tuners, output level compensation devices, variable overflow adjustment circuits, couplers, resistors, synchronous detectors, low pass filters, and the like. Combinations of these and other suitable circuit elements will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Additionally, as described below, circuits 200, 205 may each include a plurality of circuits that are all interconnected so that the combination performs the desired function of condition responsive device 100. The condition-responsive premise devices are not limited to the circuits 200, 205, but these circuits will be described as exemplary embodiments of the condition-responsive premise device 100.

Condition responsive device 100 may include circuitry that makes condition responsive device 100 a dynamically configurable band selection device between a distribution system, such as provider 20, and user 21. Alternatively, condition responsive device 100 may include circuitry that makes condition responsive device 100 an upstream bandwidth adjustment device between a distribution system, such as provider 20, and subscriber 21. Still further, condition responsive device 100 may include circuitry that enables the condition responsive premise equipment to be downstream output level and tilt compensation equipment between a distribution system, such as provider 20, and user 21. In addition, condition responsive device 100 may include circuitry that allows three functions, such as a dynamically configurable band selection device, an upstream bandwidth adjustment device, and a downstream output level and tilt compensation device. These circuits allow condition responsive device 100 to effectively condition signals received by suppliers 20 and users 21. This adjustment may include amplification, attenuation, equalization, and/or noise reduction. In addition, condition responsive device 100 may close unused loop segments (return path legs) or lines, thereby reducing noise that may be uplinked to headend or provider 20.

As shown in fig. 9, the main circuit 200 of the condition responsive premise device 100 includes a supplier side 210 and a premise side 220. The provider side 210 is positioned to receive downstream bandwidth from the provider 20 (fig. 1) and to transmit upstream bandwidth to the provider 20. Premise side 220 is positioned to transmit downstream bandwidth to subscriber 21 and to receive upstream bandwidth from subscriber 21. The premises side 220 may also be configured to receive signals from the connectors 12, 112, 212 regarding the status and condition of the physical parameters. Each of the supplier side 210 and the premise side 220 may include conventional 75 ohm threaded coaxial cable connectors to enable the condition responsive device 100 to be easily connected in series with the messenger 120 and the premise distribution system 130. Alternatively, each of the supplier side 210 and the house side 220 may include a proprietary coaxial cable connector configured to prevent attempts to tamper with or steal the condition responsive device 100. Other coaxial cable connectors may also be used based on the type and/or size of the messenger 120, the premise distribution system 130, or the system impedance other than a 75 ohm impedance.

Preferably, condition responsive device 100 may include an electro-optic protection device 230 disposed adjacent to supplier side 210 and an electro-optic protection device 240 disposed adjacent to house side 220. Having two electro-optical protection devices 230, 240 attempts to protect the condition responsive device 100 from both the energy transferred from the overhead transmission line 120 from a lightning strike and the energy transferred from the premises distribution system 130 from a lightning strike. It should be appreciated that an electro-optical protection device is not necessary if/when condition responsive device 100 is configured to be placed in a coaxial cable communication system using non-conductive signal transmission lines or when physically and electrically shielding the coaxial cable communication system from possible contact with the electro-optical. Any high quality, commercially available electro-optic protection device may function well at the prescribed location within the condition responsive device 100.

Condition responsive device 100 may include two power bypass fault switches 250, 260 that route all upstream/downstream signals through bypass signal path 270 (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, microstrip, stripline, etc.) in the event of a loss of power. The bypass fault switches 250, 260 may be located near the supplier end 210 and the premise end 220, respectively. To protect the bypass fault switches 250, 260 from damage due to electro-optical energy, the bypass fault switches 250, 260 may be placed between the electro-optical protection devices 230, 240 and the supplier end 210 and the premise end 220.

Each bypass fault switch 250, 260 may include a default position that bypasses upstream \ downstream signals through bypass signal path 270 any time power is removed from condition responsive device 100. When power is provided, each bypass fault switch 250, 260 may actuate a second position, which disconnects from the bypass signal path 270 and passes all upstream \ downstream signals along another path through the circuitry 205 within the primary circuit 200. The switches may also be controlled such that when an error is detected in condition responsive device 100 that may abnormally impede upstream \ downstream bandwidth flow through circuitry 205, switches 250, 260 are moved to their default positions to send upstream \ downstream signaling through bypass signal path 270. Any high quality, commercially available signal transmission switch will work well at a particular location within condition responsive device 100. Bypass signal path 270 may be any suitable coaxial cable or fiber optic cable based on a coaxial cable communication system configuration.

Condition responsive device 100 may include circuitry 205. The circuit 205 may be substantially located within the main circuit 200. It should be understood that circuit 205 herein refers to a series of circuits that perform the coherent function of condition responsive device 100 and may include a plurality of electrical elements as noted above. The circuitry 205 may include means for receiving a physical parameter status signal from a coaxial connector 12, 112, 212 connected to a monitored port 15 of a coaxial cable communication system, the physical parameter status signal including data relating to a condition of the connection. The means for receiving a physical parameter status signal may comprise a receiver 301 configured to receive a physical parameter status signal from a connector 12, 112, 212 connected to a port 15 to be monitored in a coaxial cable communication system, such as the subscriber's premises distribution system 130. As described above, the physical parameter status may include data relating to the status of the connection.

Condition responsive device 100 may further include means for storing data transmitted by connectors 12, 112, 212. The means for storing data may comprise a storage unit 302 configured to store data transmitted by the connectors 12, 112, 212. For example, the data may relate to conditions such as connection tightness, pressure, moisture, temperature, amperage, voltage, signal level, signal frequency, impedance, loop activity, connection location, type of service, installation date, previous service call date, and serial number. The storage unit 302 may be a computer hard drive or any other device having a memory and capable of storing data.

In addition, condition responsive device 100 may include means for analyzing physical parameter status data of connectors 12, 112, 212 to determine whether communication signal adjustments, such as bandwidth adjustments, are appropriate. The analysis means may be provided by the processing circuit 303 or microprocessor which is configured to analyze the data to determine whether a communication signal adjustment, such as a bandwidth adjustment, is appropriate. It should be understood that the processing circuit 303 may be a microprocessor, system processor, chip, logic circuit, or other such device. The processing circuitry 303 may be configured to initiate an adjustment or change to a coaxial cable communication signal of a bandwidth in the coaxial cable communication system if the processing circuitry 303 determines that the adjustment is appropriate. For example, communication signal level adjustments may include modifying bandwidth, increasing signal attenuation, closing unused loop segments, amplifying, filtering, and/or equalizing. For example, if data received by condition responsive device 100 from connectors 12, 112, 212 via signals 2, 2b alerts processing circuit 303 of a condition that a weak connection is occurring that is causing unwanted noise upstream, processing circuit 303 may initiate a response that closes the path and/or attenuates the signal to reduce the noise.

Condition responsive device 100 may further include means for determining whether the response signal is appropriate. Means for determining whether the response signal is appropriate may also be provided by the processing circuit 303. The processing circuitry 303 may be further configured to analyze the data to determine if there is a problem with the connection of the coaxial connector 12, 112, 212 as associated with the monitored port 15.

In one embodiment, condition responsive device 100 may further comprise means for sending a response signal, such as signals 4, 5, to device 101 of the coaxial cable communication system initiating an alert mechanism of the device. It should be understood that the response signals 4, 5 may or may not be the same signals sent to the connectors 12, 112, 212, as previously described. For example, the response signals 4, 5 may be sent to the device 101 through the connectors 12, 112, 212 without being received by the input means 300. This means for transmitting the response signals 4, 5 may be provided by a transmitter 304 configured to transmit the response signals 4, 5 to the device 101 of the coaxial cable communication system when the processing circuitry 303 determines that there is a problem with the connection of the coaxial connectors 12, 112, 212 to the port 15. The response signals 4, 5 may initiate an alert 155 operatively presented by the device 101. It should be appreciated that transmitter 304 may be configured to transmit signals to any party's device, such as a headend or provider 20, or a device of a subscriber 21. The response signal may provide a visually displayed warning 155 on the screen 151 of the television 150, as depicted in fig. 10. In this case, the television screen 151 may display a warning 155 in a corner of the screen 151 that would notify the viewer of the television 150 that a particular problem occurred with the connection in the coaxial cable communication system. It should be understood that alert 155 may or may not be related to the connection of the device that actually displays alert 155. For example, the warning 155 may be displayed on the screen 151 of the television 150, but with respect to a coaxial cable connection associated with the desktop computer 160. The alert 155 may include information about the particular issue for which the generated response is directed. For example, the alert 155 may include information about a problematic connector or port in the premises distribution system 130. The warning 155 may also include further information about problems in the connection, such as specifying a weak connection or the presence of moisture in the connection.

Alternatively, the response signal may provide a visual display or warning 155 on the screen of the computer 160 or laptop 180. It is also contemplated that the condition responsive house device 100 may initiate a mail alert 155 response signal to the computer 160 or the laptop computer 180. So that if any port, such as port 15, in premises distribution system 130 connects with a weak connector 12, 112, 212, condition responsive device 100 may initiate a mail alert 155 response to computer 160 or laptop 180. Further, the warning 155 may be invisible and instead an audible warning 155. For example, alert 155 may be a communication to phone 170 in the form of an automatic call.

The physical parameter status signal, such as signal 2, 2b, sent by connector 12, 112, 212 may include an error code (not shown) regarding a particular problem in the connection of coaxial connector 12, 112, 212 to port 15. In this embodiment, the connector 12, 112, 212 may be pre-programmed to identify a particular error code associated with a problem occurring in the connection as sensed by the connector 12, 112, 212. Likewise, the processing circuitry 303 may be pre-programmed to recognize these codes and initiate an appropriate response. The memory unit 302 may be configured to store any physical parameter status signals transmitted by the connectors 12, 112, 212, including any error codes. The storage unit 302 may be configured to store other information associated with the code, such as the time and date the code was received. Memory unit 302 may therefore include a log of any error codes or other physical parameter status signals received by condition responsive device 100. The data included in the storage unit 302 is accessible by the service provider or provider 20 for accurate analysis of the functionality of the coaxial cable communication network. The head end, service provider, home office, or provider 20 may access the storage unit 302 by physically connecting the reader device to the condition responsive device 100. Alternatively, the headend, service provider, home office, or provider 20 may send an interrogation signal to condition responsive device 100 in order to access the data stored in storage unit 302. It should be understood that condition responsive device 100 may be installed with an encryption mechanism that requires the service provider or supplier 20 to provide the correct password to access any data stored in memory unit 302.

The error code transmitted by the connector 12, 112, 212 may be transmitted at predetermined time intervals. For example, the connector 12, 112, 212 may be configured to transmit an error code once every 10 minutes or once a day. The predetermined time interval may vary based on conditions related to error codes. For example, a more urgent problem in the connection or a problem in which a larger amount of upstream noise is generated may have a shorter predetermined time interval. Likewise, less serious problems may have longer time intervals. Regardless, as described above, the storage unit 302 may be configured to store each of these error codes.

Transmitter 304 may be further configured to transmit upgrade response signals 4, 5 when processing circuitry 303 determines that the problem in the connection of coaxial cable connectors 12, 112, 212 to port 15 persists. For example, a persistent problem may be that it persists over a number of predetermined time intervals. In this case, the longer the problem lasts, the more intrusive the response signals 4, 5 may become. For example, the first response signal 4, 5 transmitted by the transmitter 304 may be an LED connected to one of the devices 100, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 or to the problematic connector 12, 112, 212. If the problem persists for a series of predetermined time intervals without effectively alerting user 21, transmitter 304 may be configured to send an alert 155 message to the screen of television 160, as described above. If this problem persists, the transmitter may be upgraded to a more intrusive response, such as an email to user 21, for example. In addition, transmitter 304 may initiate a telephone call to telephone 170 of user 21. The telephone call may leave an automatic message to the user 21 that includes information related to the problem connection.

Condition responsive device 100 may also communicate with other devices outside of premise distribution system 130. For example, condition responsive device 100 may be in upstream communication with a provider 20, such as at a home office, or a headend of provider 20. Condition response device 100 may be configured as a device at the home office of vendor 20 that is alerted in the same manner described above with respect to alerting user 21. In the case of an escalation response, if the problem persists for a predetermined number of time intervals, the condition responsive device 100 may take the form of alerting the supplier 20 of the problem. For example, the service provider or provider 20 may send a query to obtain any data stored in the storage unit 302 once alerted by the mail alert 155 or some other alert 155. In addition, provider 20 may call subscriber 21 to establish a subscription if the provider determines, for example, that a subscription to fix the problem may be appropriate.

It should be understood that the connectors 12, 112, 212 may be configured to wirelessly transmit a physical parameter status signal to the condition responsive device 100. The receiver 300 of the condition responsive housing apparatus may thus be a wireless receiver configured to receive wireless signals. Likewise, the transmitter 304 may be configured to transmit a wireless signal to alert the user 21 or the provider 20. Further, the circuit 205 shown in fig. 9 comprises a receiver 301, a memory unit 302, a processing circuit 303 and a transmitter 304 interconnected. It should be understood that this is a symbolic representation of circuitry 205 and is not meant to represent any particular interrelationship of elements 301, 302, 303, 304, other than to represent that each element may be provided in condition responsive device 100. These elements may include any number of circuit components, the relationship of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for monitoring a coaxial cable communication system. The method includes first receiving a physical parameter status signal, such as signal 2, 2b, from a coaxial connector 12, 112, 212 connected to a monitored port 15 of a coaxial cable communication system. The physical parameter status signal 2, 2b comprises data relating to the status of the connection. The method may further include storing data relating to the condition of the coaxial connector 12, 112, 212. The method also includes determining whether a response signal, such as signals 4, 5, is appropriate, the response signal 4, 5 being appropriate if there is a problem in the connection of the coaxial connector to the port. Further the method comprises sending a response signal 4, 5 to a device, such as one of the devices 100, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, the response signal 4, 5 being configured to alert a party of the problem, such as the head end or the user 21. The method may further include analyzing the data to determine whether bandwidth adjustment is appropriate based on the comparison to the set of predetermined parameters, and thereafter adjusting the bandwidth in the CATV system. It should be understood that the method according to the invention may transmit the response wirelessly. Further, the method may include sending an upgrade response to the device, the upgrade response configured to alert the user 21 of the problem. The longer the problem lasts, the more intrusive the upgrade response. Further, the method may include sending a notification by a party to the user 21 when the party is alerted to the problem.

Fig. 11 illustrates a computer system 900 (examples of which may be various embodiments of condition responsive device 100 of fig. 1, 2, 8, and 9) used to perform a method or process for monitoring a communication system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 900 may include a processor 910, an input device 920 coupled to the processor 910, an output device 930 coupled to the processor 910, and memory devices 940 and 950, each coupled to the processor 910. The input device 920 may be a keyboard, mouse, or the like, among others. The output device 930 may be, among other things, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, and the like. Memory devices 940 and 950 may be hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic disks, optical storage such as Compact Disk (CD) or Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), etc., among others. The memory device 950 may include computer code 970. The computer code 970 includes an algorithm or a predetermined set of parameters for performing a process of monitoring the communication system. The processor 910 may execute computer code 970. Memory device 940 may include input data 960. The input data 960 includes the input required by the computer code 970. The output device 930 displays output from the computer code 970. One or both of the devices 940 and 950 (or one or more additional memory devices not shown in fig. 11) may include algorithms or predetermined parameters and function as a computer usable medium (or computer readable medium or program storage device) having computer readable program code embodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computer readable program code comprises computer code 970. Generally, a computer program product (or alternatively, an article of manufacture) of computer system 900 may comprise the computer usable medium (or the program storage device).

Although fig. 11 illustrates computer system 900 as having a particular hardware and software configuration, any hardware and software configuration may be used for the purposes set forth herein in connection with the particular computer system 900 of fig. 11, as is well known to those of skill in the art. For example, memory devices 940 and 950 may be portions of a single memory device, rather than separate memory devices.

It should be noted that the block diagrams in fig. 1, 2, 3, 7, and 9 illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The article "a" or "an" is used to introduce elements of the embodiments. The articles are intended to mean that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising" and "having," as well as derivatives thereof, are intended to mean that the elements included in the list are included in addition to the elements listed. When a list of at least two terms is used with the conjunction "or," it is intended to mean any term or combination of terms. The terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish elements and are not used to indicate a particular order.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (39)

1. A condition responsive device for connection to a communication system, the device comprising:

a receiver configured to receive a physical parameter status signal from a connector of the communication system, the physical parameter status signal comprising data relating to a condition of the connector connection; and

processing circuitry configured to analyze the data based on a predetermined set of parameters to determine whether a communication signal adjustment is appropriate, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to initiate a communication signal adjustment in the communication system if the processing circuitry determines that the adjustment is appropriate.

2. The condition responsive device of claim 1, wherein said processing circuit is a microprocessor.

3. The condition responsive device of claim 1, wherein said physical parameter status signal is wirelessly transmitted from said connector.

4. The condition responsive device of claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is configured to analyze the data to determine if there is a problem with the connection of the connector to the monitored port.

5. The condition responsive device of claim 4, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a response signal to a device of the communication system when the processing circuit determines that there is a problem with the connection of the connector to the monitored port, the response signal initiating a warning display of the device.

6. The condition responsive device of claim 5, wherein the transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit the response signal to the device.

7. The condition responsive device of claim 5, wherein the device is a television and the response signal initiates a message displayed on a screen of the television.

8. The condition responsive device of claim 4, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a response signal to a head end when the microprocessor determines that there is a problem with the connection between the connector and the monitored port.

9. The condition responsive device of claim 4, further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit an upgrade response when the microprocessor determines that the problem in the connection between the connector and the monitored port persists.

10. The condition responsive device of claim 9, wherein the longer the question lasts, the more intrusive the escalation response becomes.

11. The condition responsive device of claim 1, wherein the physical parameter status signal corresponds to an error code associated with a particular problem in the connection of the connector to the port.

12. The condition responsive device of claim 11, wherein the error code is transmitted by the connector once every predetermined time interval, wherein the storage unit is configured to store a plurality of error codes.

13. The condition responsive device of claim 1, wherein said communication signal adjustment comprises an adjustment selected from the group consisting of: increase signal attenuation, close unused loop segments, amplification, filtering, and equalization.

14. The condition responsive device of claim 1, wherein said communication system is a CATV system.

15. A condition responsive device for connection to a communication system, the device comprising:

means for receiving a physical parameter status signal from a connector of the communication system, the physical parameter status signal comprising data relating to a condition of connection of the connector;

means for determining whether a response signal is appropriate, the response signal being appropriate if there is a problem with the connection of the connector to the port; and

means for transmitting the response signal to a device of the CATV system, the response signal initiating an alert generated by the device.

16. The condition responsive device of claim 15, further comprising means for storing data transmitted by said connector.

17. The condition responsive device of claim 15, further comprising means for analyzing said data to determine if communication signal adjustments are appropriate.

18. A method of monitoring a communication system, comprising:

receiving a physical parameter status signal from a connector of the communication system, the physical parameter status signal comprising data relating to a condition of connection of the connector;

storing data relating to a condition of the connector;

determining whether a response signal is appropriate, the response signal being appropriate if there is a problem with the connection of the connector to the port; and

transmitting the response signal to a device of the communication system, the response signal configured to alert a party to the problem.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising analyzing the data to determine if bandwidth adjustment is appropriate based on a comparison to a predetermined set of parameters.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising adjusting communication signals in the communication system.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising wirelessly transmitting the response signal.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising sending an upgrade response to the apparatus, the upgrade response configured to alert a user that a problem exists.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the escalation response becomes more intrusive the longer the problem lasts.

24. The method of claim 18, further comprising sending a notification to a user by a party when the party is alerted to the problem.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the party is a head end.

26. A condition responsive device for connection to a communication system, the device comprising:

a receiver configured to receive a physical parameter status signal from a connector of the communication system, the physical parameter status signal comprising data relating to a condition of connection of the connector;

a storage circuit configured to store the data;

processing circuitry configured to analyse the data to determine whether a response signal is appropriate, the response signal being appropriate if a problem is determined to be present in the connection of the connector to the monitored port; and

a transmitter configured to transmit the response signal to an apparatus of the communication system, the response signal initiating an alert mechanism of the apparatus.

27. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein said processing circuit is a microprocessor.

28. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein the processing circuit is configured to analyze the data to determine whether communication signal adjustments are appropriate.

29. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein the processing circuit is configured to initiate an adjustment of bandwidth in the communication system if the processing circuit determines that an adjustment is appropriate.

30. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein said communication signal adjustment comprises an adjustment selected from the group consisting of: increase signal attenuation, close unused loop segments, amplification, filtering, and equalization.

31. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein said physical parameter status signal is transmitted wirelessly by said connector.

32. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein said data is related to a condition selected from the group consisting of: tightness, pressure, moisture, temperature, amperage, voltage, signal level, signal frequency, impedance, loop activity, connection location, type of service, installation date, previous service call date, and serial number.

33. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein the device is a television and the response signal initiates a message displayed on a screen of the television.

34. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein the physical parameter status signal corresponds to an error code associated with a particular problem in the connection of the connector and port.

35. The condition responsive device of claim 34, wherein the error code is transmitted by the connector once every predetermined time interval, wherein the storage unit is configured to store a plurality of error codes.

36. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit a response signal to a home office when the processing circuit determines that there is a problem with the connection of the connector to the monitored port.

37. The condition responsive device of claim 26, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit an upgrade response when the processing circuit determines that the problem in the connection of the connector to the monitored port persists.

38. The condition responsive device of claim 37, wherein the longer the question lasts, the more intrusive the escalation response becomes.

39. A condition responsive device as claimed in claim 26, wherein said communication system is a CATV system.