Document communications controller

Patent 6073160 Issued on June 6, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date:

December 18, 2016. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Xerox Corporation

Application

No. 768420 filed on 12/18/1996

US Classes:

709/200, MISCELLANEOUS705/40, Bill distribution or payment709/202, Processing agent709/218, Using interconnected networks709/219Accessing a remote server

Examiners

Primary: Dinh, Dung C.
Assistant: Le, Quoc-Khanh

Foreign Patent References

0 695 985 A1 EP. 02/13/1996
0 698 982 A2 EP. 02/13/1996

International Class

G06F 077/00

Abstract

The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing a general-purpose, multifunction, individually addressable, full-bandwidth bi-directional communication device with built-in Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) capabilities that connects a home or business user with ATM and other switched broadband digital networks in a convenient, adaptable, extensible manner at reasonable cost. The device supports a Document Services Architecture (DSA) and, in particular, supports agent-based communications (including interaction with an Agent Instance Service) to ensure well-behaved communications and fair allocation of network resources among users. The device can be used in a heterogeneous environment and with different types of networks and protocols. The full-bandwidth bi-directional communication and built-in AAA capabilities of the device distinguish it from other "set-top boxes."

Other References

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