Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080274731 | MODULAR, PORTABLE DATA PROCESSING TERMINAL FOR USE IN A RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATION NETWORK - Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network. The disclosed modular design also provides for automatic selection from a variety of available built-in and externally mounted antennas based on the particular type of radio transceiver(s) selected. | 11-06-2008 |
20090015194 | PORTABLE COMPUTERIZED DATA COMMUNICATION DEVICE - In one embodiment, a portable computerized data communication device in a data communication system may include, for example, a user interface; a computerized system controlling operation of the device; a device housing having a normal closed condition defining an interior space within the device housing, and having an interior electrical connector within the interior space; and the device having an open condition providing access to the interior space while the device housing is in the open condition to enable connection with the interior electrical connector of a peripheral device equipping the device to perform a new function. | 01-15-2009 |
20090046602 | RADIO FREQUENCY LOCAL AREA NETWORK - An apparatus and a method for routing data in a radio data communication system having one or more host computers, one or more intermediate base stations, and one or more RF terminals organizes the intermediate base stations into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Communication between the host computer and the RF terminals is achieved by using the network of intermediate base stations to transmit the data. | 02-19-2009 |
20090046609 | TRANSACTION CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING PORTABLE DATA TERMINAL AND MOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE STATION - A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network. In another embodiment, the mobile service station comprises an access device which participates with a variety of peripherals at the station in a lower power communication LAN, while providing higher power communication to other network devices via a premises network with routing via a wireless spanning tree configuration. | 02-19-2009 |
20090054099 | RADIO TRANSCEIVER COMMUNICATING IN A PLURALITY OF FREQUENCY BANDS - A computer apparatus for receiving a removable communication card such as a radio card or a modem card. A radio or modem is self-contained inside a housing of the communication card and has an electrical interface for communicating information to and from the computer apparatus. The computer apparatus receives the communication card such that it engages the electrical interface. These contacts automatically connect the communication card to an appropriate antenna, telephone or telephone line. A radio communication card is connected to the appropriate antenna for the type and frequency of the radio. A modem card is connected to a standard telephone line, a cellular phone, or an antenna for a cellular phone if the cellular phone is also disposed within the housing of the modem communication card. Additionally, a switching matrix can be used to connect one set of contacts on a radio card or a modem card to one or more of a plurality of antennas and telephone lines. A computer device utilizing an antenna cap which covers the opening into which the radio has been inserted is also shown. Antenna contacts are disposed on the cap to engage the antenna contacts positioned on the end of the radio card. At least one antenna is operably connected to the radio card through the cap. A band is used to attach the cap to the housing of the computer device. The antenna or antennas are embedded in the cap, in the band, or embedded in or attached to the housing of the computer device. Positioning two similar antennas in different position creates an antenna diversity scheme. Shielding can be added to the cap to help reduce the escape of electronic noise. A micro shield ribbon can be used to connect the antenna and the antenna contacts on the cap. | 02-26-2009 |
20090080398 | Hierarchical Communication System Providing Intelligent Data, Program and Processing Migration - A hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. Copies of data, program code and processing resources are migrated from their source toward requesting destinations based on request frequency, communication link costs and available local storage and/or processing resources. Each appropriately configured network device acts as an active participant in network migration. In addition, portable two-dimensional (2-D) code reading terminals are configured to wirelessly communicate compressed 2-D images toward stationary access servers that identify the code image through decoding and through comparison with a database of images that have previously been decoded and stored. | 03-26-2009 |
20090092070 | RADIO FREQUENCY LOCAL AREA NETWORK - An apparatus and a method for routing data in a radio data communication system having one or more host computers, one or more intermediate base stations, and one or more RF terminals organizes the intermediate base stations into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Communication between the host computer and the RF terminals is achieved by using the network of intermediate base stations to transmit the data. | 04-09-2009 |
20090167618 | RADIO CARD HAVING INDEPENDENT ANTENNA INTERFACE SUPPORTING ANTENNA DIVERSITY - A radio card, such as a PCMCIA card, received by an electronic device has a first interface coupling radio circuitry within the radio card to the electronic device. The radio card also has a second interface, independent of the first interface, that couples with an antenna disposed within the electronic device upon receipt of the radio card by the electronic device. The second interface may comprise a plurality of antenna contacts located along tracks of the electronic device used to aid reception of the radio card. A second and possibly external antenna may also automatically couple with the second interface upon insertion. By selective placement of the antenna contacts on the radio card, a specific one of the antennas may be selected. Otherwise, internal switching circuitry supports antenna diversity or simultaneous use of a plurality of antennas. | 07-02-2009 |
20090175318 | MULTI-LEVEL HIERARCHICAL RADIO-FREQUENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station. | 07-09-2009 |
20090247241 | NETWORK SUPPORTING ROAMING, SLEEPING TERMINALS - Improved apparatus for a radio communication system having a multiplicity of mobile transceiver units selectively in communication with a plurality of base transceiver units which, in turn, communicate with one or more host computers for storage and manipulation of data collected by bar code scanners or other collection means associated with the mobile transceiver units. A network controller and an adapter which has a simulcast and sequential mode provide selective interface between host computers and base transceivers. A scheme for routing data through the communication system is also disclosed wherein the intermediate base stations are organized into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Additionally, redundant network and communication protocol is disclosed wherein the network utilizes a polling communication protocol which, under heavy loaded conditions, requires that a roaming terminal wishing to initiate communication must first determine that the channel is truly clear by listing for an entire interpoll gap time. In a further embodiment, a criterion used by the roaming terminals for attaching to a given base station reduces conflicts in the overlapping RF regions of adjacent base stations. | 10-01-2009 |
20090252136 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EFFICIENTLY ROUTING INFORMATION - A hierarchical communication system is described in which two wireless local area networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed to link inherently portable or mobile computer devices. A series of radio base stations make up a infrastructure network. The infrastructure network and at least one portable computer device make up the first local area network. The communication on the first local area network is accomplished by spread spectrum frequency hopping communication A second local area network allows for radio communication between a portable computer device and peripheral devices with built-in transceivers utilized by the portable computer device. The communication in each local area network is controlled by a reservation access communication protocol. The communication protocol facilitates frequency hopping synchronization and supports adaptive data rate selection based upon the quality of communication on the communication channel. The communication protocol prevents interference between communication on the first local area network and communication on the second local area network. In a premises LAN, a series of radio base stations and a backbone LAN make up an infrastructure network. The infrastructure network and at least one mobile computing device make up a higher-power LAN, utilizing a frequency hopping protocol. A lower-power LAN allows for radio communication between a mobile computing device and peripheral devices, utilizing a single-frequency spread spectrum protocol. A vehicular LAN provides for short-range communication between a vehicle terminal and a portable terminal. When out of direct RF range of the premises LAN, the vehicle terminal maintains indirect communication when necessary with the premises LAN via one of several alternate RF channels. A microprocessor, located inside radio units which participate in multiple LAN's, selects the appropriate protocol, frequency band and power level for communicating through the network. | 10-08-2009 |
20090296677 | WIRELESS PERSONAL LOCAL AREA NETWORK - A transceiver apparatus for creating a wireless personal local area network between a computer terminal and one or more peripheral devices. A separate transceiver is connected to the computer terminal and to each peripheral device. The transceivers can be connected to the terminal or peripheral device either internally or externally. A low power radio is used to communicate information between the computer terminal and peripheral devices. Different transceivers can be used for modifying the carrier frequency and power of the local area network. The microprocessor is located inside each transceiver and controls the information flow of the transceiver including the communication protocol which allows each device to know if other devices are communicating, which devices are being communicated to, and selectively address the peripheral devices. An Idle Sense communication protocol is used for information transfer between the computer terminal and the peripheral devices, increasing efficiency in power management and compensating for transmission collisions. | 12-03-2009 |
20090303920 | WIRELESS PERSONAL LOCAL AREA NETWORK - A transceiver apparatus for creating a wireless personal local area network between a computer terminal and one or more peripheral devices. A separate transceiver is connected to the computer terminal and to each peripheral device. The transceivers can be connected to the terminal or peripheral device either internally or externally. A low power radio is used to communicate information between the computer terminal and peripheral devices. Different transceivers can be used for modifying the carrier frequency and power of the local area network. The microprocessor is located inside each transceiver and controls the information flow of the transceiver including the communication protocol which allows each device to know if other devices are communicating, which devices are being communicated to, and selectively address the peripheral devices. An Idle Sense communication protocol is used for information transfer between the computer terminal and the peripheral devices, increasing efficiency in power management and compensating for transmission collisions. | 12-10-2009 |
20090322277 | PORTABLE COMPUTERIZED DATA COMMUNICATION DEVICE - In one embodiment, a portable computerized data communication device in a data communication system may include, for example, a user interface; a computerized system controlling operation of the device; a device housing having a normal closed condition defining an interior space within the device housing, and having an interior electrical connector within the interior space; and the device having an open condition providing access to the interior space while the device housing is in the open condition to enable connection with the interior electrical connector of a peripheral device equipping the device to perform a new function. | 12-31-2009 |
20090323589 | RADIO FREQUENCY LOCAL AREA NETWORK - An apparatus and a method for routing data in a radio data communication system having one or more host computers, one or more intermediate base stations, and one or more RF terminals organizes the intermediate base stations into an optimal spanning-tree network to control the routing of data to and from the RF terminals and the host computer efficiently and dynamically. Communication between the host computer and the RF terminals is achieved by using the network of intermediate base stations to transmit the data. | 12-31-2009 |
20100041349 | REMOTE RADIO DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WITH DATA RATE SWITCHING - In an exemplary communication system, a multiplicity of mobile terminals are to share a communication link with a host processor communicating through base transceivers. The mobile terminals evaluate communication signals being transmitted to one or more of the mobile transceivers and according to the evaluation of such signals, each mobile terminal independently selects a relatively high data rate or a lower more conservative data rate for communication with the host processor. The mobile terminal enters a dormant state after a fixed period elapses during which the mobile unit is not engaged in communication with the base station. Periodically, the mobile terminal reenters active state in receive mode for a brief interval and if no polling signal or other message directed to the mobile terminal is present, the mobile terminal returns to dormant state. When a signal is directed to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal remains in active receive mode until a fixed period after a communication session is completed and then returns to dormant/active cycling. A base station utilizing a dormant polling protocol transmits polling sequences to a plurality of remote transceivers during periods of heavy loading. During periods of low loading, the base station stops polling and enters into a dormant state, listening for communication request from the remote transceivers. Upon receiving such a request, the base station immediately responds by servicing the requesting remote transceiver. In this way, the base station provides optimized utilization of the communication channel during periods of heavy and light loading conditions. | 02-18-2010 |
20100158077 | SPREAD SPECTRUM TRANSCEIVER MODULE UTILIZING MULTIPLE MODE TRANSMISSION - A data transceiver module for digital data communications in a portable hand-held data terminal has multiple data spread spectrum modes which include direct sequence and frequency function modulation algorithms. The transceiver module has multiple user or program configurable data rates, modulation, channelization and process gain in order to maximize the performance of radio data transmissions and to maximize interference immunity. Various module housings, which may be PCMCIA type, are able to be mated with a suitably designed data terminal. Media access control protocols and interfaces of multiple nominal operational frequencies are utilized. Wireless access devices in a cell based network each consider a variety of factors when choosing one of a plurality of modes of wireless operation and associated operating parameters. Such selection defines a communication channel to support wireless data, message and communication exchanges. In further embodiments, the wireless access devices also support a second channel, a busy/control channel, for managing communication on the main communication channel and to overcome roaming and hidden terminal problems. Roaming terminal devices are also configured to support the dual channel design. Such configuration in both circumstances may involve the use of a multimode radio that is timeshared between the two channels or two radios, one dedicated to each channel. | 06-24-2010 |
20100167782 | TRANSACTION CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING PORTABLE DATA TERMINAL AND MOBILE CUSTOMER SERVICE STATION - A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network. In another embodiment, the mobile service station comprises an access device which participates with a variety of peripherals at the station in a lower power communication LAN, while providing higher power communication to other network devices via a premises network with routing via a wireless spanning tree configuration. | 07-01-2010 |
20100189090 | LOCAL AREA NETWORK HAVING MULTIPLE CHANNEL WIRELESS ACCESS - A communication network having at least one access point supports wireless communication among a plurality of wireless roaming devices via a first and a second wireless channel. The access point comprises a first and a second transceiver. The first and second transceivers operate on the first and second wireless channels, respectively. Each of the plurality of wireless roaming devices are capable of communicating on the first and second wireless channel. In one embodiment, the first wireless channel is used to exchange data, while the second channel is used to manage such exchanges as well as access to the first channel. In an alternate embodiment, both channels are used to support communication flow, however the first channel supports a protocol that is more deterministic than that of the second channel. Allocation of ones of the plurality of wireless roaming devices from one channel to the next may occur per direction from the access point. It may also result from decisions made by each of the wireless roaming devices made independent of the access point. For example, a decision may be made based on the data type being transferred or based on the current channel load. Such factors may also be used by the access point for allocation determinations. In addition, allocation may be based on the type of roaming device involved, such as allocating peripherals to a slower channel. | 07-29-2010 |
20100282852 | MODULAR, PORTABLE DATA PROCESSING TERMINAL FOR USE IN A RADIO FREQUENCY COMMUNICATION - Modular, portable data collection terminals are disclosed for use in mixed wireless and hard-wired RF communication networks, wherein various radio transmitter modules and associated antennas may be selectively added to a base terminal unit to solve networking problems associated with specific types of business environments. Modularity exists in both the hardware (splitting data collection and processing control circuitry from radio transceiver control circuitry) and software (splitting transceiver-specific, lower level communication protocol from generic, higher level communication protocol). The control circuitry, including associated microprocessors devices, interact to selectively activate communication circuits to perform necessary communication or data processing functions and enter and remain in a power-saving dormant state during other times. To support such dormant or “sleeping” states, a series of communication protocols provide for channel access to the communication network. The disclosed modular design also provides for automatic selection from a variety of available built-in and externally mounted antennas based on the particular type of radio transceiver(s) selected. | 11-11-2010 |
20100329166 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMMUNICATION IN A MULTI-NETWORK ENVIRONMENT - A hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. Copies of data, program code and processing resources are migrated from their source toward requesting destinations based on request frequency, communication link costs and available local storage and/or processing resources. Each appropriately configured network device acts as an active participant in network migration. In addition, portable two-dimensional (2-D) code reading terminals are configured to wirelessly communicate compressed 2-D images toward stationary access servers that identify the code image through decoding and through comparison with a database of images that have previously been decoded and stored. | 12-30-2010 |
20110007724 | HIERARCHICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM PROVIDING INTELLIGENT DATA, PROGRAM AND PROCESSING MIGRATION - A hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. Copies of data, program code and processing resources are migrated from their source toward requesting destinations based on request frequency, communication link costs and available local storage and/or processing resources. Each appropriately configured network device acts as an active participant in network migration. In addition, portable two-dimensional (2-D) code reading terminals are configured to wirelessly communicate compressed 2-D images toward stationary access servers that identify the code image through decoding and through comparison with a database of images that have previously been decoded and stored. | 01-13-2011 |
20110037681 | RADIO TRANSCEIVER COMMUNICATING IN A PLURALITY OF FREQUENCY BANDS - A computer apparatus for receiving a removable communication card such as a radio card or a modem card. A radio or modem is self-contained inside a housing of the communication card and has an electrical interface for communicating information to and from the computer apparatus. The computer apparatus receives the communication card such that it engages the electrical interface. These contacts automatically connect the communication card to an appropriate antenna, telephone or telephone line. A radio communication card is connected to the appropriate antenna for the type and frequency of the radio. A modem card is connected to a standard telephone line, a cellular phone, or an antenna for a cellular phone if the cellular phone is also disposed within the housing of the modem communication card. Additionally, a switching matrix can be used to connect one set of contacts on a radio card or a modem card to one or more of a plurality of antennas and telephone lines. A computer device utilizing an antenna cap which covers the opening into which the radio has been inserted is also shown. Antenna contacts are disposed on the cap to engage the antenna contacts positioned on the end of the radio card. At least one antenna is operably connected to the radio card through the cap. A band is used to attach the cap to the housing of the computer device. The antenna or antennas are embedded in the cap, in the band, or embedded in or attached to the housing of the computer device. Positioning two similar antennas in different position creates an antenna diversity scheme. Shielding can be added to the cap to help reduce the escape of electronic noise. A micro shield ribbon can be used to connect the antenna and the antenna contacts on the cap. | 02-17-2011 |
20110085484 | LOCAL AREA NETWORK HAVING MULTIPLE CHANNEL WIRELESS ACCESS - A communication network having at least one access point supports wireless communication among a plurality of wireless roaming devices via a first and a second wireless channel. The access point comprises a first and a second transceiver. The first and second transceivers operate on the first and second wireless channels, respectively. Each of the plurality of wireless roaming devices are capable of communicating on the first and second wireless channel. In one embodiment, the first wireless channel is used to exchange data, while the second channel is used to manage such exchanges as well as access to the first channel. In an alternate embodiment, both channels are used to support communication flow, however the first channel supports a protocol that is more deterministic than that of the second channel. Allocation of ones of the plurality of wireless roaming devices from one channel to the next may occur per direction from the access point. It may also result from decisions made by each of the wireless roaming devices made independent of the access point. For example, a decision may be made based on the data type being transferred or based on the current channel load. Such factors may also be used by the access point for allocation determinations. In addition, allocation may be based on the type of roaming device involved, such as allocating peripherals to a slower channel. | 04-14-2011 |
20130281022 | Low-Power Wireless Beaconing Network Supporting Proximal Formation, Separation and Reformation - At least one of the wireless devices of a wireless network attempts to reestablish communications with a separated wireless device. Further, the separated wireless device may also attempt to reestablish communication with the wireless network. At least two of the wireless devices may separate from the wireless network to form an alternate wireless network separate from the wireless network. In such case, the at least two wireless devices of the alternate network may rejoin the wireless network after the separation. The wireless devices may establish the wireless network when proximate to one another and operating at a lower power level while continuing operation at a higher power level. The wireless devices establish the wireless network when in a first proximity to one another and continue to communicate while in a second proximity to one another. | 10-24-2013 |