INFRARED TO RADIO FREQUENCY ADAPTER AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME

• US 20030069996A1
• Filed: 08/30/1999
• Published: 04/10/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Original Assignee: Intel Corporation
• Inventors: PARROTT, WILLIAM M.
• Application Number:
  US09/385,315
• Publication Number:
  US 20030069996A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/250
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/1149 Arrangements for indoor wireless networking of information
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/40 Transceivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/20 Manipulation of established connections
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/18 between terminal devices

Abstract

An infrared to radio frequency adapter and method for using the same enables a computing device, such as a notebook computer having an infrared data port, to wirelessly link to a network without the need to install any additional hardware or software into the computing device. The adapter is configured to operate with a plurality of computing devices including desktop and notebook computers, handheld computers, and mobile telephones. By providing instant connectivity between one or more computing devices and a local or wide area network, the adapter provides users with the versatility necessary to provide seamless network integration. Thus, a user can immediately check e-mail or access the Internet simply by directing an IR-enabled computing device at an adapter that is within range of a receiving station the RF data system component of a network.

Claims

1. An adapter for connecting an infrared data port to a radio frequency data system, comprising:

an infrared transceiver for sending and receiving information to and from the infrared data port;

a radio frequency transceiver for sending and receiving information to and from the radio frequency data system; and

a processor in communication with the infrared transceiver and the radio frequency transceiver for converting information received from the infrared transceiver to a radio frequency format for transfer to the radio frequency data system and for converting information received from the radio frequency transceiver to an infrared format for transfer to the infrared data port.

2. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a buffer for temporary information storage.

3. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a power supply in communication with the processor.

4. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the infrared transceiver includes a driver circuit for sending information to the infrared data port.

5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the infrared transceiver includes a receiving circuit for receiving information from the infrared data port.

6. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a housing.

7. A system for wirelessly connecting a computing device to a network, comprising:

a computing device;

an infrared data port connected to the computing device, the infrared port configured to send and receive information;

radio frequency data system in communication with the network and configured to send and receive information; and

an adapter configured to transfer information between the infrared data port and the radio frequency data system, the adapter including;

an infrared transceiver for sending and receiving information to and from the infrared data port;

a radio frequency transceiver for sending and receiving information to and from the radio frequency data system; and

a microprocessor in communication with the infrared transceiver and the radio frequency transceiver for converting information received from the infrared transceiver to a radio frequency format for transfer to the radio frequency data system and for converting information received from the radio frequency transceiver to an infrared format for transfer to the infrared data port.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the computing device is a portable computer.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the adapter physically connects to the computing device.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the adapter is a stand-alone unit that communicates with the computing device over an infrared communication link.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the adapter further comprises a buffer providing temporary information storage.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the adapter further comprises a power supply in communication with the microprocessor.

13. The system of claim 7, wherein the infrared transceiver includes a driver circuit for sending information to the infrared data port.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein the infrared transceiver includes a receiving circuit for receiving information from the infrared data port.

15. An adapter for connecting a plurality of computing devices having infrared data ports to a radio frequency data system, comprising:

a plurality of infrared transceivers for sending and receiving information to and from the infrared data ports;

a radio frequency transceiver for sending and receiving information to and from the radio frequency data system; and

processing means in communication with the plurality of infrared transceivers and the radio frequency transceiver for converting information received from the plurality of infrared transceivers to a radio frequency format for transfer to the radio frequency data system and for converting information received from the radio frequency transceiver to an infrared format for transfer to at least one of the infrared data ports.

16. A method for wirelessly connecting a computing device to a network, comprising:

receiving information over an infrared communication link from a remote computing device;

converting the information from an infrared format to a radio frequency format; and

communicating the information to the network over a radio frequency link.

17. A method for wirelessly connecting a computing device to a network, comprising:

receiving information over a radio frequency communication link from a local area network;

converting the information from a radio frequency format to an infrared signal; and

communicating the information to the computing device over an infrared communication link.