Data collection device having dynamic access to multiple wireless networks

• US 20070045424A1
• Filed: 03/06/2006
• Published: 03/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hand Held Products Incorporated (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hand Held Products Incorporated (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Inventors: Wang, Ynjiun
• Granted Patent: US 7,717,342 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/462.460
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/189 in combination with wireless systems selective distribution or broadcast in wireless communication networks H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4228 in networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/12 based on transmission quality or channel quality
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/246 Connectivity information discovery
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/28 for reactive routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/30 for proactive routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0206 in access points, e.g. base stations access point devices per se H04W88/08
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 74/00 Wireless channel access
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/24 Transfer of terminal data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/20 Master-slave selection or change arrangements
• 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 88/08 Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

There is described a data collection device that can incorporate an encoded information reading unit that can operate within a system including an access point that is wireline connected to a server. The encoded information reading unit can include at least one of a bar code reading unit, an RFID tag reading unit and a credit/debit card reading unit. Further incorporated in the data collection device can be dynamic access module. The dynamic access communication module enables the data collection device to participate in a self organized network that supports multi-hop data packet transmissions between data collection devices and which further enables the device to transmit data received from a peer device to the system access point.

Claims

1. A portable bar code reading device for incorporation in a data collection system having an access point and at least one peer data collection device, the access point adapted for wireline connection to a wireline bus, said portable bar code reading device comprising:

an imaging assembly including a two dimensional solid state image sensor array and a lens focusing an image onto said solid state image sensor array;

a radio transceiver for wireless transmission of data packets;

a housing, wherein said image assembly and said radio transceiver are supported within said housing, wherein said housing is one of a hand held housing and a re-mountable housing; and

a dynamic access module enabling said portable bar code reading device to (i) receive data packets from said access point and route payload data of said data packets to said peer device, and (ii) transmit at least one of routing table data and a route request (RREQ) data packet to said at least one peer data collection device.

2. The portable bar code reading device of claim 1, wherein said portable bar code reading device further includes a packet content discriminator.

3. A portable bar code reading device for incorporation in a system having an access point wireline connected to a local server and at least one peer data collection device, said portable bar code reading device comprising:

an imaging assembly including a two dimensional solid state image sensor array and a lens focusing an image onto said solid state image sensor array;

a radio transceiver;

a housing, wherein said imaging assembly and said radio transceiver unit are supported within said housing, wherein said housing is one of a hand held housing and a re-mountable housing; and

a dynamic access module enabling said portable bar code reading device to (i) determine whether said portable bar code reading device is in range said access point, and (ii) determine whether said portable bar code reading device is in range of said peer data collection device, said dynamic access module further enabling said portable bar code reading device to receive data packets from said access point and route payload data of said data packets to said peer device if said portable bar code reading device determines that it is in range of both of said access point and said peer device.

4. A data collection system comprising:

first and second portable data collection devices, each data collection device having an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code decode unit, an RFID reader unit and a credit/debit card reader unit;

an access point, said access point being adapted for wireline connection to a local wireline bus and further being configured to examine data packets received thereby to determine whether a transmitting station has requested a power save function, and if said power save function is selected, buffering data packets destined for said requesting transmitting station,

wherein said first portable data collection device is configured to operate in an operating mode in which said first portable data collection device receives a data packet containing payload data from said second portable data collection device and transmits said payload data to said access point.

5. The data collection system of claim 4, wherein said first portable data collection device includes a hand held bar code reading device and said second portable data collection device includes a credit card reader unit.

6. The data collection system of claim 4, wherein each of said first and second data collection devices are configured to broadcast routing table data.

7. A data collection system comprising:

first, second, and third data collection devices, D1, D2, and D3, each data collection device having an identification decode unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code decode unit, an RFID reader unit and a credit/debit card reader unit; and

an access point, AP, said access point being wireline connected to a local server and further being configured to broadcast a network identifier, and wherein said access point is further configured to coordinate the wireless sending of Clear to Send (CTS) messages to various devices in communication with said access point in such manner that collisions resulting from two devices attempting to send data packets to said access point at a common time are avoided,

wherein said data collection system is configured to support a transmission of a data packet along the hop sequence D1-D2-D3-AP, whereby said first data collection device can be out of range of said access point, yet in communication with said access point.

8. The data collection system of claim 7, wherein said first data collection device includes a hand held bar code reading device and said second data collection device includes a credit card reader unit, and wherein said third data collection device includes an RFID reader unit.

9. The data collection system of claim 7, wherein each of said first and second, and third data collection devices are configured to broadcast routing table data enabling peer devices to update their respective routing tables, each routing table including a plurality of network addresses.

10. A data collection device for incorporation in a data collection system having an access point wireline connected to a local server and at least one peer data collection device, said data collection device comprising:

an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code decode unit, an RFID reader unit, and a credit/debit card reader unit;

a radio transceiver;

a portable housing, wherein said encoded information reader unit and said radio transceiver are supported by said portable housing;

a dynamic access circuit incorporated in said data collection device, said dynamic access circuit enabling said data collection device to operate in accordance with a set of linking rules when introduced to said data collection system, said set of linking rules including the rules of;

(a) detecting whether said data collection device is in range of said access point;

(b) detecting whether said data collection device is in range of said at least one peer device;

(c) operating said data collection device in an infrastructure mode if said data collection device is in range of said access point only and not in range of any peer device;

(d) operating said data collection device in ad hoc mode if said data collection device is in range of said access point only and not in range of any peer device; and

(e) operating said data collection device in dynamic switching mode to dynamically switch between an infrastructure mode and an ad hoc mode if said data collection device determines that said data collection device is in range of both said access point and said at least one peer device.

11. The data collection device of claim 10, wherein said data collection device is configured to operate in a mode in which said data collection device wirelessly broadcasts a routing table data packet.

12. The data collection device of claim 10, wherein said data collection device, when operating in said dynamic switching mode switches between said infrastructure and ad hoc modes at fixed time intervals.

13. A portable data collection device for incorporation in a data collection system having an access point wireline connected to a local server and at least one peer data collection device, said data collection device comprising:

an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code decode unit, an RFID tag reader unit, and a credit/debit card reader unit;

a radio transceiver;

a portable housing, wherein said encoded information reader unit and said radio transceiver are supported by said portable housing;

wherein said data collection device is configured to operate in a present communication operating mode, the communication operating mode selected from the candidate group consisting of;

(a) an infrastructure mode;

(b) an ad hoc mode; and

(c) a dynamic switching mode in which said data collection device dynamically switches between an infrastructure and ad hoc communication mode; and

a dynamic access module incorporated into said data collection device, said dynamic access module having a self healing component enabling said data collection device to (i) monitor data throughput of said device; and

(ii) change a present mode of said data collection device from said present communication operating mode to another of said candidate group of communication operating modes in response to said throughput monitoring.

14. The portable data collection device of claim 13, wherein said data collection device is configured to operate in a mode in which said data collection device broadcasts a routing table data packet.

15. The portable data collection device of claim 13, wherein said data collection device, when operating in said dynamic switching mode switches between said infrastructure and ad hoc modes at fixed time intervals.

16. A data collection device for incorporation in a data collection system having an access point wireline connected to a local server and at least one peer data collection device, said data collection device comprising:

an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code decode unit, an RFID reader unit, and a credit/debit card reader unit;

a radio transceiver;

a portable housing, wherein said encoded information reader unit and said radio transceiver unit are supported by said portable housing; and

a dynamic access circuit incorporated in said data collection device, said dynamic access circuit enabling said data collection device to operate in accordance with a set of linking rules when introduced to said data collection system, said set of linking rules including the rules of;

(a) detecting whether said data collection device is in range of said access point;

(b) detecting whether said data collection device is in range of said at least one peer device;

(c) operating said data collection device in an infrastructure mode if said data collection device is in range of said access point only and not in range of any peer device;

(d) operating said data collection device in ad hoc mode if said data collection device is in range of said access point only and not in range of any peer device; and

(e) operating said data collection device in dynamic switching mode to dynamically switch between said infrastructure mode and said ad hoc mode if said data collection device determines that said data collection device is in range of both said access point and said at least one peer device;

wherein said data collection device is configured to operate in a present communication operating mode, the present communication operating mode selected from the candidate group consisting of;

(1) said infrastructure mode;

(2) said ad hoc mode; and

(3) said dynamic switching mode in which said data collection device dynamically switches between an infrastructure and ad hoc communication mode;

a dynamic access module incorporated into said data collection device, said dynamic access module having a self healing component enabling said data collection device to (i) monitor data throughput of said device; and

(ii) change a present mode of said data collection device from said present communication operating mode to another of said candidate communication operating modes in response to said throughput monitoring.

17. The data collection device of claim 16, when said data collection device operates in a mode in which said data collection device sends a power save request in a data packet to said access point.

18. A data collection device for incorporation in a data collection system having an access point adapted for wireline connection to a wireline bus connected to a local server and at least one peer data collection device, said data collection device comprising:

an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code decode unit, an RFID reader unit, and a credit/debit card reader unit;

a radio transceiver;

a housing, wherein said encoded information reader unit and said radio transceiver unit are supported by said housing, wherein said housing is one of a hand held housing and a re-mountable housing; and

a dynamic access module enabling said data collection device to (i) determine whether said data collection device is in range said access point, and (ii) determine whether said data collection device is in range of said peer data collection device, said dynamic access module further enabling said data collection device to receive data packets from said access point and route payload data of said data packets to said peer device if said data collection device determines that it is in range of both of said access point and said peer device.

19. A data collection device for incorporation in a data collection system having an access point adapted for wireline connection to a local wireline network and at least one peer data collection device, said data collection device comprising:

an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code decode unit, an RFID reader unit, and a credit/debit card reader unit;

a radio transceiver;

a housing, wherein said encoded information reader unit and said radio transceiver are supported within said housing, wherein said housing is one of a hand held housing and a re-mountable housing; and

a microphone;

a Voice Over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) encoder/decoder receiving and processing an analog signal output of said microphone, said data collection device being configured to generate VOIP data packets by process a voice analog signal output from said microphone;

a dynamic access module enabling said data collection device to (i) receive data packets from said access point and route payload data of said data packets to said peer device, and (ii) transmit at least one of a routing table data packet and a route request (RREQ) data packet to said at least one peer data collection device.

20. The data collection device of claim 19, when said data collection device further includes a packet content discriminator.

21. A data collection system comprising:

first, second, and third portable data collection devices, D1, D2, and D3, each portable data collection device being separately housed and having an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code reader unit, an RFID reader unit and a credit/debit card reader unit, said each portable data collection device being capable of operation in (a) infrastructure mode;

(b) ad hoc mode and (c) dynamic switching mode in which a data collection device dynamically switches between infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode;

an access point, AP, said access point being adapted for wireline connection to a local server,

wherein said data collection system is configured to support a transmission of a data packet along the hop sequence D1-D2-D3-AP in such manner that when packet data is transmitted from D1 to D2 in ad hoc mode, said third data collection device, D3 operates in dynamic switching mode.

22. A data collection system comprising:

first, second, and third portable data collection devices, D1, D2, and D3, each portable data collection device being separately housed and having an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code reader unit, an RFID reader unit and a credit/debit card reader unit, and each portable data collection device being capable of operation in (a) infrastructure mode;

(b) ad hoc mode and (c) dynamic switching mode in which a data collection device dynamically switches between infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode;

an access point, AP, said access point being adapted for wireline connection to a wireline bus;

wherein said data collection system is configured to support a transmission of a data packet along the hop sequence D1-D2-D3-AP in such manner that when packet data is transmitted from said third portable data collection device, D3 to said access point, AP, said first and second data collection devices operate in ad hoc mode.

23. A data collection device for incorporation in a data collection system having an access point wireline connected to a local server and at least one peer data collection device, said data collection device comprising:

an imaging assembly including a two dimensional solid state image sensor array and a lens focusing an image onto said solid state image sensor array;

a radio transceiver;

a portable housing, wherein said imaging assembly and said radio transceiver unit are supported by said portable housing;

a manual trigger, wherein said data collection device in response to said trigger being actuated, processes image signals generated by said imaging assembly to at least one of (a) decode and transmit a decoded bar code message utilizing said radio transceiver, and (b) transmit said frame of image data utilizing said radio transceiver,

a dynamic access circuit incorporated in said data collection device, said dynamic access circuit enabling said data collection device to operate in accordance with a set of linking rules when introduced to said data collection system, said set of linking rules including the rules of;

(a) detecting whether said data collection device is in range of said access point;

(b) detecting whether said data collection device is in range of said at least one peer device;

(c) operating said data collection device in an infrastructure mode if said data collection device is in range of said access point only and not in range of any peer device;

(d) operating said data collection device in ad hoc mode if said data collection device is in range of said access point only and not in range of any peer device; and

(e) operating said data collection device in dynamic switching mode to dynamically switch between said infrastructure mode and said ad hoc mode if said data collection device determines that said data collection device is in range of both said access point and said at least one peer device;

wherein said data collection device is configured to operate in a present communication operating mode, the present communication operating mode selected from the candidate group consisting of;

(1) said infrastructure mode;

(2) said ad hoc mode; and

(3) said dynamic switching mode in which said data collection device dynamically switches between an infrastructure and ad hoc communication mode;

a dynamic access module incorporated into said data collection device, said dynamic access module having a self healing component enabling said data collection device to (i) monitor data throughput of said device; and

(ii) change a present mode of said data collection device from said present communication operating mode to another of said candidate communication operating modes in response to said throughput monitoring; and

a packet content discriminator discriminating whether data packets transmitted utilizing said radio transceiver are decoded message data packets or image frame data packets.

24. A data collection system comprising:

first, second, and third portable data collection devices, D1, D2, and D3, each portable data collection device being separately housed and having an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code reader unit, an RFID reader unit and a credit/debit card reader unit, and each being capable of operation in (a) infrastructure mode;

(b) ad hoc mode and (c) dynamic switching mode in which a data collection device dynamically switches between infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode;

an access point, AP, said access point being adapted for wireline connection to a local wireline bus;

wherein said data collection system is configured to support a transmission of a data packet along the hop sequence D1-D2-D3-AP in such manner that throughout a time that packet data is transmitted along said hop sequence D1-D2-D3-AP, said first and second data collection devices D1 and D2 remain in ad hoc mode while said third data collection device, D3, dynamically switches between infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode.

25. A data collection device for operation in a data communication system, having a local server and an access point configured for wireline connection to said local server, said data collection device comprising:

an encoded information reader unit selected from the group consisting of a bar code reader unit, an RFID reader unit, and a credit card reader unit, said encoded information reader unit producing decoded out message data;

a radio frequency transceiver;

a portable housing supporting said radio frequency transceiver and components of said encoded information reader unit;

a microphone;

a Voice Over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) encoder/decoder receiving and processing an analog signal output of said microphone, said data collection device being configured to generate VOIP data packets for transmission utilizing said radio transceiver by processing a voice analog signal output from said microphone;

wherein said data collection device is configured to send a request to said access point to buffer data packets addressed to said data collection device, said data collection device further being configured to operate in a mode of operation in which said data collection device broadcasts at least one of a routing table data packet and a Route Request (RREQ) data packet;

wherein said data collection device further includes a data packet content discriminator discriminating whether a data packet transmitted by said data collection device is (a) a VOIP data packet or (b) a data packet containing said decoded output message data.

26. The data collection device of claim 25, wherein said data packet content discriminator examines data packets buffered for wireless transmission by said data collection device.

27. The data collection device of claim 25, wherein said data packet content discriminator receives a data content identifier from a control circuit of said data collection device.

28. The data collection device of claim 25, wherein said data collection device further includes a plurality of selectable self-routing algorithm modules, and wherein said data collection device activates one of said plurality of selectable self routing algorithm modules based upon an output provided by said data packet content discriminator.