Hierarchical Data Collection Network Supporting Packetized Voice Communications Among Wireless Terminals and Telephones

• US 20100260110A1
• Filed: 05/11/2010
• Published: 10/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1995
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP PTE Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Joseph J. Kubler, Michael D. Morris
• Inventors: Morris, Michael D., Kubler, Joseph J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,912,043 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/328
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/0225 User interface arrangements, e.g. keyboard, display; Interfaces to other computer systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10702 Particularities of propagating elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors G06K7/10831 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10841 Particularities of the light-sensitive elements semiconductor devices H01L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10851 Circuits for pulse shaping, amplifying, eliminating noise signals, checking the function of the sensing device basic electronic circuitry H03
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 constructional details of hand-held scanners
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1098 the scanning arrangement having a modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/12 using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/343 Cards including a counter
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 by keys or other credit registering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0045 with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
• CPC Class Codes: H03C 3/0908 using a phase locked loop
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/04 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/1615 Switching on; Switching off, e.g. remotely battery saving circuits associated with selective call operation H04W52/00; details of power consumption reduction in a PLL, H03L7/0802, H03L7/14, H03L2207/08, H03L2207/18; muting amplifiers by gain control see H03G3/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/0802 using antenna selection H04B7/0868 takes precedence; antenna beam directivity switching H01Q3/24
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/10 Polarisation diversity; Directional diversity
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0002 : by adapting the transmission rate
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0003 : by switching between different modulation schemes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0025 : Transmission of mode-switching indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0032 : Without explicit signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1671 : the supervisory signal being transmitted together with control information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1685 : the supervisory signal being transmitted in response to a specific request, e.g. to a polling signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/12 : Modulator circuits; Transmitter circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/14 : Demodulator circuits; Receiver circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/156 : with demodulation using temporal properties of the received signal, e.g. detecting pulse width
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/00 : Routing or path finding of packets in data switching networks routing or path finding in wireless networks H04W40/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/48 : Routing tree calculation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/00 : Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/103 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/104 : in the network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1069 : Session establishment or de-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1083 : In-session procedures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1095 : Inter-network session transfer or sharing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 : Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/32 : Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2535 : adapted for voice communication over an Internet Protocol [IP] network Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network equipment and services H04M7/006; implementation or adaptation of Internet protocol [IP], of transmission control protocol [TCP] or of user datagram protocol [UDP] H04L69/16
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/14 : including a card reading device
• 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 28/14 : using intermediate storage
• 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 40/00 : Communication routing or communication path finding
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/02 : Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 : Selecting a network or a communication service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/0261 : managing power supply demand, e.g. depending on battery level
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/04 : TPC
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/38 : TPC being performed in particular situations
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/46 : in multi hop networks, e.g. wireless relay networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/12 : Wireless traffic scheduling
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 : Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/22 : Manipulation of transport tunnels
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/005 : Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/10 : Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
• 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 88/16 : Gateway arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 : Inter-networking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A packet-based, 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. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc.

Claims

1-21. -21. (canceled)

22. A computer-readable medium having a plurality of code sections, each code section having stored thereon a plurality of instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform steps of a method for operating a multi-mode communication device having a plurality of wireless communication interfaces, the method comprising:

detecting an action by a user;

determining a type of call based upon the user action;

selecting at least one wireless communication interface from the plurality of wireless communication interfaces, based upon the type of call;

establishing call communication via the at least one wireless communication interface;

communicating information via the at least one wireless communication interface;

buffering digital voice data received via the at least one wireless communication interface; and

directing delivery of the buffered digital voice data to conversion circuitry for converting digital voice data to an analog voice stream for the reproduction of voice after a delay that is adjustable to accommodate variations in propagation delays of information received via the at least one wireless communication interface.

23. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein the plurality of wireless communication interfaces comprises a cellular communication network interface.

24. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein the plurality of wireless communications interfaces comprises a wireless local area network interface.

25. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein the at least one wireless communication interface communicates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

26. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein the at least one wireless communication interface employs a spread spectrum mode of communication.

27. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein the at least one wireless communication interface communicates using an Internet protocol (IP).

28. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein the information communicated is representative of voice.

29. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein at least a portion of the information comprises data unrelated to the establishment or maintenance of voice communication.

30. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein the type of call is one of a voice call, a data call, and a voice and data call.

31. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 further comprising:

capturing information representative of an image.

32. The computer-readable medium of claim 31 wherein the image is one of video, a two dimensional code, a thumbprint, and handwriting.

33. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein the action by a user comprises at least one of voice, a key press, and handwriting.

34. The computer-readable medium of claim 22 wherein the method comprises:

detecting a change in speech activity at the sender of the received digital voice data.

35. The computer-readable medium of claim 34 wherein the method comprises:

stopping processing of buffered digital voice data for a predetermined amount of time upon detecting, using non-voice data associated with buffered digital voice data, that the next buffered digital voice data for processing begins active speech following a period of time lacking speech activity at the sender of the digital voice data; and

continuing processing of buffered digital voice data, otherwise.

36. A computer-readable medium having a plurality of code sections, each code section having stored thereon a plurality of instructions executable by a processor of a communication device, the processor operably coupled to a first receiver and transmitter for communication via a first of a plurality of wireless communication networks and to a second receiver and transmitter for communication via a second of the plurality of wireless communication networks to cause the processor to perform steps of a method comprising:

selecting one of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network based upon a mode of communication identified by a user;

managing operation of the first receiver and transmitter and the second receiver and transmitter, in order to establish voice communication via the selected one of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network;

buffering digital voice data communicated via the selected one of the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network; and

directing delivery of the buffered digital voice data to conversion circuitry for converting digital voice data to an analog voice stream for the reproduction of voice after a delay that is adjustable by the at least one processor to accommodate variations in propagation delays over the selected one of the first and second wireless communication networks.

37. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the at least one processor is operably coupled to interface circuitry that accepts and delivers signals representative of voice.

38. The computer-readable medium of claim 37 wherein the signals representative of voice are digital signals.

39. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the first wireless communication network comprises a cellular communication network.

40. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the second wireless communication network comprises a wireless local area network.

41. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the second receiver and transmitter communicates via the second wireless communication network at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

42. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the second receiver and transmitter communicates via the second wireless communication network using a spread spectrum technique.

43. The computer-readable medium of claim 42 wherein the spread spectrum technique comprises a frequency hopping spread spectrum technique.

44. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the second receiver and transmitter communicate via the second wireless communication network using an Internet protocol (IP).

45. The computer-readable medium of claim 44 wherein the Internet protocol (IP) is the transmission control protocol (TCP)/Internet protocol (IP).

46. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein at least one of the first receiver and transmitter and the second receiver and transmitter is disposed on a user removable circuit card.

47. The computer-readable medium of claim 46 wherein the user removable circuit card is compliant with a Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Association (PCMCIA) or compatible standard.

48. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the at least one processor is operably coupled to at least one image capture device.

49. The computer-readable medium of claim 48 wherein the at least one image capture device comprises a thumbprint capture device.

50. The computer-readable medium of claim 48 wherein the at least one image capture device comprises a video capture device.

51. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the at least one processor is operably coupled to a visual display.

52. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the method comprises:

detecting a change in speech activity at the sender of the received digital voice data.

53. The computer-readable medium of claim 52 wherein the method comprises:

stopping processing of buffered digital voice data for a predetermined amount of time upon detecting, using non-voice data associated with buffered digital voice data, that the next buffered digital voice data for processing begins active speech following a period of time lacking speech activity at the sender of the digital voice data; and

continuing processing of buffered digital voice data, otherwise.

54. The computer-readable medium of claim 36 wherein the selecting comprises evaluating a cost of use of a communication network.

55. A computer-readable medium having a plurality of code sections, each code section having stored thereon a plurality of instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to perform steps of a method for operating a multi-mode communication device having a first communication interface for communication using a first wireless network and a second communication interface for communication using a second wireless network, the method comprising:

determining a type of call communication in response to an action by a user;

selecting one of the first communication interface and the second communication interface, based upon the determined type of call communication;

establishing call communication using the selected one of the first communication interface and the second communication interface;

communicating information via the selected one of the first communication interface and the second communication interface;

buffering digital voice data received via the selected one of the first communication interface and the second communication interface; and

directing delivery of the buffered digital voice data to conversion circuitry for converting digital voice data to an analog voice stream for the reproduction of voice after a delay that is adjustable to accommodate variations in propagation delays of information received via the selected one of the first communication interface and the second communication interface.

56. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the first communication interface comprises a cellular communication network interface.

57. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the first communication interface comprises a wireless local area network interface.

58. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the first communication interface communicates at a frequency of approximately 2.4 gigahertz.

59. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the first communication interface employs a spread spectrum mode of communication.

60. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the first communication interface communicates using an Internet protocol (IP).

61. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the information communicated is representative of voice.

62. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein at least a portion of the information comprises data unrelated to the establishment or maintenance of voice communication.

63. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the type of call is one of a voice call, a data call, and a voice and data call.

64. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 further comprising capturing information representative of an image.

65. The computer-readable medium of claim 64 wherein the image is one of video, a two dimensional code, a thumbprint, and handwriting.

66. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the action by a user comprises at least one of voice, a key press, and handwriting.

67. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the method comprises:

detecting a change in speech activity at the sender of the received digital voice data.

68. The computer-readable medium of claim 67 wherein the method comprises:

stopping processing of buffered digital voice data for a predetermined amount of time upon detecting, using non-voice data associated with buffered digital voice data, that the next buffered digital voice data for processing begins active speech following a period of time lacking speech activity at the sender of the digital voice data; and

continuing processing of buffered digital voice data, otherwise.

69. The computer-readable medium of claim 55 wherein the selecting comprises evaluating a cost of use of a communication network.