Optical transceiver with multiple communication modes
First Claim
Patent Images
1. Apparatus for communicating data in a plurality of communication modes, comprising:
- an optical transceiver;
focusing means for adjusting a focal distance of the optical transceiver; and
control means for selecting a communication mode of the optical transceiver corresponding to the focal distance adjusted for by the focusing means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus that enables an optical transceiver (14) to communicate data as a bar code reader or by way of modulated light. A lens assembly (22) adjusts the focal distance of the optical transceiver (14) to enable it to communicate in these multiple modes. A control circuit (16) and microprocessor (12) are coupled to the optical transceiver (14) and are responsive to the focal distance setting of the lens assembly (22) for selecting the appropriate communication mode. The apparatus is of particular value in low-power, portable environments, such as in calculators or other portable computing devices.
53 Citations
12 Claims
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1. Apparatus for communicating data in a plurality of communication modes, comprising:
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an optical transceiver; focusing means for adjusting a focal distance of the optical transceiver; and control means for selecting a communication mode of the optical transceiver corresponding to the focal distance adjusted for by the focusing means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. Apparatus for communicating data in a plurality of communication modes, comprising:
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an optical transceiver; means for enabling the optical transceiver to read bar codes in a first communication mode and to communicate by way of modulated light in a second communication mode; a lens assembly including a focusing lens mounted for positioning relative to the optical transceiver for adjusting the focal distance of the optical transceiver; and means responsive to relative positions of the focusing lens and the optical transceiver for switching between the first and second communication modes of the optical transceiver. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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12. An apparatus, comprising:
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a computing device; an optical transceiver mounted to the computing device; focusing means mounted to the computing device for adjusting the focal distance of the optical transceiver; processing means arranged within the computing device for implementing a plurality of communication modes of the optical transceiver, said processing means selecting a communication mode corresponding to the focal distance adjusted for by the focusing means; and control circuit means arranged within the computing device to be coupled to the optical transceiver and the processing means for transmitting data therebetween, said control circuit means enabling the optical transceiver in a first communication mode to read bar codes and transmit the read bar code data to said processing means and enabling the optical transceiver in a second communication mode to communicate data with modulated light and transmit the data to and receive the data from the processing means.
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Specification