Shared data/voice communication system with programmable data priority
First Claim
1. A shared RF data/voice communication system operating on a communications channel and having a central base station controlled by a network control processor which grants channel access only when the channel is clear and a plurality of radio data terminals with voice capability, said system operating normally in a data mode, and wherein data priority is maintained for a set but programmable level of data usage, comprising in combination:
- means in each of the data terminals for seeking access to the communication channel and requesting voice mode operation by transmitting a predetermined data packet;
means in said network control processor for granting the request, operating the central base station in voice mode and inhibiting all other system terminals from sending data messages during the pendency of said requesting terminal operating in voice mode;
means for terminating voice mode operation and returning the base station to data mode only operation; and
means in said network control processor for maintaining a set, programmable level of data traffic for the communication system as compared to voice traffic by denying any voice mode request by a terminal when said programmable level of data traffic has not been reached.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A shared data/voice communication system wherein data traffic may be guaranteed priority at a set, but programmable, level of system capacity and wherein interference between such data and voice traffic is effectively minimized. The system operates on standardized channel access rules in the data mode, as well as requesting permission to operate in the voice mode, which if granted, effects a specific protocol to condition the system for voice traffic and manage the same during such pendency. Long and short timers are selectively activated depending upon whether the system is in the voice or data mode to minimize collisions of the system radio data terminals requesting channel access.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A shared RF data/voice communication system operating on a communications channel and having a central base station controlled by a network control processor which grants channel access only when the channel is clear and a plurality of radio data terminals with voice capability, said system operating normally in a data mode, and wherein data priority is maintained for a set but programmable level of data usage, comprising in combination:
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means in each of the data terminals for seeking access to the communication channel and requesting voice mode operation by transmitting a predetermined data packet; means in said network control processor for granting the request, operating the central base station in voice mode and inhibiting all other system terminals from sending data messages during the pendency of said requesting terminal operating in voice mode; means for terminating voice mode operation and returning the base station to data mode only operation; and means in said network control processor for maintaining a set, programmable level of data traffic for the communication system as compared to voice traffic by denying any voice mode request by a terminal when said programmable level of data traffic has not been reached. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A portable radio data terminal intended for operation in a shared data/voice communication system normally operating in a data mode, including in combination:
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means for seeking access to the communication channel and requesting voice mode for the communication system by transmitting a predetermined data packet; means for responding to a grant transmitted on an outbound data stream from a centrally located base station; means for initiating a voice message upon receipt of a subaudible code signal from the base station by retransmitting said code signal in combination with the intended voice message; and means for terminating said voice mode operation in response to the occurrence of any set, predetermined conditions. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. In a shared RF data voice communication system operating on a communications channel and having a central base station controlled by a network control processor which grants channel access only when the channel is clear, and a plurality of radio terminals, said system normally operating in a data mode, a method for permitting such radio data terminals to further operate on voice mode while maintaining a set, but programmable level for which data priority is maintained, comprising the steps of:
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providing the radio data terminals with voice capabilities; permitting any one of the radio data terminals to seek access to the communication channel and request voice mode by sending a predetermined data packet; having the network control processor grant the request under specified conditions, operating the central base station in voice mode and inhibiting all other system terminals from sending any data messages during the pendency of the requesting terminal operating in voice mode; terminating voice mode operation and returning the base station to data mode only operation; and having the network control processor deny any voice mode requests by any radio data terminal when said programmable level of data traffic has not been reached. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification