Enhanced infrared-connected telephone system

• US 5,241,410 A
• Filed: 06/21/1990
• Issued: 08/31/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Litephone Systems Limited
• Original Assignee: Litephone Systems Limited
• Inventors: Streck, Donald A., Iggulden, Jerry R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coles, Sr., Edward L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NEGASH, KINFE MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US07/541,518
• Time in Patent Office: 1,167 Days
• Field of Search: 455/40, 455/41, 455/66, 455/601, 455/603, 455/617, 455/612, 455/600, 359/145, 359/152, 359/154, 359/174, 359/176, 379/56, 379/55
• US Class Current: 398/115
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/1149 Arrangements for indoor wireless networking of information
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/737 Characterised by transmission of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. infrared waves
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

This invention provides a number of improvements to wireless telephone systems. There is an adapter box for interfacing standard telephone equipment to an IR-based telephone interface to replace the acoustic modem now used. A telepoint repeater system allows users to "roam" throughout the area and not be tied to a particular IR input point in the building. An IR through-the-wall repeater conducts an IR signal through a wall without having to bore a hole through it. A public telephone call-back enhancement allows a caller on an IR public telephone system to receive incoming calls. A handset credit interface system allows a portable handset (IR, RF, or cellular) to be employed as a credit transaction interface transmitting credit information directly to the credit computer. An IR interfacing base station allows a handset intended for interfacing with a public telepoint to be used at home for connection to the home'"'"'s telephone line as a wireless telephone. A multi-purpose handset system includes RF transmission capability with IR capability. A passive handset system includes light-modulating smartcard technology in the handset for modulating and returning the lightbeam from the telepoint so as to provide extremely low power consumption by the handset. There is an IR PBX type telephone system. The IR telepoint is also used as a building multi-user interface to connect a plurality of users from a building to a telepoint at a site of multiple telephone lines employing an IR link. An IR telephone system for convention centers, stadiums, etc. is disclosed.

Claims

1. Apparatus for conducting a light beam signal through a wall comprising:

a) receiving unit means attached to the wall on one side for receiving a light beam containing the light beam signal at an input thereof and for transmitting a radio frequency signal representing the light beam signal into the wall at an output thereof; and

,

b) retransmitting unit means attached to the wall on an opposite side for receiving said radio frequency signal at an input thereof and for transmitting a new light beam containing the light beam signal at an output thereof;

c) said receiving unit means includes radio frequency transmitting and antenna means for transmitting said radio frequency signal into the wall; and

,

d) said retransmitting unit means includes radio frequency receiver and antenna means for receiving said radio frequency signal; and

additionally comprising,

e) on-demand means carried by said receiving unit means for transmitting a test energy signal into the wall upon request by a user; and

,

f) signal strength indicating means carried by said retransmitting unit means for receiving said test energy signal and for indicating the strength of said test energy signal whereby said receiving unit means and said retransmitting unit means can be optimally positioned opposite one another on opposite sides of the wall.

2. In a light-connected telephone system wherein a connection between a user device and a base station includes a light beam signal portion, apparatus for conducting the light beam signal through a wall comprising:

a) receiving unit means attached to the wall on one side for receiving a light beam containing the light beam signal at an input thereof and for transmitting a magnetic energy signal representing the light beam signal into the wall at an output thereof; and

,

b) retransmitting unit means attached to the wall on an opposite side for receiving said magnetic energy signal at an input thereof and for transmitting a new light beam containing the light beam signal at an output thereof;

wherein,

c) said receiving unit means includes transmitting antenna means for transmitting said magnetic energy signal into the wall;

d) said retransmitting unit means includes receiving antenna means for inductively receiving said magnetic energy signal;

e) said receiving unit means further includes on-demand means for transmitting a test energy signal into the wall upon request by a user; and

,

f) said retransmitting unit means further includes signal strength indicating means for receiving said test energy signal and for indicating the strength of said test energy signal whereby said receiving unit means and said retransmitting unit means can be optimally positioned opposite one another on opposite sides of the wall.

3. Apparatus for conducting a light beam signal through a wall comprising:

a) receiving unit means attached to the wall on one side for receiving a light beam containing the light beam signal at an input thereof and for transmitting a magnetic energy signal representing the light beam signal into the wall at an output thereof; and

,

b) retransmitting unit means attached to the wall on an opposite side for receiving said magnetic energy signal at an input thereof and for transmitting a new light beam containing the light beam signal at an output thereof;

wherein,

c) said receiving unit means includes transmitting antenna means for transmitting said magnetic energy signal into the wall;

d) said retransmitting unit means includes receiving antenna means for inductively receiving said magnetic energy signal;

e) said receiving unit means further includes on-demand means for transmitting a test energy signal into the wall upon request by a user; and

,

f) said retransmitting unit means further includes signal strength indicating means for receiving said test energy signal and for indicating the strength of said test energy signal whereby said receiving unit means and said retransmitting unit means can be optimally positioned opposite one another on opposite sides of the wall.