Apparatus and method for the wireless exchange of bar code data

• US 5,528,025 A
• Filed: 09/30/1994
• Issued: 06/18/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: William P. Swintek
• Original Assignee: William P. Swintek
• Inventors: Swintek, William P.
• Primary Examiner(s): PITTS, HAROLD I
• Application Number:
  US08/315,585
• Time in Patent Office: 627 Days
• Field of Search: 235/472, 235/375, 375/1
• US Class Current: 235/462.46
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/0008 General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer

Abstract

A retrofit apparatus is connected to an existing bar code inventory system that includes a bar code corresponding to bar code markings, a bar code wedge to reader to generate a set of digital output signals transform the digital output signals into corresponding computer data characters, and a computer connected to the bar code wedge to process the computer data characters. A mobile transceiver is connected to the bar code reader. The mobile transceiver transmits wireless bar code signals corresponding to the digital output signals from the bar code reader. A receiver in the mobile transceiver is activated for a predetermined period of time after the wireless bar code signals are transmitted. A base transceiver is connected to the bar code wedge to receive the wireless bar code format output signals and to link them to the computer through the bar code wedge. If the computer receives a valid signal, it generates an acknowledge signal that is passed through the bar code wedge to the base transceiver. The base transceiver transmits a corresponding wireless acknowledge signal. The mobile transceiver receives the wireless acknowledge signal during the predetermined period that the receiver is activated. The bar code reader is powered by the mobile transceiver and the base transceiver is powered by the bar code wedge.

Claims

1. A bar code data exchange apparatus, comprising:

A) a mobile transceiver including;

i. a bar code connector for connection to a bar code reader that generates a set of digital output signals corresponding to bar code markings,

ii. a decoder connected to said bar code connector to convert said set of digital output signals to bar code format signals corresponding to said digital output signals,

iii. a mobile transceiver transmitter connected to said decoder to receive said bar code format signals and transmit wireless bar code signals corresponding to said bar code format signals;

iv. a mobile transceiver receiver, and

v. a mobile transceiver enable circuit to enable said mobile transceiver receiver for a predetermined period of time after said wireless bar code format signals are transmitted,

B) a base transceiver including;

i. a base transceiver receiver to receive said wireless bar code signals,

ii. a connector connectable between said base transceiver receiver and a bar code interface device to convey said wireless bar code signals to said interface device for transformation into a character set that can be processed subsequently at a computer,

iii. a signal generator to produce an acknowledge signal,

iv. a base transceiver transmitter to transmit during said predetermined time a wireless acknowledge signal corresponding to said acknowledge signal, and

v. a base transceiver enable circuit to activate said signal generator and said transmitter in response to receipt of a valid wireless bar code format signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said mobile transceiver includes:

a battery;

a power regulator connected to said battery; and

a connector power line connected between said power regulator and said bar code connector to provide a power signal to said bar code connector that may be used by said bar code reader.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base transceiver includes:

a power regulator; and

an interface device power line connector and said power regulator to carry power received from said connector to said power regulator.

4. A retrofit apparatus to be connected to an existing bar code inventory system of the type that includes a bar code reader to generate a set of digital output signals corresponding to bar code markings, an interface device to transform said digital output signals into corresponding computer data characters, and a computer connected to said interface device to process said computer data characters, the apparatus comprising:

a mobile transceiver connectable to said bar code reader to transmit wireless bar signals, said transceiver including;

i. a decoder to transform said digital output signals from said bar code reader to bar code format signals; and

ii. a mobile transceiver transmitter connected to said decoder to transmit said wireless bar code format signals; and

a base transceiver connected to said interface device to receive said wireless bar code format signals and link them to said interface device.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said mobile transceiver includes:

a mobile transceiver receiver; and

a mobile transceiver enable circuit to enable said mobile transceiver receiver for a predetermined period of time after said wireless bar code signals are transmitted.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said base transceiver includes:

a base transceiver receiver to receive said wireless bar code signals;

a signal generator to produce an acknowledge signal;

a base transceiver transmitter to transmit a wireless acknowledge signal during said predetermined period of time; and

a base transceiver enable circuit to activate said signal generator and said transmitter upon receipt of a valid wireless bar code signal.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said base transceiver includes:

an interface device for connection to said bar code wedge;

a power regulator; and

an interface device power line connected between said interface device and said power regulator to deliver power from said interface device to said power regulator.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said mobile transceiver includes:

a bar code connector for connection to said bar code reader;

a battery;

a power regulator connected to said battery; and

a connector power line connected between said power regulator and said bar code connector to provide a power signal to said bar code connector that may be used by said bar code reader.

9. A method of wirelessly exchanging data in a bar code inventory system of the type that includes a bar code reader to generate a set of digital output signals corresponding to bar code markings, an interface device to transform said digital output signals into corresponding computer data characters, and a computer connected to said interface device to process said computer data characters, the method comprising the steps of:

converting said digital output signals from said bar code reader into wireless bar code format signals;

transmitting said wireless bar code format signals from a mobile transceiver connected to said bar code reader;

enabling a receiver of said mobile transceiver for a predetermined period of time after said transmitting step;

receiving said wireless bar code format signals at a base transceiver;

transmitting a wireless acknowledge signal from said base transceiver upon receipt of said wireless bar code format signals; and

receiving said wireless acknowledge signal at said mobile transceiver during said predetermined period.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of powering said bar code reader with said mobile transceiver.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of powering said base transceiver with said interface device.